When your child is unhappy or unsettled — they’re struggling at school or in social situations — you want to make it better. Just like you, we do, too. The Tower Health pediatric behavioral health team offers expert, kid- and teen-friendly care for a variety of mental health conditions that affect children, including:

  • Addiction and substance-use disorders
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
  • Anger and aggressive behavior (such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder) 
  • Anxiety 
  • Autism 
  • Behavior disorders, including impulsive behaviors 
  • Depression
  • Delayed development
  • Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating 
  • Grief and loss
  • Learning problems
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Panic disorders and phobias
  • Suicidal thoughts

It’s comforting to know you have experts nearby you can count on. Your child works with specialists who work exclusively with kids and young adults, using a variety of fun, kid-friendly approaches to get the most from therapy.

Outpatient Counseling for Kids and Teens

Our pediatric specialists know how to put children and teens at ease. That’s important because it lets kids feel comfortable and secure sharing their thoughts and feelings. We help them gain self-esteem and coping skills to overcome challenges and enhance their emotional well-being.

Depending on your child’s needs, they may work with a licensed counselor or psychologist — who focus on psychotherapy (talk therapy) — or a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained in treating a full range of mental health conditions using medicines, advanced therapies, and psychotherapy.

We offer a variety of outpatient counseling services just for kids, including:

  • Evaluation and assessment. We gather information about your child’s background, symptoms, feelings, and behaviors. We also use kid-friendly medical and psychological tests to get a clear picture of their overall health and well-being.
  • Individualized treatment planning. We design your child’s treatment based on their needs, using the latest, proven therapies and approaches. They get individual attention and personalized support.
  • Therapy and counseling. Our team specializes in a wide range of age-appropriate therapies for kids and teens — from psychotherapy and family therapy to specialized treatments for substance abuse or eating disorders.
  • Recreational therapy. We use games, arts and crafts, music, dance, movement, and other fun, creative activities to engage kids and support their treatment.
  • Psychiatric medicines. Your pediatric psychiatrist may recommend medicine as part of your child’s treatment. We will discuss all your options and help you decide what’s right for your child.

When to Seek Help

How can you tell if your child’s behavior or mood is simply a phase? As a general guide, you should consider seeing a pediatric specialist if your child’s behavior:

  • Lasts a few weeks or longer
  • Is distressing for them or your family
  • Interferes with their conduct at home or school or affects their relationships with friends or peers

If your child’s behavior is unsafe or they talk about hurting themselves or someone else, get help right away.