Does my Kid Need Therapy?
Is my child’s behavior normal?
Parents/guardians often ask me if their child’s behavior is normal or something to be concerned about and when they should seek counseling. From issues such as not following directions to preferring to sleep on the floor rather than their bed, I’ve heard a gauntlet of concerns so I decided to make a guide that can help you determine if your child’s behavior is a mental health need or normal child behavior.
Disclaimer: Although I am a counselor this article should not replace mental health services and is not healthcare advice. Tips are generalized and should be adjusted to meet your specific situation. Consult with a mental health professional for mental health services or tailored advice.
First think about,
Is the behavior harmful to self or others?:
If yes:
Get the help of a mental health provider immediately; call 911 if it is emergent.
If not, think about:
Does the child have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others?
If yes:
Get the help of a mental health provider.
If not, think about:
Does the child have depressive thoughts?
If yes:
Get the help of a mental health provider.
If not, think about:
If the behavior is something that negatively impacts the child’s daily functioning? (staying in class, doing school work, getting along with others, doing daily tasks)
If yes:
Contact a mental health provider for further assessment.
If not, think about:
Is the behavior something that is not developmentally appropriate?
If yes:
Contact a mental health provider for further assessment.
If not, think about:
Has the child been through a known traumatic event (abuse, adoption/guardianship/fostercare, familial incarceration, grief, etc.)
If yes:
Contact a mental health provider for further assessment.
If not, consider this:
The child may not have diagnosable mental health issues. Issues may instead be related to family dynamics, parenting methods, and environmental stressors, which can impact mental health and behavior. Discuss your specific concerns with a mental health provider. Many will offer free phone consultations to discuss concerns and recommendations.
Contact me if you are interested in speaking further about your child’s needs.