As a parent, it can be hard to know when your child is simply having a tough time and when they may need extra support.
Maybe your child has become more withdrawn. Perhaps they seem anxious all the time. Their emotions may feel bigger than usual, they may be struggling at school, or something just seems different.
You may find yourself wondering, “Does my child need therapy?”
There is no single answer. Every child is different. However, when changes in your child’s mood, behavior, relationships, or daily life continue, child therapy may be worth considering.
If you’re looking for a child therapist in Maryland or Delaware, you may also be wondering whether therapy is the right place to start or whether your child may benefit from another type of mental health support.
At Balance Point Wellness, we provide therapy and medication management for children, teens, and adults. Our team is here to help families understand their options and find care that fits their needs.
Signs Your Child May Need Therapy
Children and teens go through difficult periods. However, a bad day, a stressful week, or an occasional emotional outburst does not necessarily mean your child needs therapy.
Instead, it may be time to consider professional support when changes continue or begin interfering with everyday life.
Some signs to look for include:
- Frequent worry or anxiety
- Ongoing sadness or irritability
- Frequent anger or emotional outbursts
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Trouble at school
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Low self-esteem
- Trouble coping with stress
- Difficulty adjusting to a major life change
- Changes in behavior that concern you
These signs do not necessarily mean your child has a mental health disorder. In fact, many different things can affect a child’s mood and behavior. For that reason, a mental health professional can help you better understand what may be going on and whether additional support could help.
You know your child better than anyone. Therefore, if something feels different or you have ongoing concerns, it is okay to reach out for guidance.
You also do not have to wait until a problem becomes severe before seeking help.
What Can Therapy Help Children and Teens With?
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Sometimes, emotional struggles show up through behavior instead.
For example, an anxious child may avoid activities they used to enjoy. A teenager who is struggling with depression may pull away from friends and family. Likewise, a child who feels overwhelmed may become frustrated or have frequent emotional outbursts.
Individual therapy can give children and teens a safe, supportive place to talk about what they are experiencing.
Therapy may help children and teens who are experiencing concerns related to:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Depression
- ADHD-related challenges
- Stress and emotional overwhelm
- Trauma
- School-related concerns
- Family or relationship difficulties
- Self-esteem
- Grief and loss
- Major life changes
- Emotional regulation
- Coping skills
In addition, therapy can be part of treatment for children and teens who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Depending on the child’s needs, treatment may include therapy, medication management, or a combination of both.
Therapy also looks different at different ages. For example, younger children may use play, activities, or other age-appropriate ways to express themselves. Older children and teens may spend more time talking about their experiences, relationships, emotions, and concerns.
Ultimately, the goal is to meet your child where they are.
When Does a Teen Need Therapy?
The teenage years can bring a lot of changes. School pressure, friendships, social media, family relationships, and figuring out who they are can all affect a teen’s emotional well-being.
It is normal for teenagers to have ups and downs. However, ongoing changes should not be ignored.
Consider talking with a mental health professional if your teen is:
- Frequently anxious, sad, or irritable
- Pulling away from friends or family
- Having trouble keeping up with school
- Struggling with self-esteem
- Having frequent emotional outbursts
- Having difficulty managing stress
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Experiencing significant changes in sleep or appetite
- Having trouble coping with a major life change
Sometimes, teenagers are more comfortable talking with someone outside the family. As a result, teen therapy can give them a place to speak openly and learn healthy ways to cope.
If you’re searching for a teen therapist in Maryland or Delaware, finding someone who works with adolescents and understands their stage of development can be an important part of the process.
What Mental Health Conditions Can Affect Children and Teens?
Children and teens can experience many of the same mental health conditions as adults. However, symptoms can look different depending on their age and stage of development.
Some conditions that may affect children and teens include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- ADHD
- Trauma-related conditions
- Bipolar disorder
- Other mood or behavioral conditions
For example, anxiety may show up as excessive worry, avoidance, physical complaints, or difficulty separating from parents. Depression may look like ongoing sadness, irritability, withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, or losing interest in activities.
ADHD can affect attention, organization, impulse control, and behavior. Similarly, bipolar disorder can involve significant changes in mood and energy. However, it is different from the typical mood swings that many children and teenagers experience.
A child or teen should not be diagnosed based on a checklist or a single behavior. Instead, a qualified mental health professional can consider symptoms, history, development, and other factors when determining whether a mental health condition may be present.
What About Medication Management for Children and Teens?
Therapy is not the only form of mental health support available to children and teens.
For some young people, medication management may be part of their treatment plan. For others, therapy may be enough. Some may benefit from both.
Medication management involves working with a qualified prescribing provider to discuss symptoms, review treatment options, monitor how medication is working, and make changes when appropriate.
For certain mental health conditions, medication may be considered as part of treatment. These can include depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. However, whether medication is appropriate depends on the child’s symptoms, diagnosis, history, age, and individual needs.
Medication is not automatically the right choice when a child is struggling. Instead, a provider will consider the child’s needs, symptoms, history, and circumstances when discussing treatment options.
If you are looking for medication management for a child or teen in Maryland or Delaware, you do not have to figure out whether it is appropriate on your own. A prescribing provider can discuss your concerns and help you understand your options.
What to Expect at Your First Medication Management Appointment | Balance Point Wellness
Can My Child Have Therapy and Medication Management?
Yes. Some children and teens benefit from both therapy and medication management.
Therapy can provide a place to work on emotions, behaviors, relationships, coping skills, and other challenges. Meanwhile, medication may be considered when a prescribing provider believes it could be helpful for certain symptoms or conditions.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care.
For some children, therapy may be enough. Others may benefit from medication management. In some cases, a combination of services may make sense.
At Balance Point Wellness, we offer both therapy and medication management, so families can explore the care that best fits their child’s needs.
Therapist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference and Which One Do I Need?
What If I Don’t Know What My Child Needs?
That’s okay.
One of the hardest parts for parents can be knowing where to start. You may not know whether your child needs therapy, medication management, or something else entirely.
Fortunately, you do not need to diagnose your child before making an appointment.
A mental health provider can talk with you about your concerns, learn more about what your child has been experiencing, and help determine what type of support may be appropriate.
Sometimes, the first step is simply having a conversation.
How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Child
Finding a therapist your child feels comfortable with matters.
When looking for a child or teen therapist, consider:
Experience with children and teens
Children and teenagers have different needs at different stages. Therefore, look for a provider who works with your child’s age group.
Experience with your child’s concerns
You may want to find a therapist who has experience with concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, stress, or emotional challenges.
A comfortable connection
Your child should feel comfortable talking with their therapist. Building trust can take time, so finding a good personality fit can be important.
Convenience for your family
Between school, activities, work, and everything else families manage, getting to appointments can be challenging. Fortunately, having both in-person and virtual options can make mental health care easier to fit into your schedule.
You can Meet the Balance Point Wellness team to learn more about our therapists and prescribing providers.
How to Choose the Right Therapist Near You | Balance Point Wellness
Child and Teen Therapy in Maryland and Delaware
Balance Point Wellness provides child therapy and teen therapy in Maryland and Delaware, giving families options for both in-person and virtual mental health care.
We offer in-person appointments in Hunt Valley and Overlea in Baltimore County, Bel Air in Harford County, Baltimore in Baltimore City, and Salisbury in Wicomico County.
We also provide virtual therapy and mental health services throughout Maryland and Delaware. This can be especially helpful for families looking for a child therapist or teen therapist without having to travel to an office.
Whether you’re looking for child therapy in Maryland, teen therapy in Maryland, child therapy in Delaware, or teen therapy in Delaware, our team can help you explore your options.
Intakes can typically be scheduled within 24 hours, and we accept most insurance plans.
Explore all of our Maryland locations or learn more about virtual therapy and telehealth services.
You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers
If you have been wondering, “Does my child need therapy?”, you are not alone.
It is normal to have questions. You may wonder if you are overreacting or if the behavior will pass. You may even wish you had reached out sooner.
Try not to put pressure on yourself to have all the answers.
Instead, if something has changed and you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, reaching out can be a helpful first step.
At Balance Point Wellness, our therapists and prescribing providers work with children and teens to provide individualized mental health care.
Meet our team to learn more about our providers or schedule an appointment today.
You can also call 410-800-2169 to speak with our team.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child and Teen Therapy
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Look for ongoing changes in your child’s mood, behavior, relationships, school performance, or ability to manage everyday life. If you are concerned, talking with a mental health professional can help you better understand what may be going on.
What are signs my child may need therapy?
Signs can include ongoing anxiety, sadness, irritability, anger, withdrawal, difficulty managing emotions, changes in sleep or appetite, school struggles, problems with friendships, or difficulty coping with stress or major life changes.
Does my teenager need therapy?
Not every difficult period means a teenager needs therapy. However, ongoing changes in mood, behavior, relationships, school performance, or daily functioning may be a reason to seek professional support.
What mental health conditions can affect children and teens?
Children and teens may experience conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, trauma-related conditions, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. However, symptoms can vary by age and individual, so a qualified professional should evaluate concerns rather than relying on a checklist alone.
At what age can a child start therapy?
Children can benefit from therapy at different ages. The approach will depend on the child’s age, stage of development, personality, concerns, and needs. As a result, therapy for a young child may look very different from therapy for a teenager.
What does child therapy look like?
Child therapy can look different depending on the child’s age and needs. For example, younger children may use activities or other age-appropriate methods to express themselves. Older children and teens may spend more time talking with their therapist about their emotions, experiences, and concerns.
Can children receive medication management?
Yes. Medication management may be an option for some children and teens. A qualified prescribing provider can discuss your child’s symptoms, history, and treatment options with you and determine whether medication may be appropriate.
Can my child see a therapist and a medication provider?
Yes. Some children and teens benefit from both therapy and medication management. Ultimately, the right combination of care depends on the child’s individual needs.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer therapy for children and teens?
Yes. Balance Point Wellness provides therapy for children, teens, and adults. Our therapists work with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, stress, and emotional challenges.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer medication management for children and teens?
Yes. Balance Point Wellness offers medication management with qualified prescribing providers. Treatment recommendations are based on the child’s or teen’s needs.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer child therapy in Maryland and Delaware?
Yes. Balance Point Wellness offers child therapy and teen therapy in Maryland and Delaware. In-person appointments are available in Hunt Valley and Overlea in Baltimore County, Bel Air in Harford County, Baltimore City, and Salisbury in Wicomico County. Virtual mental health services are available throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer virtual therapy for children and teens?
Yes. We offer virtual mental health services throughout Maryland and Delaware. Telehealth can be a convenient option for families who prefer to meet with a provider from home.
How do I find a child therapist near me?
Start by looking for a therapist who works with your child’s age group and has experience with the concerns your child is experiencing. Balance Point Wellness offers child and teen therapy in multiple Maryland locations as well as virtual services throughout Maryland and Delaware.
How do I schedule an appointment for my child?
You can schedule an appointment with Balance Point Wellness online or call 410-800-2169. Our team can help you understand the next steps and find an appointment that fits your needs.