Should Your Child Be In Therapy?

As a parent, you want what's best for your child. That includes their mental health. But how do you know if your child might need therapy?

There are many signs that your child might benefit from therapy. Here are a few:

• They have experienced a significant change in their mood. If your child has become withdrawn, fearful, or moody, this might indicate that they are having a hard time and could benefit from talking to a therapist.
• Their behavior has changed. Has your child started getting into trouble at school, or have their grades shifted suddenly? This can be a red flag that they are struggling. Instead of punishing them for a change in behavior, help them explore what the cause might be.
• They have experienced a stressful or traumatic event. Trauma is relative, and different things impact people differently. If your child has experienced something stressful or traumatic, they may benefit from processing it with a professional. Examples of traumatic events include childhood abuse, experiencing or witnessing domestic violence, bullying, and the death of a loved one.
• They have engaged in self-harm behavior. A person might engage in non-suicidal self-injury when their mental health is suffering. A therapist can help your child identify the underlying causes of this behavior and help them find more appropriate coping skills.
• They have expressed suicidal ideation. Though it can be distressing to think about, even children as young as four to six can experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A mental health professional can help implement a safety plan and treat any mental health issues contributing to their suicidal ideation.

If you think your child might need therapy, there are a few things you can do:

• Talk to your child's doctor. Your child's doctor can help you assess whether or not your child needs therapy and can recommend a therapist who specializes in working with children.
• Do your research. There are many different types of therapy, so it's important to find one that is a good fit for your child. Talk to other parents, read online reviews, and interview therapists before making a decision.
• Be supportive. When your child is in therapy, it's important to be supportive and encouraging. Let them know that you are there for them and that you believe in them.

Therapy can be a helpful tool for children who are struggling with mental health issues. If you think your child might need therapy, don't hesitate to seek help.

Do You Need Therapy, Too?

Although they do not always show it, children are very in tune with the emotions of the adults around them. Often, a child will engage in acting out behaviors in response to things they have experienced or even unspoken feelings they pick up on from their parents. Stressors that impact your child’s mental health may likely be affecting you as well.

Many mental health issues have a genetic component, and so if your child meets criteria for a diagnosis, it is possible that you are predisposed to something similar. Furthermore, parenting a child who is dealing with mental health issues can be stressful, and you deserve support for your own stress.

Because mental health stigma is pervasive, many adults are hesitant to seek therapy for their own issues. It is OK to get support and attend your own therapy. This can not only help you get the care that you need and deserve, but it normalizes getting mental health treatment. You can model for your child that it is OK to ask for help, and struggling with their mental health does not make them bad.

Getting your own therapy can help you change how you approach parenting and how you interact with your child, breaking maladaptive or unhealthy patterns. If appropriate, you and your child can attend family therapy together to work on your relationship.

Get Help Now

If you think your child might need therapy, don't hesitate to seek help. Talk to your child's doctor or do your own research to find a therapist who specializes in working with children. With the right support, your child can overcome their challenges and thrive.

A Word From Verywell

If a child needs therapy, it does not mean you are a bad parent. Sometimes, the best and most supportive thing you can do is seek support for your child or yourself.