Children’s health: How to find mental health care for your child
Healthy mental and emotional development is vital for a healthy childhood. Today, children and teens are dealing with sources of stress that most parents never imagined.
Over the past few years, they've had to adjust to ever-changing routines and expectations at home, school, and in their real life and online interactions. It has become even more important for parents and caregivers to be aware of their children's mental and emotional needs and know how to support them.
During difficult emotional times, you can show support in a variety of ways. This includes creating a space for your child to talk with you as you listen, and taking your child's words and feelings seriously. Providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for your child and teen that is predictable and loving allows them to better respond to the stress they may experience.
All children face life changes, but the impacts may vary. Sometimes you and your child or teen may need additional support to handle life's challenges. A trained professional can work with you to develop a plan to improve mental and emotional health.
One of the best places to start is with your child's pediatrician. They are trained to take care of every aspect of your child’s health, including their emotional and mental health. Your child's pediatrician can help you identify areas of concern that need additional support early on, and what type of mental health provider is best based on the child's symptoms and behaviors.
They can work with you to identify a plan and provide a list of mental health professionals in your current insurance network. Schools have a wealth of resources available to support social-emotional learning. The classroom teacher may reach out to you when they notice changes in your child's attention, focus, or response to other students. Additionally, support personnel such as school social workers, therapists, and counselors can work with your child's pediatrician to develop a school support plan.
Counselors may also be able to provide referrals to free or reduced-cost local providers. In some cases, they may provide services such as grief support to your child during the school day. Some schools also sponsor the Rainbows for All Children program that provides grief support.
They say raising a child takes a village. If you have helpers in your life, turn to them. It's likely that many of your friends and family members have dealt with mental and emotional health issues themselves or with their own children. They may be able to recommend a therapist or one in their therapist's network.
Trusted friends and relatives may work with you to provide additional support for your child to promote positive experiences. A first-hand review of a health care provider's style can help your decision-making process. It is helpful to have friends and family support you on the journey to improve your child's mental health.
It may take a while to find a provider and schedule an appointment. If your child shows symptoms of severe mental and emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, reach out to a medical professional right away. Call your local hospital, or, if necessary, take your child to the emergency department.
Insurance coverage for mental health providers can become tricky. If you have private insurance, you may have to use its network providers. Contact your provider to get a list of in-network therapists and to confirm your mental health coverage. Before scheduling an appointment, it is best to know in advance how many sessions are covered, what percentage of the cost is covered, and whether there is a co-payment.
If your family does not have a medical plan that covers mental health, there are many local clinics that provide referrals and free or reduced-cost mental health services. Your county health department is a valuable resource in this area.
Finding the right health care professional takes time. On paper, a therapist may have the right credentials and great references. What matters is how the therapist connects with your child. For a child to learn and grow, they have to feel comfortable with and be willing to talk and trust the provider. You may have to try a few therapists to find the right fit.
Treatment plans are not one size fits all. Your provider will talk with you, your child, and, possibly, the school to come to a proper diagnosis. From there, they will work with you to create a treatment plan to meet your child's needs. Listen to what the therapist suggests, ask questions, and be open to possible changes to the treatment plan.
Once treatment begins, give it time to work. If medicine is prescribed, it may take weeks or months to find the right dosage or one that provides the right impact.
Because you begin with one therapist does not mean you need to stay with them. It may take time to find a health care provider that is a good fit for your child and their needs. Also, if you are not comfortable or sure about the diagnosis or the treatment plan, it's OK to seek a second opinion.
You may want to consider changing providers if your child hesitates more than usual to talk with the provider or has shared negative feedback about the provider. You may also want to consider seeking a different provider if your child's overall outlook doesn't seem to be improving. However, keep in mind that it may take time for the provider to build trust and a connection with your child, and that most behavioral treatments take time.
Remember, many children are going through the very same issues as your child. Mental and emotional health is no different from physical health. If your child had asthma, you wouldn't hesitate to get them an inhaler. If your child had diabetes, you would make sure they had insulin shots and a glucose meter. By meeting your child's mental and emotional needs and connecting your child with a professional therapist, you are helping them take an active role in their own treatment.
While treating your child's mental health, don't forget about your own. By taking care of your mental and emotional health, you increase opportunities for your child to have positive, resilience-building experiences with you. There are parent support groups through the National Alliance on Mental Illness, your local hospital and some faith communities. You are not alone on this journey.
• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Sarah Adams MD, FAAP, of the American Academy of Pediatrics. See more at www.healthychildren.org.