Children's mental health
Is my child struggling?
Children often show distress through behavior before they can name it. Changes in sleep, mood, play, or school engagement can be early signals that something is going on underneath.
What it can feel like
Young children don't have the language to say 'I'm anxious' or 'I feel sad.' Instead, their bodies and behavior speak. A child who suddenly won't go to school, who complains of stomach aches before every event, or whose mood has shifted dramatically may be showing you something important.
Early support matters. It helps children develop emotional skills and prevents small problems from becoming larger ones. Parent-report screeners are a gentle place to start.
Common signs
- ·Regression — returning to earlier behaviors like bedwetting or thumb-sucking
- ·Frequent stomach aches or headaches with no clear medical cause
- ·Increased irritability, tantrums, or emotional outbursts
- ·Clinginess or difficulty separating from parents
- ·School refusal or sudden academic struggles
- ·Changes in play, appetite, or sleep
- ·Withdrawal from friends or activities
- ·Excessive worry or fearfulness
Start with a free self-check
The screeners below are the same ones used in clinics worldwide. They're free, private, and take a few minutes. Your results appear on screen immediately.
Children's mental health · Primary screener
Child Wellbeing Self-Test (Parent)
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire - parent-report for children aged 4-17. About 5 minutes.
What support for children looks like
I work with parents to understand what's driving a child's behavior and to build practical strategies that fit your family. For younger children, the work often happens through parent guidance and play-based approaches.
- ●Parent-report screeners to understand concerns clearly
- ●Parent guidance sessions to respond to behavior with confidence
- ●Age-appropriate strategies for anxiety, mood, and regulation
- ●Referrals to child specialists when direct therapy is needed
Common questions
Which self-test is right for my child?
The SDQ is a broad parent-report screener for emotional and behavioral difficulties in children. The SCARED parent version focuses specifically on anxiety. Both are free and take a few minutes.
Can a child really be depressed or anxious?
Yes. Children experience depression and anxiety, though it often looks different than it does in adults. Early signs can include irritability, physical complaints, regression, or withdrawal.
Is a high score a diagnosis?
No. These are screening tools, not diagnoses. A higher score means it's worth speaking with a child mental health professional for a fuller assessment.
Do you work directly with young children?
My main work with younger children is through parent guidance and consultation. If direct therapy is needed, I can refer you to trusted colleagues who specialize in play therapy and child counseling.