Child & Adolescent Concerns
Guidance for parents and caregivers navigating youth behavioral and mental health
Where to Start
Not sure which path is right? Use this guide to help determine your next step based on your situation.
If you are unsure what your child needs
Request guidance to discuss your concerns and understand your options.
If concerns are early or mild
Learn about common challenges and try educational resources or parenting strategies first.
If symptoms are persistent or affecting daily life
Consider a professional evaluation or connect with a child therapist.
If your child is in crisis or safety is a concern
Contact crisis support immediately. Help is available 24/7.
This May Be Relevant If...
- Your child or teen is struggling with behavior at home or school
- You have noticed significant mood changes, withdrawal, or irritability
- Academic performance has declined unexpectedly
- Your child has expressed feelings of anxiety, sadness, or hopelessness
- Social relationships or friendships have become difficult
- You are concerned about attention, focus, or learning differences
- A school or pediatrician has recommended evaluation or support
- You are seeing concerning behavior you cannot explain
When to Seek Help
Consider professional support when:
- Concerning behaviors persist for more than a few weeks
- School performance or attendance is affected
- Family dynamics are strained or home life is difficult
- Your child expresses distress or asks for help
- You want guidance on how to best support your child
Seek immediate help if:
- Your child talks about wanting to die or hurting themselves
- You find evidence of self-harm or substance use
- Your child is a danger to themselves or others
- There has been a sudden, severe change in behavior
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Early support can make a significant difference. Trust your instincts as a parent.
Normal vs. Concerning Behavior
It can be hard to know what is typical development and what needs attention. Here is a general guide:
Often Normal
- -Occasional mood swings or irritability
- -Testing limits or pushing back on rules
- -Some anxiety about school, friends, or changes
- -Wanting more privacy or independence
- -Short-term sleep or appetite changes
May Need Attention
- -Persistent sadness or withdrawal lasting weeks
- -Significant changes in eating, sleeping, or energy
- -Declining grades or refusing to go to school
- -Talk of self-harm or expressing hopelessness
- -Extreme behavior that disrupts daily life
Types of Professionals Who Can Help
Different professionals serve different roles. Here is who does what:
Child Therapist / Counselor
Provides talk therapy, play therapy, or CBT. Good for emotional support, coping skills, and processing challenges.
Child Psychologist
Can provide therapy and also conduct psychological testing for ADHD, autism, learning differences, or IQ assessments.
Child Psychiatrist
Medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Often works alongside a therapist for comprehensive care.
Pediatrician
Your child's doctor can screen for concerns, provide referrals, and sometimes prescribe basic medications like ADHD treatment.
When to Involve School Support
Schools can be valuable partners in supporting your child. Consider reaching out when:
- Academic performance is declining or your child is struggling to keep up
- Behavior at school is different from behavior at home
- Your child needs accommodations for attention, learning, or emotional needs
- You want to explore IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan options
- The school counselor may have observations or insights to share
How to Think About Severity
Start with parent support and education
Early concerns can often be addressed with parenting strategies, school support, or monitoring over time.
Consider therapy or counseling
When concerns persist or affect daily functioning, a therapist can help your child develop skills and process emotions.
Seek evaluation or specialist care
If you need clarity on a diagnosis (ADHD, autism, learning differences) or symptoms are severe, a comprehensive evaluation helps guide treatment.
Quick Understanding
Behavioral concerns
Acting out, defiance, aggression, or difficulty following rules. May indicate underlying stress, trauma, or unmet needs.
Emotional concerns
Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or excessive worry. Common in children and teens and very treatable with support.
Learning and attention
Difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or keeping up academically. May warrant evaluation for ADHD or learning differences.
Social challenges
Difficulty making friends, bullying, or social withdrawal. Can impact self-esteem and development.
Your Options
Child or Teen Therapy
Licensed therapists who specialize in working with young people. Various approaches including play therapy, CBT, and family therapy.
Explore ResourcesPsychological Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment to understand learning differences, ADHD, autism, or emotional concerns. Provides clear recommendations.
Explore ResourcesFamily Therapy
Work together as a family to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and support your child more effectively.
Explore ResourcesSchool-Based Support
Many schools offer counseling, IEPs, 504 plans, and other accommodations. Talk to your school counselor.
Explore ResourcesParent Coaching
Learn strategies to better support your child at home. Can be done individually or in parent groups.
Explore ResourcesTrusted Resources
Carefully selected resources to help you take the next step.
Child Mind Institute
OrganizationParents seeking expert guidance on child mental health
World-class resources from leading child psychologists.
Visit ResourcePsychology Today - Child Therapists
DirectoryFinding a therapist who works with young people
Filter by age group and specialty to find the right fit.
Visit ResourceChild Mind Institute
Nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Offers comprehensive guides and tools.
Best for
Parents seeking expert guidance on child mental health
Use if
You want to understand what your child is experiencing
World-class resources from leading child psychologists.
Psychology Today - Child Therapists
Search therapists who specialize in children and adolescents by location, specialty, insurance, and treatment approach.
Best for
Finding a therapist who works with young people
Use if
Your child needs professional support
Filter by age group and specialty to find the right fit.
CHADD (ADHD Support)
Leading resource for information, support, and advocacy for ADHD. Offers education for parents, educators, and adults with ADHD.
Best for
Families navigating ADHD diagnosis and treatment
Use if
You suspect or know your child has ADHD
Trusted information and community support.
National Federation of Families
Family-driven organization providing support and advocacy for children and youth with mental health challenges.
Best for
Parents seeking community and advocacy
Use if
You want to connect with other families
Peer support from parents who understand.
Understood.org
Comprehensive resource for parents of children with learning and thinking differences including ADHD, dyslexia, and more.
Best for
Parents of children with learning differences
Use if
Your child struggles with school or learning
Practical tools and expert-backed information.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Professional organization offering Facts for Families guides on a wide range of child and adolescent mental health topics.
Best for
Understanding specific conditions and treatments
Use if
You want reliable medical information
Expert guidance from leading child psychiatrists.
How to Think About Next Steps
Start with a conversation when
You are noticing early signs and want to understand your child better before seeking formal support
Individual therapy fits when
Your child needs a safe space to process emotions, build coping skills, or work through specific challenges
Evaluation is helpful when
You need clarity on what is going on — such as ADHD, learning differences, or autism — to guide the right support
Family therapy works well when
Challenges affect the whole family, communication is difficult, or parents want guidance on how to help at home
Consultation is valuable when
You are unsure where to start, want professional guidance on options, or need help navigating the system
What to Do Next
You have explored your options. Now choose the path that feels right for you.
Explore Resources
Browse curated tools, directories, and organizations vetted for quality.
Browse ResourcesYour privacy is protected. Information shared through this site is confidential.