My Child is Struggling, Now What? What To Do Next From Clarity Child Guidance Center.

OneinFiveClarity Child Guidance Center (CGC) provides care for 8,000 children each year.  Hundreds more are evaluated for services.  Sometimes during an evaluation, a parent is told that their child is exhibiting normal behavior, even if it is frustrating and sometimes exhausting!  Or, a family may be referred to another organization for services. As a United Way agency, Clarity CGC can refer families to the best resource within the network of care.  

But how do you know if you need help for your child?  Well, after talking to many parents and caregivers over the years, we know that many had a sense their child was struggling with a mental, emotional or behavioral issue.  Much like you would take a child to a pediatrician if you think they have an ear infection, recognizing signs and then making an appointment to visit a mental health professional with your child is of equal importance.  

While only a professional consultation can give you the best advice for your child and family, here are some general warning signs to be aware of:

  • Behavior changes, and for the worse!  They may be unusually sad, angry, anxious, fearful and/or constantly disruptive.
  • Difficulties at home spill over into other areas of a child’s life – at school before the break, summer camp, church, a sporting event or daycare. 
  • Eating and sleeping habits may change.
  • Friendships change and/or are strained.
  • Potential use of drugs or alcohol, as children who have untreated mental illness often self-medicate.
  • Verbal or physical expressions of wanting to harm themselves (parents and caregivers should always take these seriously).  
  • For a more comprehensive listing of warning signs, visit http://www.claritycgc.org/warning-signs

If your child is displaying any of the warning signs listed, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.  Your pediatrician or family doctor can help guide you in the proper direction. Don’t let anything stand in the way of your child’s healthy future.  For a full listing of resources available in our community, visit http://www.1in5minds.org/find-help/resources.  

Clarity Child Guidance Center is one of several local resources that provide mental health services for children. Do your homework to determine the best fit for your child’s needs.  You can call Clarity CGC at 582-6412 for information about their services.  The first call to Clarity initiates the evaluation process – it’s free and eases a parent or caregiver’s concerns.  Their team of licensed, Master’s level clinicians can listen to you and discuss the symptoms over the phone.  From there, they will guide the discussion to determine if you should come to the Clarity Child Guidance Center campus for an onsite evaluation.  If you and your child are asked to be assessed in person, you’ll meet with an intake specialist to discuss insurance.  Clarity CGC does not turn a family away due to an inability to pay for services, and they offer sliding scale payment options for families who qualify.  Your visit will also include a meeting with a child and adolescent psychiatrist.  Unlike local ERs where you may wait for up to 12-14 hours for a psychiatric emergency, Clarity CGC’s process is designed to have all the steps (including the doctor’s evaluation) completed within a few hours, if your child needs hospitalization.

However, many find that after talking on the phone with their licensed, Master’s level intake clinicians that they either a) don’t need services or b) need the services of another organization they can refer you to, or c) may need an outpatient therapy appointment or day treatment instead of hospitalization.  

It’s important to note, that during this time, you and your child are likely upset and concerned.  Telling your child that he/she is getting a check-up, just like you would for a broken arm may be a helpful way to help your child understand that mental health is just like physical health.  Further, let your child know they’re not alone!  One in five children need assistance with a mental, emotional or behavioral issue. That’s why the 1in5 Minds campaign was created.  Visit the website, and follow 1in5 Minds on Facebook or Twitter.  You can take action on www.1in5minds.organd be an important part of the solution – reducing stigma and increasing access to care.  You can also learn about support groups through the local chapter of the National Association of Mental Illness.  Check out their informative site at www.nami-sat.org.  Start the conversation about mental illness – after all, it may be a child you love that needs help.  Every child deserves the opportunity for a healed mind and heart.  

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Brooke
Brooke graduated high school from right here in San Antonio. After twelve years of living everywhere from Colorado to Greece, London to Atlanta, she and her husband have made San Antonio home and have become parents to their daughter and son. Brooke loves finding undiscovered activities around the city and dragging her kids along! She is a runner, an amateur cook that loves trying out San Antonio’s growing culinary scene and is actively involved in non-profit organizations in San Antonio.