Knowing when to seek treatment from a child therapist for mental health concerns is important for parents and families. Many times, parents are the first to suspect that their child is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions Still, the decision to seek a child therapist ca be difficult and painful for a parent. It is important to know that children of different ages can exhibit different symptoms and behaviors. It is also important for families who suspect a problem to seek treatment from a child therapist as soon as possible.
Mental health conditions can begin to develop in young children because they’re still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions. Their most obvious symptoms tend to be behavioral.
Parents may be wondering, how to decide if the difficulty is temporary or if it requires professional help? Talking with other adults in the child’s life — physician, teacher, coach, relatives – may help provide a wider picture.
The following are some signs that suggest the child may be struggling:
Behavior problems in school or social settings
Avoidance of school or bed
Hyperactivity or fidgeting beyond what is typical for their age
Excessive fears, sad or anxious feelings
Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
Decline in school work
Frequent temper tantrums
Aggressive behavior
Constant disobedience and opposition to authority
Poor relationships with peers
Constant complains of physical illness
You should seek professional help from a child therapist when the child’s symptoms and behaviors:
Interfere with his/her functioning
Are present in more than one setting (such as home, school, or social settings)
Have lasted for more than six months
Include other psychiatric problems, such as anxiety or depression
Questions you should ask about these symptoms include:
How intense is the problem?
How long has it lasted?
Is it appropriate considering the child’s age?
Does it interfere with the child’s and the family’s life?
Once the decision to seek a treatment with a child therapist has been made, the next step is finding the right kind of help. The outlook is better when mental health problems are treated early in the child’s life.
For additional Child and Teen resources check below to explore some of the latest discoveries and research in the Mental Health Field.
TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION PLEASE CONTACT NYC CHILD THERAPY, PLLC AT NYCChildTherapy@gmail.com
