Nearly 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD, and approximately 4.4 million are dealing with anxiety. Millions of other children are dealing with trauma from divorce or other adverse events.
Does your child fall into any of these categories? Are you concerned that they need to see a child therapist?
If you’re on the fence about seeking treatment, here are some signs to watch for.
Trouble in Multiple Areas
Is your child suddenly struggling at home, school, and at activities with their friends or peers? If you see them having a hard time keeping up or not getting along with others, that can be a red flag.
Excessive Worry
Does your child seem to constantly be worrying? Do they ask a lot of questions that appear to be fear-based? Do they cry often or act scared in other ways? If yes, then it would be a good idea to seek the help of a professional who has built a good reputation in Child and Teen Therapy in Los Gatos or wherever you are located.
Depression
In children, depression might look like a lack of energy or a sudden disinterest in activities they used to enjoy. Your child might also be more critical of themselves or their appearance.
Changes in Sleep Habits
Depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health challenges, can also affect your child’s sleep quality or quantity. Are they sleeping more or less than they used to? Do they appear to always be tired or overly energized and manic?
Changes in Eating Habits
You might notice changes in eating habits as well. Your child might need to see a therapist if their appetite has increased or decreased out of nowhere.
Repetitive, Destructive Behaviors
Examples of destructive behaviors include hair pulling, picking at the skin, or scratching. If you’ve recently noticed your child adopting these behaviors, something more serious, such as an anxiety disorder, could be going on.
Talking About Self-Harm or Suicide
Is your child openly talking of harming themselves or taking their own life? If so, they need to see a therapist as soon as possible.
How to Find a Good Child Therapist
Are you convinced that you need to look for a child behavioral therapist or child and family therapist? If so, don’t just search “child therapy near me” online and hope for the best. Here are some tips to help you find the best person for the job:
- Talk to your child’s guidance counselor
- Research credentials
- Ask about specialties, such as childhood trauma, eating disorders, etc.
- Consult at least three different therapists before choosing one
- Read reviews or testimonials from the parents of past patients
Consider pricing, too. If you have insurance, try to find a therapist who accepts your current coverage. If you don’t have insurance, look for a therapist that offers treatment on a sliding scale to make appointments more affordable.
Schedule a Therapy Appointment Today
Now that you know more about the warning signs, do you think your child needs to see a child therapist? If so, keep the tips listed above in mind to find someone who is equipped to help them.
Do you need more advice on caring for your child and setting them up for lifelong success? Visit the Parenting section of our site today for additional tips and tricks.
