S2E15: Discussion of "Bad Therapy" with Dr. Shivana Naidoo

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In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m joined by fellow child psychiatrist Dr. Shivana Naidoo for a deep dive into Abigail Schreier’s book Bad Therapy. We have a lively discussion about the book’s controversial stance on mental health professionals and its take on the current crisis facing kids’ mental health.

Dr. Naidoo and I start by addressing the title, Bad Therapy, which we both feel unfairly blames therapists for the mental health struggles of today’s youth. Blaming doesn’t help anyone or lead to real solutions. We talk about our own experiences working on the front lines during the COVID-19 lockdown and how challenging it was to balance providing care with the expectations of advocating for larger systemic changes.

We also dive into how important it is for parents to carefully vet the professionals caring for their kids. Finding the right therapist is like choosing a surgeon—you need someone experienced and equipped to handle your child’s specific needs. Unfortunately, kids from lower-income families often get stuck with less experienced therapists, which can affect the care they receive.

Another key point we explore is the issue of diagnostic labels. Dr. Naidoo and I both see how kids can latch onto labels like ADHD or anxiety and use them as an identity or an excuse. While diagnoses can be helpful in guiding treatment, they shouldn’t define a child’s entire experience. Firm but loving parenting plays a crucial role in helping kids build resilience and learn to face challenges.

We also share our concerns about the impact of social media and excessive phone use on children’s mental health. Both of us agree that phones and social media are shaping kids’ identities in negative ways—shortening attention spans and increasing anxiety. Setting boundaries and having open conversations about online safety is more important than ever.

Finally, we touch on the role of medications in treatment. While meds can be useful, we both emphasize that they should never be the first or only option. Addressing a child’s broader environment—sleep, nutrition, social support—is critical before turning to medication.

This was such an engaging conversation, and I hope you find it as insightful as we did. Join us as we discuss the complexities of mental healthcare, parenting, and how modern challenges like social media are affecting our kids.

If you want to reach out to Dr. Shivana Naidoo, you can visit www.DoBetterMD.com or email [e-mail]