All children have mood fluctuations. They get sad, or angry, or anxious. They procrastinate and become forgetful. This is all perfectly normal. It’s part of growing up. However, when unhealthy behavior or an unhealthy emotional state persists and begins to negatively impact your child’s ability to function in one or more settings (self, family, school, or community) you should consider seeking professional help.

Remember, it is extremely common for children to need help with their mental health and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, one in every five children in the U.S. has a diagnosable mental health condition that requires treatment.

Seek professional help if an unhealthy behavior or an unhealthy emotional state persists and begins to negatively impact your child’s daily functioning.

It’s never too early to start wondering about your child’s mental health. The early childhood years lay the foundation for a lifetime of sound mental health, development (cognitive, communication, and emotional), and physical health.

If your toddler/young child is demonstrating big behaviors (significant aggression, inability to self-soothe) or emotions, is having difficulty separating from you or another primary caregiver, or has been involved in or witnessed a traumatic event, you may want to seek advice from a mental health professional.

Note: A traumatic event can include a severe fall, a broken bone, or something as simple as a scary movie. The important note about trauma is that individuals experience trauma differently.

Always seek professional help if you believe that behaviors are beginning to negatively impact your child’s level of functioning.

At some point during the therapeutic process, an assessment or evaluation by a mental health professional might be necessary. Comprehensive mental health evaluations usually require several hours over one or more office visits with the child/adolescent and parent(s). With parent’s permission, other significant natural supports (e.g., family physician, school personnel, and/or other relatives) may be contacted for additional information.

A comprehensive evaluation may include the following:

• Description of presenting problems and symptoms;
• Information about the child’s health history, e.g., past/current illnesses (physical and psychiatric), as well as current medication(s);
• Family health and psychiatric histories;
• Information about the child’s development;
• Information about the child’s social interactions, e.g., school, friends, family;
• Interview of the child/adolescent and parent(s);
• Information related to the child’s education and learning;
• If needed, laboratory studies, e.g., blood tests, x-rays, or special assessments (speech and language evaluation).

Most children who receive mental health services do not require medication, but for some, medication can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you or your child’s clinician believe that your child could benefit from a medication evaluation, you will be referred to one of our board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

If medication is recommended, the psychiatrist or APRN will explain the rationale and the risks, benefits, and side effects of initiating medication for your child. Ongoing evaluation and monitoring by the prescribing psychiatrist or APRN is essential. Remember, medication is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that usually includes individual or group therapy.

Treatment decisions are yours to make, in collaboration with your child’s psychiatrist or APRN. However, it is important to never make changes to or discontinue your child’s medication without first discussing with the prescribing psychiatrist or APRN. Abrupt discontinuation of medication may be dangerous and may cause serious side-effects and/or rebound symptoms.