How to Know If Your Child Might Benefit from Therapy
It’s hard to know when to worry about your child. Some moodiness, defiance, or withdrawal can be part of typical development. But when your child starts to seem stuck in patterns that are interfering with their happiness, relationships, or everyday functioning, it’s natural to wonder if something more is going on.
As a parent or caregiver, you don’t have to have all the answers. You may not be able to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong, but you can sense when something feels off. Maybe your child has become more irritable, more anxious, or less engaged in the things they used to enjoy. Maybe the outbursts are more frequent, the bedtime routines are harder, or they’ve started saying things that concern you.
You’re not overreacting for noticing. You’re paying attention. And getting curious about your child’s mental health is one of the most caring things you can do.
Therapy can offer a safe space for children and adolescents to process what they’re feeling, build emotional resilience, and learn healthy coping strategies. It also gives parents support and insight into how to best help their child through what they’re going through.
Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling
Children don’t always express emotional distress the way adults do. What might seem like defiance, laziness, or moodiness can often be a sign that something deeper is going on.
Some common signs that your child might benefit from therapy include:
Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
Excessive worry, fears, or panic-like symptoms
Changes in sleep or appetite
Withdrawing from friends or family
Difficulty focusing at school or declining academic performance
Unexplained physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
Big emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating emotions
Increased conflict at home or school
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Self-criticism or statements of worthlessness
You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Therapy can be preventative as much as it is responsive.
What Therapy Can Offer
Child and adolescent therapy looks different depending on your child’s age, personality, and needs. Some kids work well through play. Others thrive in creative or expressive therapies. Teens may need a more collaborative, insight-driven approach. No matter the style, therapy provides space for:
Naming and exploring big emotions
Building healthy emotional and behavioral coping tools
Strengthening communication and self-expression
Processing stress, loss, trauma, or change
Supporting identity development and confidence
Helping parents and caregivers understand what their child needs
Therapists also collaborate with families to make sure that what happens in the therapy room is useful in real life. You won’t be left out of the process.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
It’s hard to watch your child struggle. It’s even harder to know how to help when nothing seems to be working. Therapy offers a supportive place for kids to feel heard and understood, and for parents to feel less alone in navigating the challenges that come with growing up.
If you’re wondering whether your child needs therapy, trust that instinct. It’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign of care.
We Are Here For You
Wynne Whitley
Child & Adolescent Director
If your child or teen is struggling, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our Child & Adolescent Therapy program offers a safe and supportive space for young people to express themselves, build resilience, and grow. Our team includes specialists who understand the emotional and developmental needs of children, teens, and families, and we’re here to help you navigate this season with care and clarity.
When you’re ready, reach out to us. We’d be honored to support your child and your family.
