By: Michelle Poynter, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Seeking mental health services can be overwhelming and stressful for anyone, but when it comes to your child or adolescent, the stakes may seem higher and the process can feel even more daunting. From recognizing when help is needed, navigating insurance, choosing the right provider, and deciding on the appropriate services, to having the conversation with your child and fitting everything into a busy schedule, it can seem like an uphill battle.
This article walks you through the first crucial step: identifying when psychological services might be beneficial for your child or adolescent. You’re not alone—help is available, and early intervention is key. Research consistently shows that early mental health awareness for children and adolescents is essential. Studies highlight the positive impact early interventions can have on long-term outcomes. Identifying mental health concerns early allows caregivers, teachers, and healthcare professionals to take action before problems escalate, potentially preventing more severe challenges later in life.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing when your child might need support from a licensed mental health provider can be tricky. However, certain behavioral changes or symptoms are indicators that extra help could be necessary. These signs often point to a significant shift in a child’s typical behavior or functioning, and they may be affecting multiple areas of their life, such as school performance, home dynamics, or self-esteem. Below are some common warning signs to watch for. Note that these signs are not listed in order of significance, and looking for patterns or a combination of symptoms over time is important.
- Mood Changes
Rapid or intense mood swings—shifting from happiness to sadness, irritability, or anger—can be red flags. Watch for withdrawal from activities your child once enjoyed. Mood changes can also be tied to sleep and attention issues, such as difficulty staying awake or feeling excessively tired. - Attention and Focus Issues
Difficulty concentrating, excessive distractibility, restlessness, or trouble completing tasks can indicate an underlying concern. Notice if your child is struggling to focus on schoolwork, follow through on multistep tasks, or engage in activities that require sustained attention. - Sleep Disturbances
Problems with sleep—whether it’s trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping excessively—can be linked to emotional distress or broader mental health concerns. - Changes in Eating Habits
Significant changes in eating patterns—such as eating less or withdrawing from meals, or conversely, overeating—can potentially suggest mental health struggles. Likewise, rapid or excessive weight changes may indicate a need for intervention. - Physical Complaints
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, dizziness, chest pain, or muscle tension can sometimes be the body’s way of expressing emotional pain or distress. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they can be linked to internalizing mental health problems. - Behavioral Concerns
Aggressive behavior, defiance of rules, tantrums, or disruptive conduct are behaviors that likely require attention. Social withdrawal or isolation, difficulty maintaining relationships, or avoiding social situations can also be significant indicators. In some cases, behavioral regression (e.g., a child reverting to earlier stages of development like bedwetting or thumb-sucking) can indicate severe distress. In children, this can commonly look like tantrums, increased clinginess, baby talk, bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or difficulty sleeping or eating. Adolescents may also revert to bedwetting, finger and thumb-sucking, or language regression, as well as increased dependence on caregivers and decreased independence. - Academic or School Performance Issues
Changes in academic performance—declining grades, missing school, or lack of participation are important to note. Keep an eye out for a loss of interest in school or social activities as well. - Risky Behaviors
Increased substance use, risky sexual behaviors, or expressions of self-harm or thoughts of death are notable and serious warning signs. Any talk or behaviors related to harming oneself or others should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers in Identifying Mental Health Needs
The earlier you seek help, the better the outcome for your child. Early intervention can prevent minor concerns from growing into more serious mental health problems. It can also foster healthy long-term habits, improve academic performance, strengthen social skills, and provide support for the entire family unit. Parents are often the first to notice when something is wrong. They are in the best position to observe changes in behavior, mood, and functioning. Other trusted adults involved in your child’s life—such as teachers, coaches, and close family members—can also offer valuable perspectives on your child’s well-being across different settings. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore your intuition, and instead seek professional help. You don’t need to wait for things to get worse before taking action.
Licensed mental health professionals are rigorously trained to assess and address these concerns, and seeking help early can lead to better outcomes for your child and your own peace of mind. Seeking psychological services is an important step in supporting your child’s well-being. While it may feel like a challenging process, remember that help is available, and you’re not alone.
Early identification of mental health concerns, followed by the appropriate intervention, can significantly improve your child’s mental health, resilience, and overall quality of life. If you're concerned, don't hesitate to reach out—psychological services are available to help you and your family navigate challenges.