Behavioral health specialist: male or female?

[splatre]

My son is 8, single child, no father (or father figure) since he was born. He is at risk for bipolar disorder. He is exhibiting ADHD behavior at home, but not at school, pointing to possible pediatric bipolar disorder. I am looking for a professional to help me go through the process for a full psych evaluation and possibly therapy and/or treatment.
I believe that my son craves a male presence in his life but there are none, so his need is unfulfilled and I don't know what to do as far a chosing a professional.
If I select a male doctor/therapist, could he project the love he would have for a father, generating a whole new problem?
Or would it be a good thing for him to have this professional to talk to in a "man-to-man" way?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

For future reference, I happened to see your reply to this posting. If you want to pose your own question (vs. replying to another question), ask it separately so you can be sure I'll see it. Now, to your issue. This is not an uncommon reaction in children her age. Just react in a casual, off-hand way, with the exception of when your daughter attacks you. For that she should be placed in time out immediately for five minutes. The discipline has nothing to do with the preference for her father, it has to do with acting in an aggressive fashion.

[jen285]

My 3 year old daughter has recently expressed she wants her father to marry her. She has always had a strong bond with him and still shows signs of seperation anxiety when he leaves. She also at times attacks me when I try to hug or kiss my husband. When he's not expressing affection towards her she crosses her arm and expresses rejection. Should I be worried? Might I add that he was absent for almost 5 months when she was very young, around 5 months?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

There is no need to pay attention to whether the therapist is a man or a woman. If he needs male figures in his life you can arrange that via mentors in activities in venues such as the Y, scouts, boys club, etc.