Therapy for Childhood Depression, Anxiety & Behavioral Problems

All children experience worry and sadness from time to time. However, if your child is irritable and sad or cries for no apparent reason, or consistently prefers to be alone rather than with others, it’s time to get help.

360 Pediatric Psychology provides referrals to evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy for depression and anxiety. Both of these therapies can be effective in treating common symptoms and underlying causes of depression and anxiety.

Depression is so common that by the time children reach adulthood 1 in 10 will have experienced some level of anxiety/depression. Research suggests that anxiety/depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. The following situations or conditions may trigger or contribute to depression:

What Causes Anxiety/Depression?

Family history of anxiety/depression

Loss of a loved one

Family turmoil

Medical conditions in self or family members (e.g. cancer, chronic pain)

Abuse, neglect

ADHD

Autism

Struggling in school (e.g., failing a class)

Common Signs of Anxiety/Depression

Irritability

Excessive worry

Avoidance of situations or places

Fatigue/unusual tiredness

Excessive tantrums

Withdrawal

Problems sleeping

Increase or decrease in appetite

Frequent crying and sadness

Talk of wanting to hurt one’s self or wishing to “be gone”

Treatment for Depression

As a parent, seeking help for depression in your child can be tough, even guilt-provoking. Many times parents wonder if they have done something wrong to cause sadness in their child. While family stress can be a part of childhood depression, one of the most powerful tools in treating depression is getting involved and spending quality 1:1 time with your child. Getting out to experience pleasurable activities, staying active, eating well and getting enough sleep are all great ways to combat depression. Listening to your child and helping them to express their feelings as well as talking about your own occasional sadness can help normalize your child’s feelings. Our team of psychologists will work with you and your child to help alleviate symptoms in your child and provide coping skills that will last a lifetime.

Treatment for Anxiety

Approximately 1 in 8 children suffer from anxiety. Untreated anxiety in children and adolescents puts them at greater risk of poor school performance and missing out on important life experiences as well as the risk of engaging in substance abuse or other risky decisions later in life. At 360 Pediatric Psychology, we implement evidence-based treatments that help children understand, manage, and confront their fears and worries. We provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) services, which includes development of coping skills and relaxation techniques that are part of an evidence-based, gold-standard approach to treating anxiety disorders in children and teens, allowing them to live fun and productive lives.

Treatment for Behavioral Problems

All children have behavioral problems such as defiance and tantrums from time to time – it’s part of being a child! However, when your child’s behavior is getting in the way of family relationships, learning, or making friends, it’s time to seek the advice of a pediatric psychologist.

We treat a broad range of behavior disorders in typically developing children and teens while collaborating with your child’s pediatrician and/or medical specialists to help rule out possible medical causes. By incorporating evidence-based techniques and treatment, families are able to experience relief and learn coping strategies quickly.

Helping Your Child Thrive

At 360 Pediatric Psychology, we can help determine whether or not your child is depressed and will benefit from psychotherapy. We also work closely with psychiatrists, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners to determine if a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. We believe in helping our patients overcome depression that may limit their ability to control behavior, emotions, sleep, eat, study, enjoy activities, and have meaningful relationships. For more information about our evaluation and referral services, please call (503) 636-0508.