One of the best ways to evaluate an infant’s behavioral and mental health development is to pay attention to their attachment and early signs of emotional well-being. Look for signs of both anxious and avoidant attachment.
Minor Behavioral and Mental Health
At Rexburg Pediatrics, we recognize that behavioral and mental health are just as important as physical health. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to children of all ages who are learning, growing, and developing.
Monitoring your child’s behavioral and mental health throughout life, and seeking support when necessary, can greatly impact their chance at a happy and successful future.
Why Behavioral and Mental Healthcare Is Important for Kids
Most parents want their children to be happy, healthy, and well-behaved, but many fail to recognize how important mental healthcare is in order to achieve that outcome.
More often than not, poor behavior in minors is the result of mental health struggles. Because children are still developing emotionally, they don’t always have the tools they need to regulate themselves when negative thoughts or feelings arise. Consequently, they act out in ways that often seem irrational to adults.
Addressing your child’s underlying mental health concerns can help improve their behavior and overall wellness.
Benefits of Effective Behavioral and Mental Healthcare in Children
Having effective behavioral and mental healthcare options is imperative to your child’s future. Here are some of the specific ways in which minors can benefit from the kind of mental health support we provide at Rexburg Pediatrics:
Positive Cognitive and Emotional Development
Providing children with access to mental healthcare helps them gain essential tools and strategies to navigate their thoughts and emotions effectively. Therapeutic interventions can help children develop coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation techniques. Helping children learn to identify and express their feelings in healthy ways fosters greater self-awareness and resilience. Addressing mental health concerns early on can mitigate the risk of long-term psychological issues and enhance overall well-being.
Healthy Relationships
One significant benefit of mental healthcare in children is the cultivation of healthy relationships. By addressing mental health issues early on, children learn vital skills for building and maintaining positive connections with others. When children learn communication skills, empathy, and conflict-resolution techniques, they are better able to foster healthy relationships with peers, family members, and authority figures.
Greater Chance of Academic Success
Prioritizing mental healthcare in children plays a pivotal role in their academic success. By addressing underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or attention disorders, children can experience improved concentration and enhanced emotional regulation, which are essential for academic achievement. When children learn stress management techniques and problem-solving skills, they are able to navigate academic challenges more effectively.
Behavioral and Mental Health Across Ages
It is important to understand how cognitive function varies across different age groups so you can devise effective strategies for addressing and managing mental health concerns with your child’s healthcare provider.
As infants transition into toddlers, they typically start to express themselves and lean into their independence.
By preschool age, children are normally ready for structured environments and social interactions. They have the ability to empathize, follow directions, and express their needs.
When children reach school age, they typically become more inquisitive and less egocentric. They begin to develop a sense of right and wrong and should be able to participate in educational activities.
In many ways, the preteen era can be the most challenging in terms of behavioral and mental health in children. As kids navigate adolescence, they begin to understand identity and experience obstacles that require them to build strength and resilience.
Teenagers experience physical and hormonal changes that significantly impact their emotional well-being. They will need support as they try to build their independence, develop strong interpersonal relationships, and prepare for the rigorous demands of adulthood.
What Does a Mental Health Evaluation of a Child Entail?
Undergoing a mental health evaluation for your child at Rexburg Pediatrics is a pretty simple and straightforward process. It may involve one or more of the following steps, depending on the needs of your child:
- PHQ9 and GAD7 screenings to assess depression and anxiety levels
- A comprehensive assessment to evaluate a child's development
- Referrals (if necessary) to specialists for additional evaluation and treatment
Behavioral and Mental Health Conditions We Treat at Rexburg Pediatrics
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Learning disabilities
- ODD
- Trauma and stress-related disorders
What Are the Treatment Options for Your Child?
Choosing an appropriate treatment option for your child if they are struggling with mental health is important. Our treatment plans typically include one or more of these interventions:
- Dietary changes
- Educational support
- Medication
- Physical aids
- Therapy
Schedule an Appointment
Take the first step toward improving your child’s behavior and mental health by contacting Rexburg Pediatrics today. Our knowledgeable and supportive team will help you develop a personalized plan to ensure your child’s wellness.