Therapist vs. Tutor: Building Your Child's Support Dream Team

By Lisa Miller & Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos

When your kiddo needs help, how do you know who to call? Spoiler: It’s not Ghostbusters. 

Your child is struggling, you want to help, and you're staring at a bewildering array of options. Therapist? Educational coach? Tutor? Executive function specialist? The options for support professionals can make your head throb more than trying to program the clock on your microwave after a power outage.

Here's the thing that no one tells you upfront: these aren't competing services. They're different tools in your parenting toolkit. The trick is knowing which tool to reach for when.

So let's untangle this web together, because when your child is struggling, how do you know whether they need a therapist, a tutor, or both? Although this decision can feel overwhelming when you're in the thick of it, some considerations are helpful as you think about which direction(s) to go.

Think of therapy as the place where your child goes to process, heal, and develop emotional regulation skills. A therapist is your go-to when:

  • Your child is dealing with anxiety that's interfering with daily life

  • There's been trauma or significant life changes (divorce, death, moving)

  • They're showing signs of depression or other mental health concerns

  • Behavioral issues seem rooted in emotional struggles

  • They need to develop coping strategies for managing big feelings

  • There are family dynamics that need professional support

Therapists help kids understand their inner world. They're trained to dig into the "why" behind behaviors and emotions, and to teach kids how to navigate their mental health landscape.

Tutors play a different, equally important role in your child’s life. Classroom Matters tutors focus on the practical skills and strategies your child needs to succeed academically and in life. They wear many hats, including content-area expert, academic coach, and mentor. Think of us when:

  • Your child has learning differences that require specific academic strategies

  • Executive function skills (organization, time management, planning) are lacking

  • They need content-area support

  • They know the material, but can't show what they know on tests

  • Homework battles are destroying family peace

  • They need help with study skills and learning how to learn

  • ADHD is impacting their ability to focus and complete tasks

  • They're struggling to keep up with academic demands

CM tutors help kids understand their learning profile and develop the tools they need to work with their brain, not against it.

The plot twist: sometimes you need both.

Here's where it gets interesting (and where we parents might get stuck): many kids need both therapeutic support AND educational coaching.

If your child is dealing with ADHD and anxiety, you'll likely notice that their anxiety makes school a high-risk environment, and their ADHD compromises their executive functioning. These two issues often exacerbate each other. It's crucial to seek support from both a therapist for anxiety coping mechanisms and a CM coach for ADHD strategies; addressing one without the other will not be sufficient for comprehensive progress.

Some situations require immediate professional intervention. Pay attention to red flags, which indicate a need for professional help:

  • Safety concerns (self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse)

  • Significant behavioral changes that persist over time

  • School refusal or panic attacks about school

  • Sleep or eating disturbances that are ongoing

  • Social withdrawal from friends and activities they used to enjoy

When in doubt, start with your pediatrician, who can help you determine next steps.

So, how do you get a therapist, tutor, or coach set up? Start with one. If you're not sure where to begin, consider which issue is most pressing. Is your child's emotional state the primary concern, or are academic struggles taking center stage? It might help to engage a thought partner. We’re here to help!

Communication is key. If your child ends up working with both a therapist and a coach, make sure they know about each other (with your written consent). They don't need to share confidential information, but knowing the other exists helps both professionals support your child more effectively.

Trust your gut. You know your child best. If a professional doesn't feel like the right fit, it's okay to keep looking. The relationship between your child and their support team matters enormously.

Think team, not competition. Therapists and educational coaches aren't competing for your child's attention—they're working different muscles. A good therapist will celebrate when your child's academic coach helps them develop confidence in school. A good educational coach will recognize when therapeutic support could help a child access their learning potential.

The bottom line: There's no shame in assembling a support team for your child. In fact, it's one of the most loving things you can do—and one of the smartest investments you'll ever make. At CM, we know that committing to these services can be a financial strain. Talk to us about how to make it affordable for your family. 

The goal isn't to "fix" your child, but rather to help them understand themselves, develop their strengths, and build the skills they need to thrive in their own unique way.

Tatiana Ramos