Mental Health Counseling
Parenting in today’s world presents unique challenges, with issues such as cyber-bullying, pressure to achieve, access to alcohol, and managing premature exposure to the adult world through the media. Most parents will face times when they worry about their children and wonder if counseling is necessary. When evaluating whether a child or youth could benefit from treatment, here are some signs we look for:
In children younger than 6 years of age:
- Behavior problems in daycare or preschool program
- Excessive fears, worry, anxiety or crying
- Hyperactivity or fidgeting beyond that observed in other children his/her own age
- Trouble sleeping or persistent nightmares
- Constant disobedience, aggression or provocative opposition to authority
- Frequent, unexplainable temper tantrums
- More problems separating from parents than other children
In children ages 6 to 12 years old:
- Marked decrease in school performance
- Poor grades in school despite the fact that the child is trying hard
- Excessive fears, worry, anxiety or crying
- Hyperactivity or fidgeting beyond that observed in other children his/her own age
- Persistent risk-taking
- Constant disobedience, aggression or provocative opposition to authority
- Inability to make or keep friends
- Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
- Striking weight loss or weight fluctuation not related to a known medical condition
- Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Excessive complaints of physical ailments
- Threats to run away
- Self-mutilation, or self-destructive or other dangerous behavior
- Sustained, prolonged sadness and withdrawn mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death
- Frequent outbursts of anger
If you notice these signs with your child or a loved one, contact our Resource Center at 248.592.2313 or contact us to start the discussion on what services he/she might benefit from.
