Learn the signs a child may need mental health support, common therapies like PCIT and TF‑CBT, and how Fargo–Moorhead families can find help.
When a child struggles with emotions, behavior, or relationships, it impacts the whole family. Parents often wonder: Is this just a phase, or is it time to seek help?
Mental health needs among children are rising nationwide. About 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder each year, and families in North Dakota and Minnesota are not immune.
Knowing when to seek support can help you make confident choices for your child’s well-being.
Whether your child attends Fargo Public Schools, West Fargo Schools, or Moorhead Area Public Schools, recognizing early warning signs is key.
Every child has ups and downs, but when these shifts are frequent or long-lasting, they may signal more than typical development. For example, a child who once enjoyed spending time with family but now isolates in their room, or a teen whose irritability turns into explosive anger, may be showing signs of underlying stress, anxiety, or depression.
Changes in eating habits — such as sudden loss of appetite, overeating, or avoidance of meals — can also be a significant behavioral indicator. These patterns may point to anxiety or eating disorders, which require careful attention.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, changes in mood and behavior are among the most common early indicators of mental health concerns in children.
Difficulty staying focused, a sudden drop in grades, or repeated calls from teachers can point to more than a lack of motivation. Mental health concerns like ADHD, anxiety, or depression often show up first in the classroom, where concentration and problem-solving are tested daily.
In fact, the National Center for Learning Disabilities reports that nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. have learning and attention issues that can impact academic performance.
If your child’s academic challenges are new or worsening, it’s worth exploring whether emotional well-being is a factor.
Social relationships are central to a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. Struggles might look like frequent conflicts with classmates, being left out of group activities, or ongoing issues with bullying.
Children who can’t maintain friendships or avoid social settings altogether may be signaling feelings of low self-worth, anxiety, or social difficulties that need support.
While all kids get upset sometimes, children who can’t calm down after stressful situations or who seem sad most of the time may struggle with mental health challenges.
Prolonged sadness or emotional meltdowns that last far beyond the triggering event may be signs of anxiety, pathological demand avoidance, depression, or trauma-related stress.
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey for 2023 found that nearly 40 percent of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
No matter where you live, in 2025, children today face a wide range of mental health concerns. Parents can find help by seeking treatment from certified mental health professionals.
In the Fargo area, Pediatric Partners, a part of the Sevita family, treats a variety of conditions, including:
Children diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with focus, staying organized, or impulse control. According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 children ages 3–17 are diagnosed with behavior disorders (which include ADHD), while nearly 20 percent have a developmental, emotional, or behavioral condition.
Anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in youth. In 2023, nearly 40 percent of U.S. high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness for at least two weeks in a row, a symptom often linked to depression.
Childhood traumas like loss or abuse can significantly affect brain development and behavior. While national data varies, trauma-related stress is recognized as a major contributor to conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety among children and adolescents.
Providers in Fargo–Moorhead rely on evidence-based therapies to treat mental health disorders, meaning approaches backed by research and shown to help children and families make real progress. Some of the most effective include:
PCIT is a structured, family-centered therapy designed for children with behavioral challenges. During sessions, a therapist coaches parents in real time on how to respond to their child’s behavior. Parents learn to use positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and calm discipline strategies.
Many emotional and behavioral challenges can arise from underlying stress or anxiety. If your child struggles with big feelings or difficult transitions, effective calming strategies can provide immediate relief and support healthy coping.
Get your free guide with 50+ calming strategies for kids, featuring simple sensory activities and easy breathing exercises to help your child find peace anytime.
Originally developed to help people recover from trauma, EMDR is increasingly used with children who have experienced stressful or harmful events.
The therapy guides kids through recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following a therapist’s hand movements. Other examples of bilateral stimulation include tapping or auditory tones played alternately in each ear. This process helps reframe and reduce emotional distress.
Studies show EMDR can significantly reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescents.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is one of the most widely researched therapies for children who have faced trauma. It blends traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, which help individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, with gradual exposure to traumatic memories and active family involvement.
In addition to these core therapies, Fargo providers often incorporate play therapy, skill-building activities, and family counseling. These approaches help children practice social skills, regulate emotions, and feel supported.
Children thrive when their caregivers feel confident and supported. In the Fargo area, many mental health programs place parents at the center of the process, offering guidance and encouragement along the way. Support may include:
If you’re new to children’s mental health services, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what lies ahead. Understanding the process can ease some of that stress and help your family feel prepared.
Typically, the journey looks like this:
Early support for your child’s mental health can make all the difference. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma among kids, taking action now can give you peace of mind.
In the Fargo–Moorhead area, Pediatric Partners, a part of the Sevita family, provides pediatric mental health services, including evidence-based therapies and caregiver support. Families can access services in South Fargo or via telehealth to fit their needs.
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As parents, and love one's raising children, nothing is more important than the health of our children. That includes their behavioral health as well.