AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH

Child and adolescent psychotherapy at Andersonville Behavioral Health is always focused on helping young persons to navigate their way through important developmental periods. Therapeutic tasks often involve helping the youth to relate better to family and peers, improve academic performance, regulate behavior more effectively, become more aware of emotions, understand personal motivations and goals, manage stress and anxiety, and improve overall day-to-day functioning. Fifty percent of youths respond positively and demonstrate significant change after 20 to 24 sessions of psychotherapy, while 75% respond after approximately 50 sessions. Our clinicians will work diligently and collaboratively with you and your child or teen to approach the issues at hand in a manner that is best given the unique needs of your family.

TACKLING MANY ISSUES

Any number of issues can bring children and teens into psychotherapy including depression, mood swings, fears, anxiety, temper tantrums, aggressiveness, academic problems, inattentiveness, eating problems, family discord, trauma, and sometimes substance abuse.

Working with children and teens always involves meeting family members to begin to create a detailed understanding of the context and origin of the problems, as well as to understand the strengths and assets of the youth. As with adults, conducting a comprehensive clinical assessment is essential prior to constructing a treatment plan so that the most effective approach can be employed.

Depending on age, psychotherapy with youth may employ exploratory dialogue, role-playing, learning new behaviors, family consultation, expressive arts, and/or therapeutic play.

ISSUES WE TACKLE

At Andersonville Behavioral Health, our clinicians target the specific developmental needs of youths, which may include:

• Peer Relations
• School Performance
• Sibling Issues
• Disruptive Behavior
• Sadness and Fear
• Puberty
• Trauma
• Developmental Transitions

PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR CHILDREN

Counseling for children typically involves teaching new coping strategies, using both play and verbal approaches to understanding the unique psychology of the child, and providing a safe space so that young people can talk about their concerns openly.

PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR TEENS

Our clinicians help teens manage the ever-increasing responsibilities associated with growing up. Our specialists discuss healthy separation from their parents, dating and sexuality, peer pressure, and planning for life after high school, which often includes preparation for college and work.