Most children and adolescents, despite some initial nervousness, love the process of individual therapy where they are prompted to effectively express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. They feel special. Through such treatments as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, children and teenagers are taught relaxation techniques, how to challenge and change their erroneous thoughts and encouraged to face rather than to run from their fears.
Mental health matters
Child psychologists offer individual and family therapy and counseling as well as testing services for a variety of mental health issues, including the following:
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Anxiety and phobia disorders; school phobia
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Separation anxiety, fear of sleeping alone etc.
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Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Behavior problems at school and at home
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Parent-child conflicts
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Divorce issues
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Depression
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Adjustment problems
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Drug and alcohol problems
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Peer pressure
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Bullying
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Self-harming behaviors
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Sexual, physical or emotional abuse
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Learning disabilities
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Upon the initial consultation, your therapist will meet with the parents of the child or adolescent in order to acquire a psychosocial history of the child and a collaborative evaluation of the unique developmental, social, behavioral, and emotional aspects of the patient’s problem. In cases where the child has divorced parents, written consent from both parents will be required before the child is seen for treatment.
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Your therapist will work with families and school professionals to implement strategic intervention plans that ensure the healthy emotional, intellectual, and social development of the child or adolescent.
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When faced with such disorders as ADHD, depression, or OCD, the patient is educated as to the nature of their mental ailment and when necessary referred to a child psychiatrist or pediatrician for psychotropic medication.
