Knowing When Your Child Might Need Therapy

Watching your child navigate emotions and behavior can be both rewarding and worrying. Some mood swings, defiance, or withdrawal are a normal part of growing up—but sometimes patterns emerge that start to interfere with your child’s happiness, relationships, or daily life. That’s when it’s natural to wonder if something more is going on.

You don’t need all the answers to support your child. Often, just noticing that something feels off is enough to take the next step. Maybe they’re more anxious, less motivated, or withdrawn from activities they usually enjoy. Perhaps conflicts at home have increased, sleep routines are harder, or their school performance is slipping. These observations are meaningful—they show you’re paying attention and caring enough to act.

Therapy can provide children and adolescents a safe, structured space to understand and process their feelings, learn coping strategies, and build resilience. It also offers parents guidance and tools to support their child through challenges.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Support

Children and teens often show distress in ways adults don’t expect. Behaviors that seem like mischief, laziness, or irritability may actually signal deeper emotional struggles.

Common indicators that your child might benefit from therapy include:

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings

• Excessive worry or panic-like symptoms

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities

• Difficulty focusing or declining academic performance

• Unexplained physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches

• Intense emotional outbursts or trouble regulating emotions

• Frequent conflict at home or school

• Statements of self-doubt or worthlessness

Therapy isn’t only for crisis situations—it can also help prevent small struggles from becoming bigger challenges.

What Therapy Can Do

Therapy looks different for every child. Younger children often benefit from play or creative approaches, while teens may prefer collaborative, discussion-based sessions. Regardless of approach, therapy provides a space to:

• Identify and understand emotions

• Learn healthy coping strategies

• Build confidence and self-expression

• Process stress, change, or trauma

• Strengthen communication with family

• Receive guidance for parents on supporting their child

Therapists often work with families to ensure progress translates to daily life, helping parents and caregivers stay connected and informed.

You’re Not Alone

Supporting a struggling child can feel overwhelming, and knowing the right next step isn’t always clear. Therapy offers a safe space for your child to be seen, heard, and supported—and for you to gain guidance and reassurance.

Noticing that your child might need help isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of care. Taking action early can make a meaningful difference in their emotional health and your family’s overall wellbeing.

We’re Here to Help

Dana Young
Child & Adolescent Director

Our Child & Adolescent Therapy program provides a safe, nurturing environment for children and teens to explore their feelings, develop resilience, and grow. Our team understands the emotional and developmental needs of young people and their families, and we’re here to help you navigate this stage with care, clarity, and support.

When you’re ready, reach out to us. We would be honored to support your child and your family.