All children will have times of happiness, sadness, anger and every other emotion. Periods of bad days, meltdowns and outbursts are expected and normal, especially in times of school or family stress. However, if these periods of heightened emotions last for a long time, severely disrupt school or relationships, or if there are safety concerns, mental health treatment is recommended. It is important to note that a family history of mental health problems can put a child at increased risk for a mental health disorder. Specific signs that your child may need help from a professional include the following:

• Persistent sadness on most days, for more than a week

• Dramatic changes in weight or appetite

• Dramatic decrease in grades or school performance

• Frequent, intense worries about safety, feeling judged or embarrassing oneself, especially if it leads to avoidance of people or places

• Signs of anxiety or panic attacks, which include rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, jittery muscles, an intense feeling of disconnect from the world or the feeling that one might die

• Persistent anger or tantrums that seem inappropriate for your child’s age

• Thoughts of self-harm or of suicide

• Sudden loss of interest in previously enjoyable hobbies or activities

• Engaging in acts of violence

• Difficulty sitting still, concentrating and staying organized

• Persistent difficulty making or keeping friendships that is upsetting to your child

• Dramatic changes in behavior, like refusing to leave one’s room for days or reportedly hearing or seeing things that others don’t

• Periods of high energy, little sleep, elated or irritable mood, and risky behavior

• Drug and illegal substance use that impairs function

Types of Mental Health Treatment Available for Children

Depending on the age of your child and the issues they’re struggling with, psychotherapy, medications or both might be recommended. Psychotherapy is also commonly called therapy, or counseling. A common goal of therapy is to teach the child to have better control over intense emotions and disruptive behaviors, and to assist caregivers with how to respond to those intense emotions and disruptive behaviors.

Therapy can also help your child learn healthy coping skills for managing stress. These can include breathing techniques, art, meditation, exercise, verbal communication skills, prayer and more. There are many types of therapy appropriate for children, such as play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, and Parent Training.

With all these options, how do parents know which treatment is appropriate? A psychological evaluation is recommended. A psychological evaluation helps clarify the reasons why a child is engaging, or not engaging, in certain behaviors. By clearly identifying the challenges, as well as the child’s strengths, the psychologist can inform which evidence-based therapy will be the most helpful to supporting your child.

Engaging With Your Child’s Treatment

If your child is reluctant to seek mental health help, bring up your concerns during a relaxed moment, free from heightened emotions. Frequently remind them of your willingness to listen to them, but refrain from putting pressure on them to talk. Considering engaging another trusted adult like a coach, teacher or religious community member.

You may be wondering how you can be engaged in your child’s mental health treatment. Here are a few tips to keep mind:

Regularly check-in with your child and their provider

Ask your child what they want to get out of treatment and how you can help

Educate yourself about your child’s diagnosis, and search for other helpful resources