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