How do you treat mental disorders in children?

The following are some of the most common treatment options for children with mental health issues:

Psychotherapy

Commonly known as “talk therapy,” psychotherapy involves regular conversations with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. Whether explicitly about mental/behavioral health or about a child’s life more generally, these conversations are aimed at uncovering what may be affecting a child’s mental health to better solve that issue.

In younger children, psychotherapy may take the form of play or games in addition to discussion. Children and adolescents learn how to communicate about their feelings and ideas, how to respond to them, and how to develop new behaviors and coping skills through psychotherapy.

Medication

Pediatricians and pediatric mental health professionals may prescribe medication. Common medications prescribed include stimulants, which can help calm children with ADHD, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, mood stabilizers, and so on.

Only a medical doctor (including psychiatrists) can prescribe drugs, and they will go over potential risks and side effects, as well as projected benefits, with a child and their parents. 

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.


Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.



Monarch does not employ any provider and is not responsible for the conduct of any provider listed on our site. All information in member profiles, and messages are created from data provided by the providers and not generated or verified by Monarch. As a user, you need to perform your own diligence to ensure the provider you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws and licensure requirements. Monarch is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Monarch assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, for the quality or any other aspect of the services a provider may provide to you, nor will Monarch be liable for any act, omission or wrongdoing committed or allegedly committed by any provider.

Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE MONARCH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR ANOTHER APPLICABLE EMERGENCY NUMBER.