7 signs your child should see a therapist

Parenting can be challenging, and at times it can be hard to tell if your child’s struggles are a part of growing up or something more serious. 

All children experience emotional ups and downs, but there are certain signs that may indicate your child should see a therapist – or at the very least, will benefit from doing so. 

While it can be difficult for parents to accept their child needs professional support, early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s development and happiness, and can be the key to preventing more serious challenges in their future. 

In this article, we’ll explore the seven key signs that may mean your child could benefit from seeing a therapist, and cover all the basics of what therapy for children involves, how it works, options such as in-person or online therapy for kids, and more. 

Why is therapy for children needed?

All children face emotional, social, and behavioral challenges that have the potential to impact their happiness and well-being. 

While some challenges are temporary, others may persist and affect different areas of their lives, from home life to school, friendships, overall development, and future issues and behaviors. 

Furthermore, many children have specific disorders that can greatly affect their behavior, development, or emotional or mental health, and if left undiagnosed or untreated, they can cause much greater problems as they get older. In these instances, a child psychiatrist is often recommended, but child therapists and psychologists are trained to recognize the type of support a child needs and will be able to discuss this with you and refer you as needed, so therapy for children is always a great starting point. 

Therapy offers a safe space for children to express themselves, understand the challenges they are facing, learn coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. At the same time, the therapist has the opportunity to understand the specific issues your child is facing and help you, as their parent, understand how best you can help them.

Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, anger, or a difficult life event like divorce or bullying, therapy for children can help them navigate these issues and build healthy habits that will support them as they grow.

7 signs your child should see a therapist

Occasional challenging behavior from children is to be expected, but sudden or persistent changes, or anything particularly troublesome, usually warrants a closer look. 

Depending on the age of your child, the signs and signals can vary, although a lot are true to children of all ages – and there is no age limit as to when children might benefit from professional support. From toddlers to teens, there are behaviors that signal the need for help, and there are proven techniques and therapeutic activities for kids that can help them. 

Here are seven key signs that indicate your child may need professional support:

1. Persistent sadness or withdrawal
   If your child has been feeling down, withdrawn, or has suddenly lost interest in activities they once enjoyed, it may be a sign of depression, bullying, or more.
2. Sudden changes in behavior or mood swings
   Abrupt mood swings, anger outbursts, or sudden defiance could indicate that your child is struggling with overwhelming emotions they don’t know how to handle.
3. Trouble concentrating or difficulty in school
   If your child is having trouble focusing, their grades are slipping, or they seem disengaged with schoolwork, this could be a sign of anxiety, ADHD, or other emotional difficulties.
4. Excessive worry or anxiety
   Expressing constant worry or fear about everyday situations, or constantly seeking information and/or reassurance, is a key indicator of anxiety. These feelings can quickly start to interfere with daily life, but therapy can help identify the underlying causes and provide techniques for learning how to manage these emotions.  
5. Aggressive or self-harming behavior
   If your child shows signs of aggression towards others or engages in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or hitting themselves, it’s crucial to seek help immediately.
6. Struggling with friendships, family relationships, or isolating themselves
   If your child is having trouble maintaining friendships, withdrawing from social activities, or seems increasingly isolated – including self-isolating more than is healthy when at home, it could signal social anxiety or a number of other underlying issues.
7. Physical complaints without medical cause
   Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms that don’t seem to have a medical cause can often be linked to emotional distress. Therapy can help identify and address these underlying emotions.

While these are some of the most common signs that your child should see a therapist, other behaviors – such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or weight gain or loss, clinginess, bedwetting, low energy levels, alcohol or substance use in older children, or other noticeably new, different, or concerning behaviors – might also indicate that something is wrong.

How does therapy for children work?

Therapy for children is designed to meet them where they are, using age-appropriate methods. This means the approaches and therapeutic techniques used for younger children in particular, are very different to those used with adults.

Another key difference between therapy for children and adults is your level of involvement as a parent. For younger children, parents are typically very involved in the early stages, while for teens, parents may play a more supportive role behind the scenes. But regardless of age, parental involvement is crucial in reinforcing the progress made during therapy.

Parental involvement in therapy for children

In therapy for younger children (ages 3-12), parents usually participate directly, particularly in the beginning. Therapists may use parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), where the therapist observes and coaches parents in real-time to help the child feel comfortable and express themselves. These early sessions also allow the therapist to gather background information from parents, understand family dynamics, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

For older children and teens, therapy is more focused on the therapist-child relationship. Teens typically meet with the therapist alone, allowing them the space to open up. However, parents often remain involved by discussing goals and progress with the therapist, as well as supporting at-home practices like encouraging communication or creating healthy routines.

Therapeutic approaches for children’s therapy

Therapists use different approaches depending on a child’s age and developmental stage. Here are some of the most common therapeutic techniques:

• For younger children (ages 3-12)
  Younger children may struggle to express their feelings verbally, so techniques like play therapy or art therapy allow them to communicate through toys, games, or creative therapeutic activities for kids. These approaches help therapists understand and address emotional challenges in a way that feels safe to the child. Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is also common at this age, where therapists coach parents to improve communication and reinforce positive behaviors.
  
• For older children and teens (ages 12-18)
  For older children and teens, talk therapy is more often the primary approach. It provides a safe space for teens to discuss their thoughts and feelings openly with the therapist. Within talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help teens recognize negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. For those who have experienced trauma, trauma-focused CBT can be especially beneficial, helping them process difficult emotions and reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression.

At this stage, therapy is typically more private, giving teens the opportunity to work through their challenges in a confidential and supportive environment directly with their therapist.

Therapy vs. psychology vs. psychiatry: the different types of therapy for children

While child therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists all play important roles in supporting children’s mental health, each has a distinct function:

• Child therapists: A child therapist typically holds a master’s degree in fields like counseling, psychology, or social work. They create a safe space and help children process their emotions and teach them coping skills through therapeutic activities for kids, specifically tailored to their age. Child therapists do not diagnose complex mental health conditions but are skilled in offering guidance and strategies to help children, and their parents, cope with life challenges.
• Child psychologists: A child psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and specializes in understanding the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of children. Psychologists are trained to perform psychological assessments and testing to diagnose conditions such as ADHD, autism, learning disorders, and more. Like therapists, they also provide talk therapy and other interventions, but they focus more on diagnosing and developing a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Child psychiatrists: A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children, such as anxiety, depression, or more complex psychiatric disorders. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants or ADHD medications, which therapists and psychologists cannot do. However, they often also provide talk therapy and other therapeutic approaches, or work in tandem with therapists or psychologists, to ensure a holistic approach to treatment, combining therapy with medication management when necessary.

At REACH, we offer access to all three types of professionals, ensuring your child receives the most appropriate and holistic form of care, whether that’s therapy, diagnosis, medical treatment, or a combination of all.

Does online therapy for kids work? 

Online therapy has become an increasingly popular option in recent years, and this applies for children and families just as much as adults.

Teletherapy offers convenience and flexibility, making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules. For some children, being in their own home during sessions can also make them feel more comfortable, which can lead to better engagement. 

While online therapy for kids or teens may not be right for every child, it can be an effective solution for many families.

Help is available – take the first step with REACH Ohio

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior or emotions, or recognize any of the 7 signs that your child should see a therapist mentioned above, don’t wait to seek help. 

Recognizing the signs early and seeking professional help can make a significant difference in your child’s well-being; not just now, but long into their future. 

REACH Behavioral Health Ohio is here to provide the guidance and support your family needs. We offer a range of services to support your child, from counseling to therapy to psychological assessments and medication management – and all services are available both online and in person. 

Additionally, if your child may benefit from more comprehensive support, our sister organization EA Schools is a valuable resource. EA Schools provides a nurturing environment with specialized programs for children struggling in traditional learning environments. On-site therapy or other therapeutic types of support are provided as part of their standard school day, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.If you’re worried about your child, don’t wait to reach out. Contact REACH today to learn more about therapy for children, and how we can help.