At Rula, we use something called Measurement-Informed Care (MIC). This means your child’s therapist uses short, simple check-ins to better understand how your child is feeling over time.
These check-ins help track your child’s progress, create a shared way to talk about emotions and behaviors, and make sure your child is getting the right support at the right time
Two of the tools we use are called the PROMIS Parent Proxy measures — one for anxiety and one for depression. These are short surveys that you, as a parent or caregiver, fill out to share what you’ve noticed about your child’s feelings and behavior.
What is the PROMIS Parent Proxy Anxiety?
- The PROMIS Parent Proxy Anxiety measure is an 8 question survey that asks about your child’s worries and fears.
- It helps identify when a child might feel nervous, tense, or afraid, even when there’s no clear reason.
- Your responses help your child’s therapist understand what your child might be struggling with, so they can provide the right tools, coping skills, and support to help your child feel safer and calmer.
What is the PROMIS Parent Proxy Depression?
- This is a 6-question survey that asks about your child’s mood and emotions.
- It helps notice signs that a child might be feeling sad, down, or losing interest in things they usually enjoy.
- Your answers help your child’s therapist see how your child is feeling and what kind of support or strategies could help them feel more like themselves again.
What Do the Results Mean?
Your child’s score shows the level of anxiety or depression symptoms they may be experiencing. Scores on the PROMIS Parent Proxy Anxiety and Depression measures have different ranges:
Anxiety
| Score Range | What it May Mean |
| 8-14 | Minimal anxiety symptoms |
| 15-19 | Mild anxiety symptoms |
| 20-30 | Moderate anxiety symptoms |
| 31-40 | Severe anxiety symptoms |
Depression
| Score Range | What it May Mean |
| 6-10 | Minimal depression symptoms |
| 11-13 | Mild depression symptoms |
| 14-21 | Moderate depression symptoms |
| 22-30 | Severe depression symptoms |
Please Remember: These results don’t give a diagnosis — only a licensed professional can do that. Instead, think of them as a way for you, your child, and your child’s therapist to talk together about how your child is doing and what can help.
How These Tools Help you and your Child
The PROMIS Parent Proxy Anxiety and Depression measures can:
- Show changes in your child’s feelings and behaviors during their time in therapy.
- Help you, your child, and their therapist speak the same language about emotions.
- Guide the creation of a care plan that helps your child understand their feelings, build new coping skills, and reach their goals.
What You Can Do Before Your Child’s Next Therapy Session
- Talk openly with your child about their thoughts and feelings. Write down any questions or concerns you’d like to share with their therapist.
- Practice skills your child may have learned in therapy, like taking deep breaths, gentle movement, or going for a walk together.
- Remind your child (and yourself) that everyone feels worried or sad sometimes, and asking for help is a brave and healthy choice. Your family is not alone and help is available.
When to Reach out to Your Child’s Therapist Sooner
Contact your child’s therapist if you notice that their anxiety or sadness seems to be getting worse or they’re having trouble eating, sleeping, going to school, or spending time with others.
You can also remind and help your child to use their safety plan or coping tools if they’re having a hard time.
If you or your child ever feel unsafe or have thoughts of harming yourself, please call 911 right away or dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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