How to Know if Your Kid Needs a Child Psychologist?

Posted by Women’s Therapy Institute on January 21st, 2020

Bringing your kid to a child psychologist in Palo Alto, CA is not mandatory, but there are profound and life-long benefits to allowing your child to meet professionals who can further support their emotional, behavioral, mental, and social functioning. For some parents, counseling sessions are very important not only for their kids but also for them as they learn and better understand what their kids are going through at this stage.

So, how do you know if your kid should seek professional help from a child psychologist in Palo Alto, CA? Here are some signs:

1. Displaying behavioral issues at home, in school, and beyond

Children who are struggling with handling their negative emotions tend to display bad behaviors not only towards their parents but other people as well. Talking back at their teachers, fighting with classmates or siblings, and not listening to authority are some of the examples of behavioral issues that a child psychologist can help you address.

2. Sudden isolation from friends and other people

Does your child suddenly want to be left alone and no longer wants to be with you or their friends? While friendships and relationships change over time, sudden isolation can be a red flag. Once children start claiming that everyone hates them or that they are losers, it’s time for a one-on-one talk. And if the isolation persists, seek professional help.

3. Signs of regression

It is normal for kids to regress—or show loss of developmental accomplishments—when they experience a big change in their life such as the birth of a new sibling or the divorce of their parents. But what's not normal is regression that happens when there is no significant life-changing event. Signs include multiple incidences of passing urine without control, waking up multiple times a night (if your child used to sleep undisturbed), and excessive crying and clinginess. It may be time for professional intervention. 

4. Signs of self-harm

This is more common in teenagers. Still, you should watch out for signs of threats and self-harm in younger kids. Self-destructive behaviors like banging their heads, cutting, burning, picking of skin, are some of the red flags that indicate a need for a child or teen counseling in Palo Alto, CA.

About the Author:

Mabel Yiu is the founder of Women’s Therapy Institute. She started the practice with the goal of helping women and girls who are experiencing anxiety and depression, relationships issues, school and careers concerns.  Over time, she recruited clinicians who are also very passionate about this cause and can understand what the clients are going through—having gone through personal experiences with depression, anxiety, work stress, motherhood stress, and more. Mabel and her clinicians use their experiences to propel themselves up and to find solutions for other women in similar journeys. The team at Women’s Therapy Institute understands that women and girls are wired and raised differently than men, and therefore handle anxiety, depression, relationships, and career stress a little differently. For a free consultation, call (650) 337 – 0955 today!