Parenting can be a challenging yet rewarding journey that often takes unexpected turns. You have to keep your child’s well-being in mind with every decision, and it’s more than just providing food, shelter, and guidance. Sometimes, internal or external stressors can harm a child’s mental health, requiring thoughtful care and intervention.
If your child is showing signs of mental health concerns, you’ll need to know how to find the right options for your child and family.
Talk to Your Child
You won’t be able to find the right support for your child if you don’t know everything that is going on. Your child may be able to share valuable insight on what symptoms they’re experiencing, when they started, and how they might feel more supported. You can foster open, honest, and kind conversations to encourage your child to share more insight into what they’re going through and the ways they can receive care.
Fear of strangers or trauma responses are common in mental healthcare in children, so establishing an honest and open connection with your child is important. Recognize the signs of mental health conditions, such as panic attacks, nightmares, bedwetting, excessive lethargy, decreased interest in hobbies, truancy or unwillingness to go to school, and more.
Knowing what is going on with your child can help you and your resources narrow down the specific problem and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Consult With Your Pediatrician
Your child’s doctor will be highly familiar with all types of mental health and psychiatric conditions in children. They can be your first stop. Not only will they be able to provide temporary solutions and symptom relief, but they may also be able to narrow down exactly what might be affecting your child. They can also provide referrals and resources for psychiatrists or therapists with whom they are familiar.
Meet With the School
School can be a major source of stress for your child. Academics, peer pressure, and maintaining social relationships can be overwhelming for anyone, especially children. Your school can provide more information about what is happening there. They will also typically have a team of counselors and other professionals who can provide support in your child’s school setting, especially when you’re not there to supervise them during the school day.
Research Therapy Types
Many different types of therapy can benefit children in need of mental health support. Your psychiatrist or therapist will likely recommend the best type that suits your child’s needs, but coming in prepared is never a bad idea.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help provide better coping skills, especially with negative thoughts.
- Family therapy can help the entire household improve its communication and well-being.
- Play therapy, typically used with young children, can help them express emotions through nonverbal or play-based methods.
- Group therapy may help your child realize they’re not alone and that other people, particularly children, have experienced similar situations.
You may even need a combination of these; there’s no wrong choice.
Find the Right Type of Therapist
Not all therapists are alike, either. A traditional therapist won’t be able to prescribe medicine; they will specialize in coping strategies and solutions through discussion.
- Child psychologists will have formal training in the mental health of children specifically, and may be warranted for an in-depth consultation.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication to your child if deemed safe, necessary, and appropriate.
- School counselors work within the school system to support children during their school day or for school-related issues.
- Youth rehabilitation centers provide long-term therapy and psychiatric support for children who need more hands-on care and supervision, including those struggling with suicidal tendencies, self-harm, and substance abuse.
Knowing the options available can help you make informed decisions about which support may best benefit your child. These mental health professionals are also trained to recognize the best type of support your child will need, and may recommend it to you.
Check Credentials and Ensure Compatibility
You won’t click with every therapist or youth program. You will want to ensure that the professionals you seek out are not only compatible with you and your child but also qualified and experienced. Verify their professional licensing and experience with children.
Some child patients require much more patience and more creative approaches than some adult patients, so you’ll want that experience under their belt. Schedule consultations to see how well your child gets along with a therapist or counselor.
If you opt for a long-term care community, such as a youth residential facility, you will need to verify past reviews, tour the grounds, evaluate the facility’s history, and understand its staff hiring policies. In general, these communities are safe and secure for your child to receive care; however, being careless with your choices can have dire consequences.
In states like Illinois and Michigan, lawsuits and investigations have been launched against certain youth facilities due to poor conditions. There has even been a Michigan youth detention sexual abuse lawsuit due to a lapse in security and safe hiring practices. If something ever feels off with a therapist or facility, don’t hesitate to trust your instincts. There are numerous options available.
Check In With Your Child
The journey of finding and consulting with mental health resources can be tiring for both you and your child. Make sure to pay attention to signs of excess stress or anxiety. While you can’t eliminate discomfort entirely, checking in can make a significant difference. Ask if there is anything you can do to make things easier for them as well.
Conclusion
Resourcing mental health support for your child can have a few challenges. Ensure that you and your child take breaks when needed. You can’t figure everything out in one day. Take time to relax and enjoy hobbies as well, as your mental health may be vulnerable as well. As long as you’ve got careful planning and research under your belt, your child and their mental health will be in good hands.
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