When to Seek Mental Health Support for Your Child or Teen

written by Dr. Liz Nissim, posted on Psychology Today

As a parent, it’s natural to focus your energy on your child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. But when your child has learning differences, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or other challenges, your role becomes even more demanding. You may begin to notice shifts in your child’s behavior, mood, or ability to function and wonder if it’s time to seek mental health support.

Whether your child has a diagnosed disability or you’re still in the process of figuring things out, knowing when to reach out for help can be the key to preventing long-term struggles for both your child and yourself.

Below are some important signs that it might be time to seek therapy for your child, coaching for yourself, or both.

Your Child Is Struggling Emotionally or Behaviorally

Children often show distress in ways that don’t look like typical sadness or anxiety. Look for:

• Frequent meltdowns or tearful responses to schoolwork
• Withdrawal from friends or activities that were once fun
• Persistent worries, fears, or physical complaints (e.g., stomachaches, headaches)
• Irritability, anger, or impulsivity that seems out of proportion
• Avoidance of school or learning-related tasks

These may indicate underlying anxiety, depression, ADHD, or a combination of concerns.

You’re Seeing a Pattern Across Settings

It’s normal for kids to have bad days. But if you’re noticing the same emotional, behavioral, or learning challenges:

• At school and at home
• Across subjects or activities
• Over weeks or months

…it may be time for a deeper evaluation by a child psychologist or licensed therapist.

Your Child Has a Hard Time Focusing, Remembering, or Following Through

Many children with ADHD or learning differences struggle with:

• Short attention spans
• Difficulty following multistep directions
• Poor memory and recall
• Trouble organizing thoughts or completing tasks