Therapeutic Educational Consultant vs. Educational Consultant: What's the Difference?

Understanding which type of support your family needs

If you're reading this, you're likely seeking support for your child's educational or mental health journey. This can be an overwhelming and emotional time, and understanding the difference between types of educational consultants is an important first step in finding the right help for your family.

What is a Therapeutic Educational Consultant?

A therapeutic educational consultant provides individuals and families with curated, well-matched therapeutic (and academic) options for emotional, behavioral, academic and/or relational issues. Consultants travel frequently to ensure they maintain a real-time, firsthand understanding of school & program components.  Reputable therapeutic consultants are independent, meaning they do not accept or receive referral fees or any compensation from programs or schools for recommending.

When I first suggest boarding school to parents, many of them balk at the idea, concerned about “sending their child away.” As a parent, I get that. AND - I also see all the ways that boarding school creates double the joy and double the opportunity for students. It deepens your bench – providing a broad community of adults who offer wisdom and care to your child.

Boys in Crisis: Finding Balance in Modern Education and Development

As a therapeutic educational consultant working with families every day, I've witnessed a concerning trend that author Richard Reeves captures perfectly in his book "Of Boys and Men": our boys are struggling, and they have been for some time. In my practice at Crossbridge, I see these challenges firsthand, but I also see hope in finding better ways to support all our children.

When is it time to make a school change?

I spend about 20% of my time on the road, traveling to boarding schools, day schools, and therapeutic programs. All of this traveling adds up, and in the course of a year I will visit upwards of 100 different schools and programs. Some I love; some, not so much.