When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help for My Child?

Article by child psychologists Megan Davis and Allie Farris, two of our mental health partners. Last spring, Abiding Presence sponsored their three webinars on parenting in a pandemic. For more information or a recording of these webinars, email Sarah Snow at sarah@abidingpresence.net.

As a parent it can be difficult ​under normal circumstances to know when to seek outside psychological help for your child. For many, the thought of contacting a psychologist or mental health professional can stir up a host of thoughts, doubts, feelings, and fears. You may find yourself contemplating: is this situation really ​that ​bad?

If your child is experiencing emotional distress or engaging in behaviors that are interfering with their ability to participate successfully in daily activities and these concerns have continued longer than you feel comfortable, then consider seeking support. Also keep in mind that an early intervention can help prevent some minor problems from escalating. These concerns do not look the same for everyone, but ​might ​look like:

●  Frequent or intense tantrums or irritability

●  Uncontrollable fears or worries

●  Disruption in sleep or appetite

●  An inability to focus or otherwise appears in constant motion

●  Challenges with social relationships

●  Low energy and/or loss of interest in things they once enjoyed

●  Changes in mood or engagement in risky behaviors

●  AND/OR

○ if you could benefit from a supportive conversation to problem solve how best to meet the needs of your children and family during these unprecedented times.

You might remember our faces from the virtual sessions we hosted through Abiding Presence this Spring! Our practice currently provides virtual child/teen therapy and parent consultation (to target at-home interventions) as well as upcoming small groups. At this time we have also resumed offering in-person psychoeducational assessments to identify your child’s strengths and areas of need, and to provide diagnoses like learning disabilities, ADHD, depression, or anxiety disorders as needed.

Megan Davis​, MA, NCSP and ​Allie Farris​, Ed.S. are ​school psychologists​ who are equipped to help at home and school.

Counseling and Assessment Practice of Fairfax

https://www.capfairfax.com 

(571) 354-0844