Sevita Blog

Children's Behavioral Health - A Guide from Sevita

Written by Sevita | Sep 22, 2023 2:28:00 PM

Unfortunately, sometimes challenges that children face in their lives are below the surface. 

When children are living with cognitive or mental disabilities, we may not always understand how we can help. It’s not like treating a broken arm or any physical trauma—behavioral health requires more understanding, patience, and nuance. 

Luckily, child behavioral health services can help these children thrive and overcome these challenges. 

Below, we’ll talk about:

  • What pediatric behavioral health is
  • What professionals are involved with the process
  • How to tell if your child needs help 
  • How pediatric behavioral health diagnosis works
  • How Sevita can help

What is Child Behavioral Health?

Child behavioral health services are centered around helping children cope with different types of illnesses affecting their behavior, daily habits, and actions. These illnesses can be physical or mental — pediatric behavioral health services involve treatment plans for both.  

What Professionals Are Involved in Child Behavioral Health Processes? 

Child behavioral health services are a collaborative effort with many different people involved in the process.

Here are some of the health professionals involved with pediatric behavioral health:

  • Child psychologists
  • Child or adolescent psychiatrists
  • Social workers
  • Mental health counselors
  • Teachers 
  • Behavioral and developmental pediatricians

Every case is unique. Different professionals will be involved depending on what your child is experiencing and where they need help. 

How Can You Tell If Your Child Needs Help?

Examining behavioral health problems and children can be difficult. Certain behaviors are signs that your child might need pediatric behavioral health services, while others aren’t a cause for concern.

Here are signs your child might need child behavioral health services:

  • Sleep problems - excessive sleep or not enough sleep
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Show little interest in playing with other children
  • Consistent irritability
  • Withdrawn most of the time
  • Stomach aches or headaches without any apparent signs 

Some of the behaviors may only be temporary. However, if they last longer than a few weeks, it’s a sign that you should refer your child to a health care professional. 

How Do Specialists Diagnose Child Behavioral Health Problems?

Diagnosing behavioral and mental health problems in children is an elaborate process—one symptom can mean different things for different children. 

Take a lack of focus, for example. Lack of focus could signify anxiety in one child and ADHD in another. 

That’s why it’s important for medical professionals to perform thorough tests before giving their diagnosis. 

Evaluating a child in need usually starts with interviewing both the child and their parents. Interviews help medical professionals learn more about a child’s medical history, background, and any symptoms they’re experiencing. During the child’s interview, the medical professional will also examine the child’s posture, facial expressions, and any other behaviors that can help them come to a diagnosis. Medical professionals may also consult other people in a child’s life, such as their teachers. 

Medical professionals will sit with the family and discuss the diagnosis using all the information gathered from the interview process and further consultations. They will also outline different treatment plans and what they feel is the best course of action moving forward. However, the choice of treatment is always up to the parents. 

How Can Sevita Help With Child Behavioral Health?

Sevita’s behavioral health services help people overcome different challenges to live fulfilling lives—from adults to children. We help people of all ages with behavioral health, cognitive health, and more.

With programs tailored to each child’s needs, some of Sevita’s pediatric behavioral health services include:

  • Behavior analysis
  • Trauma therapy
  • Vocational services
  • Psychiatry, psychology, and neuropsychology services
  • Nursing care
  • Therapy (Occupational, physical, and language)

Our child behavioral health team gives children the support and care they need to thrive. We also provide one-on-one support to children with autism, mental health diagnoses, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more. 

Get Your Child the Help They Need With Sevita

Sevita’s team of experts is here to get your child the help they need. Discover more about how Sevita’s health care services can support your child today.