Can a psychologist help a child return home?

Sometimes.

The psychologist can do this most successfully before the child has left home, and while the parents are involved as needed in the treatment. After the child has left, the process is more difficult and the chances of success are much more slim. If the child is returned home, he faces more scars, and the situation at home may be more difficult.

A child who begins psychological care after leaving home may perceive the psychologist as a gift or as a victory. The child knows that his parents are spending a great deal of money in order to win him back. He feels that he has become the center of attention, which is another victory. Under these circumstances, the child may manipulate the psychologist in order to gain benefits. The child may not allow the psychologist to convince him to return to the correct path.