Mental & Behavioral Health

Mental & Behavioral Health services offered in Joplin, MO

Great health encompasses your physical, emotional, and mental health, even during childhood. For those needing mental health support, the team at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri in Joplin, Missouri, is here to help. Booking a visit at the office takes just moments, whether you choose to connect online or over the phone.

What is mental health?

Mental health includes all aspects of your psychological, social, and emotional well-being. A child’s mental health impacts how they think, behave and feel.

Many believe that good mental health is defined as an absence of a mental disorder. In reality, everyone (including children) differs in the way they handle stress, anxiety, and sadness. Life has ups and downs, and some kids have a harder time than others navigating challenging times.

Having a trusted provider to turn to helps kids know they are not alone and gives them the tools they need to improve their resilience. Mental health services are highly personalized to meet each child’s unique needs.

What kinds of mental health issues do kids face?

Children can encounter many of the same mental health challenges as adults. Some of the mental health issues that bring families in for support include:

Depression
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Conduct disorder
Eating disorders
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Understanding that kids might need extra guidance or support to deal with mental health challenges is important for parents.

What are some signs my child might need mental health support?

Knowing what to look for can help parents know when to seek mental health support for their kids. Some of the indications there might be a problem include:

Persistent sadness or depressed mood
Outbursts or periods of extreme irritability
Withdrawing from social interactions
Problems with focusing or remaining on task
Changes in school performance
Sleeping more or less than usual
Eating more or less than usual

Fortunately, there are treatment options to help kids get through all of these challenges. The team at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri brings a wealth of experience in mental health to their practice. Once your child finds a provider they know and trust, personalized care plans strive to improve symptoms and reduce negative outcomes.

No one knows your child better than you. If you feel something is just not right, reach out to schedule a mental health assessment immediately. You can book your child’s visit online or by phone. Telehealth visits are also an option.