Counseling for behavioral/mental health (both short and longer term) may be beneficial for many types of challenges. Adults as well as children and adolescents can benefit from improving their emotional well being and interpersonal functioning.
Making the decision to seek help can be a difficult one, but listed below are some signs that a visit to a clinical therapist may be helpful:
- Adults:
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described below, and they are severe and/or on-going enough to interfere with your ability to function well in your job, at school, or in your relationships, then it may be time to seek help from a professional:
- feelings of depression, helplessness, hopelessness
- anxiety or panic attacks (sometimes experiences as things seeming out of control)
- separation or divorce; difficulties in being effective as a parent
- poor self-esteem
- decreased energy or enthusiasm for things that used to be satisfying
- emotional “numbness” or social withdrawal
- excessive self-blame or guilt
- changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- crying easily and more often
- decreased tolerance for stresses that were formerly coped with more readily
- loss of pleasure in activities that were formerly enjoyed
- excessive or chronic anger or irritability directed towards others
- co-workers or loved ones telling you that your personality seems to have “changed”
- substance abuse or dependency in yourself or family members
- increased or repeated arguments with family members
- workplace stress
- stress related to life changes or transitions–both positive as well as negative
Signs that your child may benefit from seeing a psychologist or licensed therapist include:
- developmental delay in speech, language, or toilet training
- learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)
- behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, excessive irritability, acting out, bed-wetting or eating disorders)
- a significant drop in grades
- episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression
- social withdrawal or isolation
- victimization from bullying or bullying other children
- decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
- overly aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)
- sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
- insomnia or increased sleepiness
- excessive school absenteeism or tardiness
- mood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next)
- development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor
- management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness
- signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)
- problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)
- bereavement issues
- custody evaluations
- therapy following sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events
- Children who are not of school-age, could benefit from seeing a developmental or clinical psychologist if there is a significant delay in achieving developmental milestones such as walking, talking, and potty training, and if there are concerns regarding autism or other developmental disorders. Consulting with a pediatrician is a first step and can lead to referrals for psychological / behavioral treatment.