Children encounter numerous obstacles as they grow. Your child may face challenges in school, social issues, and difficulty transitioning to different life stages. The challenges your child faces can lead to depression and anxiety. Thus, you should learn how to spot signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and refer the matter to a psychiatrist. Signs that your child needs the help of a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Irvine, CA, include changes in sleep patterns, increased irritability, avoiding favorite activities, and development of self-destructive behaviors. As a parent, do not hesitate to seek help from a qualified psychiatrist to care for your child’s mental health.
Because there are many psychiatrists out there, looking for the best health professional for your child can overwhelm you. Consequently, below are a few tips to help you select a child psychiatrist that can provide excellent intervention and support.
- Search for numerous providers
You can search for child psychiatrists near you through online search engines like Google. You can also consult your doctor or insurance provider to refer you to a mental health professional. Moreover, you may get a recommended child psychiatrist from your friends, family, workmates, or school counselors.
There are various factors you should consider to enable you to compile a small list of child psychiatrists. For instance, consider the location of the psychiatrist’s office and level of expertise in handling mental issues in children.
- Qualifications
A psychiatrist you select for your child must legally have the qualifications to practice as a mental health therapist. Ensure the psychiatrist is well-trained and has a valid license to operate in your state or region.
- The approach to therapy
Psychiatrists tend to rely on different approaches to therapy to eliminate or equip your child to cope better with mental struggles. For example, a psychiatrist may focus on modifying behavior or improving the interaction between you and your child.
The important thing is to confirm with your psychiatrist if there is empirical evidence supporting the therapy’s effectiveness.
- Safety
Ensure you feel safe when interacting with a child’s psychiatrist. Often, if you feel safe, your child will also feel the same. The right psychiatrist should exude warmth and empathy and make your child feel safe and comfortable.
If you do not feel safe and comfortable interacting with a particular psychiatrist or feel like your child may not benefit from the care, switch to another psychiatrist.
- Communication
The best child and adolescent psychiatrist should communicate in a language you and your child understand. Also, the mental health specialist should speak clearly and concisely without using technical terms or big words. Ineffective communication will leave you and your child feeling confused and uncomfortable. More importantly, your psychiatrist must also be willing to listen keenly to your child.
Before you take your child to a psychiatrist, explain why you have decided to take that step. Let your child know what talking with a psychiatrist involves and that you will provide the necessary support.
Contact Americas TMS Center today to schedule an appointment with a therapy specialist.