Behavioral Health Specialist

What is behavioral health?

Behavioral health concerns the problems with various behaviors that children can experience. These behaviors might range from low mood or angry outbursts to difficulties concentrating and other issues at school. 

Without help, these behavioral health problems can worsen. Children can be suspended or excluded from school, find it difficult to fit into their family life, and struggle to achieve their potential. Some become involved in unsafe and illegal activities.

However, with expert care from Newton Pediatrics, a child with behavioral health problems can overcome their difficulties and get the help they need to flourish.

What causes behavioral health problems?

There are many possible reasons for children to develop behavioral health problems. The main reasons are:

Developmental disorders

Developmental disorders like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are a frequent cause of behavioral health problems. Children with ADHD can have numerous issues that mean their behavior is often challenging and disruptive. Autism can also trigger antisocial or inappropriate behaviors.

Mental health disorders

Conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder can cause children and adolescents to behave out of character. They can also develop problems like eating disorders that affect their behavior.

Substance abuse

Children and adolescents can experience behavioral health problems due to experimenting with alcohol, drugs, or other dangerous substances. These substances can interfere with a child’s brain chemistry, causing shifts in their behavior. If they become addicted, they may turn to crime to fund their habit.

Bullying

Bullying and peer pressure can cause children numerous problems, from low self-esteem to engaging in reckless behaviors in an attempt to fit in.

How are behavioral health problems treated?

Behavioral health issues require an individual approach coupled with an understanding of the pressures children and adolescents face and expertise in child psychology. For example, children may not behave the same way that adults do when experiencing depression and anxiety. 

Symptoms of mental health problems like these, the effects of bullying, and conditions such as ADHD and other behavioral disorders are often quite similar. Newton Pediatrics uses comprehensive screening tools to diagnose the root cause of your child’s behavioral health problem and determine the appropriate treatment. 

The behavioral health specialists provide a range of services, including:

• Anxiety evaluation and counseling
• Autism screening
• Behavioral advice
• Bipolar disorder evaluation
• Bullying prevention and advocacy
• Child-rearing support
• Depression screening and therapy
• Discussion of normal developmental stages
• Asperger’s syndrome screening
• Evaluation and management of ADHD

Newton Pediatrics has an independently licensed social worker to serve all of your child’s behavioral health needs. Where necessary, they can provide guidance in matching your child and family with the right behavioral health provider

Who are our partners?

As part of your medical home, we partner with Boston Children Hospital and The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) to assist us in helping children with mental/behavior problems and substance abuse. Our partners enables us to increase access to behavior health services.

To find out how Newton Pediatrics can help with your child’s call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

Resources:

https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/mental-health-initiatives/

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/default.aspx?_ga=2.24074617.271819095.1666210226-1901321371.1666210225&_gl=1*tkb01r*_ga*MTkwMTMyMTM3MS4xNjY2MjEwMjI1*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTY2NjIxMDIyNS4xLjAuMTY2NjIxMDIyNS4wLjAuMA..