Every parent knows the heart-wrenching reality: you're only as happy as your least happy child. Attorney Laura Sundberg knows this terrain intimately. With over three decades of legal expertise in trusts and estates, she found herself navigating unfamiliar territory when her son developed severe clinical depression and anxiety. What began as mysterious medical symptoms evolved into a complex mental health journey requiring specialized care. Through this experience, Laura discovered a game-changing resource many families don't know exists; a therapeutic consultant.
In this deeply personal conversation, Laura reveals how professional guidance transformed her family's approach to treatment selection and recovery support. Laura reveals how therapeutic consultants provide crucial navigating for those seeking appropriate treatment. Unlike general referrals or internet searches that might lead to inappropriate placements, consultants who regularly visit and evaluate programs nationwide can identify the right fit for specific needs.
The discussion bridges personal experience with professional insights, exploring how these challenges intersect with estate planning. Traditional special needs trusts often fail to address the unique complexities of mental health conditions. Laura shares essential considerations for creating effective trusts for beneficiaries with mental health challenges, including authorizing trustees to work with therapeutic consultants, providing liability protection, and ensuring appropriate discretion for difficult decisions.
Whether you're a parent navigating a child's mental health journey, a professional working with families in crisis, or someone planning for a loved one's long-term care needs, this conversation offers invaluable guidance from those who've walked the path. The message is clear: you don't have to navigate these challenges alone, and finding the right professional support can make all the difference.
