Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services Specialist

What mental health conditions affect children and adolescents?

Mental health conditions begin earlier than you might think. Some developmental disabilities can be diagnosed by the age of 2, and half of all serious mental illnesses begin by the age of 14, to give you two examples.

The mental health disorders that frequently appear in children and teens include:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Tourette syndrome
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Panic Disorder

Many children and teens also struggle with more than one psychological challenge. For example, of children diagnosed with depression, 75% also have anxiety and nearly half have behavioral disorders.

What signs indicate the need for child and adolescent mental health services?

One of the greatest challenges is deciding when a child’s emotions and behaviors are normal for their age and when they signal a mental health disorder.

As a general guideline, your child deserves professional care when their emotions and behaviors interfere with their ability to succeed at school, play with friends, and enjoy family activities.

There are a few signs you can look for, such as:

• Declining performance in school
• Frequently feeling anxious, worried, or fearful
• Regularly refusing to go to school
• Acting hyperactive or constantly fidgeting
• Having uncontrollable meltdowns
• Showing signs of depression (sadness, hopelessness)
• Sleeping more or less than normal
• Losing interest in their favorite activities
• Engaging in self-harming behaviors
• Having frequent nightmares
• Being willfully disobedient
• Being aggressive

Older children and teens may spend too much time alone on their computer or playing video games. Teens may also start to drink or take drugs.

Always take their words, thoughts, and actions seriously. If your child suggests they want to die or they think someone is controlling their mind, don’t shrug it off; call Dr. Rybakov.

What child and adolescent mental health services are available?

Dr. Rybakov offers the full scope of mental health services to children of all ages. He begins with a comprehensive psychological assessment that’s geared to their age and developmental level. He also has parents, and sometimes teachers, complete detailed questionnaires.

After he makes a diagnosis, he develops an individualized treatment plan. Treatments for children and teens can include a mix of behavioral and talk therapy, medications, and social skills therapy. He also provides parent education so you can learn about your child’s unique challenges and how to support your child at home.

If you have any concerns about your child’s emotional or behavioral problems, call Dr. Mark Rybakov, DO, or book an appointment online today.