Pediatric Mental Health Therapy

Pediatric Mental Health Therapy offered in Ithaca, Orchard Park, Saratoga Springs and Binghamton, NY

Parents often feel helpless and heartbroken when their child struggles with anxiety, depression, anger, academics, or difficulty making friends and socializing. No matter what challenges your child faces, the compassionate team at Whole Wellness Counseling in Ithaca, New York and Orchard Park, New York, can help with cutting-edge pediatric mental health therapy. They specialize in getting to the heart of the problem and co-creating treatment plans with parents that fit your child’s age and diagnosis. Call Whole Wellness Counseling today or use online booking to schedule an evaluation and begin counseling.

Pediatric Mental Health Therapy Q&A

Why is pediatric mental health therapy important?

Children and teens face many issues that influence their mental health. In addition to having to experience a pandemic,they may face adjustments to a post-pandemic world, bullying, academic stress, and trauma.

Significant changes in how children typically learn, behave, eat, sleep, or handle their emotions and be a sign of a mental health disorder. Among the more common mental disorders that can be diagnosed in childhood are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and behavior disorders. Half of all serious mental health conditions begin in the teen years. Even if your teen doesn’t have a mental health disorder, they may benefit from guidance and counseling if they have a hard time socializing or they struggle with identity, peer pressure, perfectionism, or life transitions.

What problems are addressed during pediatric mental health therapy?

The licensed therapists and coaches at Whole Wellness Counseling diagnose and treat conditions, such as:

Depression
Anxiety
Eating disorder
Stress
Difficulty socializing
Difficulty communicating
Trauma and grief
Substance abuse
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Serious mental health conditions
Body and gender dysphoria
Screen addiction

What signs indicate the need for pediatric counseling?

Children and teens often need counseling when their emotional outbursts or behavior problems are severe, occur frequently, or seem out of proportion to the situation.

Other warning signs include:

Frequent anxiety or worry
Loss of interest in their favorite activities
Anxiety that holds them back from activities
Staying away from friends and social activities
Meeting online friends but not making friends in person
Hyperactivity (constantly on the go, unable to sit still, talking constantly)
Making self-critical comments (saying they’re worthless, no one likes them, etc.)
Excessive sleeping
Difficulty sleeping
Weight loss or gain
Changes in eating habits
Aggressiveness and anger
Paranoia or excessive secrecy
Mentioning they want to die

Declining school performance or refusing to attend school are another red flags of problems that may benefit from counseling.

What should I expect during pediatric counseling?

After completing a psychological assessment, your child’s therapist recommends the treatment that’s best for your child’s diagnosis and age. The Whole Wellness Counseling team specializes in many effective therapeutic techniques, from play therapy and role-playing to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and health coaching.

Parents also learn about their child’s diagnosis and challenges and get tips on techniques they can use at home to support their child.

Call Whole Wellness Counseling today or request an appointment online if your child or teen needs counseling.