When to Seek Mental Health Support for Your Child or Teen
- Liz Nissim-Matheis, Ph.D.
- Nov 5, 2025
- 3 min read
A guide for parents on seeking mental health support for their children.
Knowing when to seek help can be key to preventing long-term struggles for both your child and yourself.
Mental health support is a tool for growth, not just crisis.
Parental well-being matters, too.
As a parent, it’s natural to focus your energy on your child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. But when your child has learning differences, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or other challenges, your role becomes even more demanding. You may begin to notice shifts in your child’s behavior, mood, or ability to function and wonder if it's time to seek mental health support.
Whether your child has a diagnosed disability or you're still in the process of figuring things out, knowing when to reach out for help can be the key to preventing long-term struggles for both your child and you.
Below are some important signs that it might be time to seek therapy for your child, coaching for yourself, or both.
Your Child Is Struggling Emotionally or Behaviorally
Children often show distress in ways that don’t look like typical sadness or anxiety. Look for:
Frequent meltdowns or tearful responses to schoolwork
Withdrawal from friends or activities that were once fun
Persistent worries, fears, or physical complaints (e.g., stomachaches, headaches)
Irritability, anger, or impulsivity that seems out of proportion
Avoidance of school or learning-related tasks
These may indicate underlying anxiety, depression, ADHD, or a combination of concerns.
You’re Seeing a Pattern Across Settings
It’s normal for kids to have bad days. But if you’re noticing the same emotional, behavioral, or learning challenges:
At school and at home
Across subjects or activities
Over weeks or months
…it may be time for a deeper evaluation by a child psychologist or licensed therapist.
Your Child Has a Hard Time Focusing, Remembering, or Following Through
Many children with ADHD or learning differences struggle with:
Short attention spans
Difficulty following multistep directions
Poor memory and recall
Trouble organizing thoughts or completing tasks
If these patterns persist despite your best efforts, professional support can help uncover what’s underneath—and what strategies may help.
School Is Becoming a Source of Stress or Conflict
Is homework time filled with tension? Are school days emotionally exhausting for your child or for you? Signs it’s time to seek help:
Frequent tears, shutdowns, or outbursts
A refusal to go to school
A drop in grades or motivation
Emotional exhaustion at the end of the school day
Therapy and parent coaching can support both your child and your parenting strategies.
You, the Parent, Are Running on Empty
When you’re caring for a child with additional needs, your own mental and emotional health can take a hit. Ask yourself:
Are you constantly exhausted, even after rest?
Do you feel irritable, unmotivated, or sad most days?
Are you losing interest in friendships or hobbies?
Are your eating or sleeping habits off track?
If your emotional tank is empty, it becomes harder to support your child. Parent support groups, individual therapy, and coaching can give you tools and a safe space to regroup.
Support Isn’t Just for Crisis—It’s for Growth
Mental health support isn’t just for when things are falling apart. Therapy can help children:
Build confidence and resilience
Develop coping skills
Understand and manage big emotions
Learn strategies for focus, organization, and problem-solving
It can also help parents:
Learn how to support without over-accommodating
Gain services and supports for their child in school
Set boundaries to decrease stress at home
Engage in needed self-care
Next Steps: How to Get Support
If you’ve recognized signs in your child or in yourself:
Start with your pediatrician or school counselor. They can refer you to child psychologists, licensed therapists, or parent coaches.
Consider a psycho-educational evaluation. If learning differences or ADHD are suspected, this can offer clarity and direction.
Explore therapy options. Look for licensed professionals with experience in child development, learning challenges, and family dynamics.
Join a parent support group. Sharing your journey with others can help you feel less alone and more empowered.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Parenting a child with extra needs is rewarding, but it’s also demanding. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you care deeply about getting the right support for your family.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let this be your reminder: Support is available, and healing is possible. Whether it’s for your child, for yourself, or for both of you—you deserve care, too.
