/assets/production/practices/0c226d604cb9936d9265d68db3ffe0560f91b819/images/2666045.jpg)
About 20% of American children are diagnosed with a mental health disorder every year. At Advanced Pediatrics, the pediatric mental health experts offer comprehensive neuropsychological testing and customized mental and behavioral health treatment in their child-friendly office in Vienna, Virginia. If your child is unhappy, stressed, or has unusual behaviors that concern you, the Advanced Pediatrics specialists can address your concerns and help you both have a better quality of life. Book an appointment online or call the office for compassionate mental health care today.
Mental Health Q & A
When does my child need a mental health evaluation?
If your child shows unusual symptoms that concern you, they might need a mental and behavioral health evaluation. Some of the reasons that parents most frequently bring their children to Advanced Pediatrics for evaluation include:
- Sadness persisting for weeks or longer
- Avoiding social activities and friends
- Personality changes
- Irritable or violent outbursts
- Disruptive behavior in school, the home, or public situations
- Eating habit changes
- Sleep pattern changes
- Frequent physical issues like headaches or stomachaches
- Declining grades in school
- Difficulty focusing in school or on chores or tasks at home
- Preoccupation with death
- Talk of ending their life
Mental health and behavioral disorders vary quite widely, so your child may exhibit other unusual symptoms. An evaluation can help find the reason behind your child’s changes so their caring providers can customize a treatment plan.
How are mental health disorders diagnosed?
Advanced Pediatrics utilizes a variety of methods to help narrow down a diagnosis, including but not limited to; standardized screening measures, history recall, data gathering, as well as pediatric neuropsychological testing in their Vienna office. Neuropsychological testing entails a group of evaluations that gauge your child’s neurological and psychological health and wellness.
The testing is completely painless, and children may find some parts of the process fun. Tests like paper-and-pencil work, computer tasks, and puzzles all help to assess your child’s memory, learning style, mood state, personality, and general function.
Neuropsychological testing is an important part of the diagnostic process for children with depression, clinical anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and many other mental and behavioral disorders.
Your child may also need a physical exam, medical history review, and possibly testing to rule out other health problems.
How are mental health disorders treated in children?
If your child has a mental or behavioral disorder, treatment can help them feel happier, improve relationships, focus better, be more productive, and cope with challenges more effectively.
Advanced Pediatrics offers a range of integrative treatments for children struggling with mental and behavioral disorders, including psychotherapy, medication, parent education, and ongoing family support. Your child’s providers can adjust their treatment plan as needed.
The practice also offers virtual parenting classes to help parents learn about and better cope with their child’s mental health needs.
Mental Health services are exclusive to Primary Care Patients of Advanced Pediatrics and all patients must have a well-child visit at our clinic prior to utilizing our Mental Health Services.
Your child’s mental and physical health are closely intertwined, so both are number-one priorities at Advanced Pediatrics. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health or behavior, call the Vienna, Virginia, office or click the online scheduling feature for caring support now.