What is an Educational Consultant?

An educational consultant is a placement professional, typically possessing an educational and/or clinical background, whose expertise is matching young people with the appropriate program. Educational consultants who specialize in therapeutic placements are called "special needs" educational consultants. These educational consultants regularly visit and evaluate most or all legitimate treatment programs in the country to gain firsthand knowledge of their staff, clientele, and programming. Special needs educational consultants should also possess a deep understanding of adolescent therapeutic and educational issues, and their solutions.

An educational consultant not only helps match your child to the right program at the beginning of the treatment process, he or she also serves as a support during treatment, helping you navigate the treatment process and advocating for you as necessary. Many will also help you with post-treatment decisions as well.

To find a certified special needs educational consultant in your area, we suggest that you consult the website of the Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA) at www.educationalconsulting.org. Be sure to ask what services a given consultant provides before, during, and after the treatment process.