Just like adults, children have “bad days”, moments of frustration, and a wide range of emotions. However parents may observe unusual behavioral changes in their child that are atypical behavior. Due to their close relationship parents are often the first to notice changes in a child’s behavior, mood, or cognition. If you have noticed a pattern of age inappropriate behaviors, persistent behavioral problems, unusual behavioral changes, and regressions it may be time to consult a child psychologist. What is a child psychologist and what can they do for you and your child?
Click here to learn more about child psychology, treatment options and how HPA/LiveWell can help.
What is a Child Psychologist?
A child psychologist is a doctoral-level therapist with specific knowledge and training for the delivery of clinical psychological services for infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. Child psychologists understand the needs of children and adolescents as well as the social contexts which influence brain development, behaviors, and health status.
According to the American Psychological Association the five essential skills of a child psychologist are:
- Assessment (Psychological, IQ and cognitive testing, behavioral evaluation)
- Intervention (Psychotherapy and behavior management)
- Consultation (Collaborative patient care with other providers)
- Development of prevention programs
- Design and implementation of research
Treatment Areas
Child psychologists treat a variety of disorders in children and adolescents, including the following:
- Emotional difficulties
- Anxiety disorder
- Mood disorders
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- Cognitive deficits
- Trauma and grief
- Stress
Child Psychology Treatment Approaches
When a child’s behavior begins to interfere with his or her cognitive, emotional, and social growth, parents may find it helpful to obtain a thorough assessment of their child by a Child Psychologist. After a diagnosis is determined the child psychologist will recommend a specific treatment plan. This may include psychotherapy and/or medication.
Psychotherapy sometimes referred to as “talk therapy” can help a child, as well as the parent, to develop new behavioral patterns. It is key that both the child and parent work with the child psychologist to learn new coping mechanisms for successful behavior modification. Depending upon the child’s diagnosis other care providers may become involved in the treatment process.
If you are looking to find a child psychologist in Albany, NY, call the HPA/LiveWell office in Albany at 518-218-1188. The HPA/LiveWell mental health staff can help create a unique treatment plan for your child.
