Where To Find Help For Your Child Parents are often concerned about their childs emotional health or behavior but they dont know where to start to get help. The mental health system can sometimes be complicated and difficult for parents to understand. A childs emotional distress often causes disruption to both the parents and the childs world. Parents may have difficulty being objective. They may blame themselves or worry that others such as teachers or family members will blame them. If you are worried about your childs emotions or behavior, you can start by talking to friends, family members, your spiritual counselor, your childs school counselor, or your childs pediatrician or family physician about your concerns. If you think your child needs help, you should get as much information as possible about where to find help for your child. Parents should be cautious about using Yellow Pages phone directories as their only source of information and referral. Other sources of information include: Employee Assistance Program through your employer Local medical society, local psychiatric society Local mental health association County mental health department Local hospitals or medical centers with psychiatric services Department of Psychiatry in nearby medical school National Advocacy Organizations (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Federation of Families for Childrens Mental Health, National Mental Health Association) National professional organizations (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association) The variety of mental health practitioners can be confusing. There are: psychiatrists A psychiatrist is a physician, a medical doctor, whose education includes a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) and at least four additional years of study and training. Psychiatrists are licensed by the states as physicians. Psychiatrists who pass the national examination administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology become board certified in psychiatry. Psychiatrists provide medical/psychiatric evaluation and treatment for emotional and behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. As physicians, psychiatrists can prescribe and monitor medications. , psychologists, Some psychologists possess a masters degree (M.S.) in psychology while others have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D, or Ed.D) in clinical, educational, counseling, developmental or research psychology. Psychologists are licensed by most states. Psychologists can also provide psychological evaluation and treatment for emotional and behavioral problems and disorders. Psychologists can also provide psychological testing and assessments. psychiatric social workers, Some social workers have a bachelors degree (B.A., B.S.W., or B.S.), however most social workers have earned a masters degree (M.S. or M.S.W.). In most states social workers can take an examination to be licensed as clinical social workers. Social workers provide different forms of psychotherapy. psychiatric nurses, counselors, pastoral counselors and people who call themselves therapists. Few states regulate the practice of psychotherapy, so almost anyone can call herself or himself a “psychotherapist” or a “therapist.” Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) who is a fully trained psychiatrist and who has two additional years of advanced training beyond general psychiatry with children, adolescents and families. Child and adolescent psychiatrists who pass the national examination administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology become board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry. Child and adolescent psychiatrists provide medical/psychiatric evaluation and a full range of treatment interventions for emotional and behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. As physicians, child and adolescent psychiatrists can prescribe and monitor medications. Parents should try to find a mental health professional who has advanced training and experience with the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, and families. Parents should always ask about the professionals training and experience. However, it is also very important to find a comfortable match between your child, your family, and the mental health professional.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:19:29 +0000
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