Difference between revisions of "Know if Your Child Needs Therapy"

# Look for signs or threats of self-harm. Cutting or other acts of self-harm (i.e. burning, scratching, picking at skin, etc.) are red flags that your child needs professional help. However, even if your child hasn’t actually hurt themself, stay alert for threats of them harming themself. This may be clearly spelled out, such as “I want to die” or more subtle like, “I need to punish myself.”<ref name="rf1">https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/25/5-signs-that-its-time-to-seek-outside-help-for-a-struggling-child/?_r=0</ref>

#Listen to their verbal remarks. Statements your child makes can help clue you in that something isn't going right in their inner world. Children can't express their thoughts and feelings in the same way adults do. But, they may offer hints that they are having problems.<ref name="rf2">https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/for-parents-and-children/does-my-child-need-therapy.html</ref>

# Check for acting out behaviors. Common behavioral signs that your child may benefit from therapy include acting out behaviors, such as angry outbursts, uncontrollable tantrums, aggressive behaviors, or extreme crying episodes. Your child may also exhibit hitting, biting, or kicking behaviors towards you or others.<ref name="rf3">http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/finding-therapist.html</ref>  

# Notice a marked change in their functioning. Any major, yet unexplained, shift in your child’s behavior or functioning should be considered when making your decision. There are various ways underlying problems may manifest. Bedwetting, sleeping problems, sudden clinginess, eating changes, and bullying incidents may all point to a bigger issue.<ref name="rf4">https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/08/01/signs-your-child-may-benefit-from-seeing-a-therapist/</ref>

# Ask other adults for their opinion. Before deciding to go to therapy, you may determine the extent of the problem by reaching out to others. Oftentimes, problem behaviors are not unique to the home. Your child may have declining academic or athletic performance, too. Others may also note changes in their attitude or self-esteem.<ref name="rf5">http://www.pacer.org/cmh/does-my-child-have-an-emotional-or-behavioral-disorder/</ref>

# Decide if your child isn’t coping after a major life change or loss. Sudden life changes may disrupt your child’s mental or emotional health. Loss of a loved one, a recent move, episodes of bullying, or a parent’s divorce can negatively impact a child’s functioning. Think back to determine if any recent life changes are affecting them.<ref name="rf6">https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/kids-health/does-your-kid-need-a-therapist/</ref>

# Notice unusual sadness, fatigue or tearfulness. If your child is generally happy and energetic and recently seems down in the dumps, overly tired or blue, they may benefit from talking to a therapist. Take note whether a shift in mood or energy happens suddenly or as a result of certain stimuli. Closely monitoring these changes can help a therapist better understand how to help your child.<ref name="rf3" />

# Evaluate their social life. Children who are struggling may pull away from friends and family. If you’re your child seems to no longer want to play with or hang out with friends or siblings, pay close attention. Social isolation or withdrawal may signal an underlying problem.<ref name="rf4" />

# Take note of unexplained physical complaints. If your generally healthy child constantly whines about stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms, keep track of their complaints. Unless they have an undiagnosed medical condition, these issues should be resolved by a visit to the doctor, rest, or over-the-counter meds. If nothing seems to ease these problems, the root of these physical complaints may lie in your child’s emotional functioning.<ref name="rf6" />

# Notice strain on your marriage or family. You may not want to admit it, but your child’s current functioning may be taking a toll on your household. If you and your spouse are disagreeing about how to parent, or if siblings often complain that everything revolves around one child, you may need to seek professional help. Letting the problem go unaddressed may lead to irreparable damage in your home life.<ref name="rf1" />

# Document your concerns. You can better inform your child’s doctor and therapist by collecting information. Even after you book the appointment, continue to monitor your child and document your findings. This information can help steer their healthcare team in the right direction.<ref name="rf7">https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/managing-feelings/considering-outside-help/when-is-it-time-to-get-my-child-help-for-mental-health-issues</ref>

# Find a therapist who aligns with your values and needs. Even if you are being connected to a therapist through a referral, you still have a say in who your child sees. It may help to do some cursory research about different kinds of therapy and the types of therapists in your area.<ref name="rf8">https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/nurturing-resilience/201011/finding-great-therapist-your-child</ref>

# Explain therapy to your child. Once it’s been determined that your child will be seeing a therapist, you will need to break the news to them in a way they can understand. It’s helpful to acknowledge that you’ve noticed your child struggling and letting them know you want to help. Then, explain that a therapist can help address their needs.<ref name="rf9">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-scharff/when-your-child-needs-the_b_4055108.html</ref>