Mental Health Services for Children

 

 

Mental health is essential to a child's overall physical and emotional health. Early recognition and intervention help prevent the development of mental disorders. Research shows that early identification, prevention, Meridian Addiction Services programs can reduce negative outcomes such as bullying, absenteeism, and depression and improve positive outcomes like social connections among families, schools, and communities.

Preventing Mental Disorders Through the Life Cycle:

 

NIMH conducts and supports research to find new ways to detect and treat mental disorders and before they become serious, including during pregnancy. This includes studies that identify risk factors, such as genetics and the environment, to find out how mental disorders develop in childhood.

 

It also supports research to discover whether children who receive treatment in childhood continue to have better mental health later on in their lives.

 

The goal of all mental health services is to help children and their family have a healthy, fulfilling life. That can involve a combination of counseling, medication, and psychotherapy. It can also include support from a variety of professionals, such as teachers, therapists, and health care providers.

Finding a Mental Health Professional:

 

Your pediatrician may be able to refer you to a mental health professional who has special training and experience treating children with specific issues. Ask your doctor for a referral or search online to find a provider near you. You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Treatment Referral Helpline to get assistance locating a mental health professional in your area.

Mental Health Treatments:

 

You and your child's mental health care team will work together to determine the best way to address your child's needs. The treatment options your child and your family will have will be based on the severity of your child's problem, their age, your insurance, and other factors. Your child's case manager will be your advocate and will discuss all service options with you and other professionals. They will help you obtain the best Addiction Services that will meet your child's needs in the least restrictive environment

School-Based Supports:

 

Providing specialized education and treatment to children and youth in their home schools or community settings is an important part of most mental health services. These programs are designed to teach skills, assist with behavioral problems, and provide crisis intervention for children who are experiencing intense problems with their behavior or emotions.

 

In addition to these in-home services, a child can be placed in a crisis residential setting for short term or long term treatment. The services provided in these settings must be in partnership with you and your child's education services to ensure that your child gets the services they need while receiving crisis support.

 

If your child is struggling and requires intensive out-of-home placement, a Children's Mental Health case manager will guide you through the process to obtain an appropriate placement in a community or residential setting. The placement decision is based on the needs of your child, a preference for keeping them in their home or community, and the County's ability to provide the services they need in the least restrictive setting. For more information related to this topic, click here: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/psychology/psychology-and-psychiatry/mental-health.