Change in academic performance

Excessive worrying

Excessive sadness or distress

Sudden shift in usual interest or habits/withdrawing from things they used to like

Social Isolation - at school or at home

Self esteem/self confidence struggles

Self destructive behaviors, self-harm, or suicidal ideation

Changes in eating and sleeping

Somatic/physical complaints like stomach aches and headaches

Regressions - bedwetting, separation anxiety

Mental health medications including SSRIs, stimulants, and anxiolytics may be beneficial to your child. However, it is important to note that medications do not bring overnight magic and cure your child’s symptoms and that many of these medications can have side effects. Parents should go into this process with plenty of information and consider alternative therapeutic approaches first.

Mental health medications may be appropriate if: 1) 6-8 weeks of weekly cognitive behavioral therapy has not helped alleviate symptoms; 2) symptoms are interfering with daily function: or, 3) The patient is experiencing extreme symptoms such as violent thoughts or behaviors.

Medications should always be used in collaboration with counseling, behavioral interventions, a healthy diet, daily exercise, good sleep hygiene, and appropriate supports at school and home.

Mental health medications need to be monitored by a health care provider about every 4-6 weeks at first and then, once on stable dosing, every 4-6 months. It is critical that mental health medications are taken as prescribed and attention is paid to potential medication interactions.

Confidentiality is the fundamental tenet of the therapeutic relationship. It allows people to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings without fear the information will be shared outside of the office with anyone, or even that the person is in therapy. There are two exceptions: If the client poses imminent danger to themselves or others, or if the therapist suspects child, elder, or dependent elder abuse (duty to protect).