Behavioral Health

What is behavioral health? 

Pediatric behavioral health is a field of medicine that focuses on a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Behavioral health services seek to support their social, physical, intellectual, and developmental growth as they navigate school, relationships, physical changes, and life stages. 

The AAA Pediatrics team offers comprehensive support for children with a wide range of emotional and mental struggles, including:

• Childhood anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders 
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Addictions
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  
  

Pediatric behavioral health is family-focused, involving and equipping each member of the family to support and empower your child as they learn to cope with their mental and emotional struggles. 

Why does my child need behavioral health support?

Your child may benefit from behavioral health support if they:

• Have a sudden decline in grades
• Have sudden disinterest in school or activities 
• Have sudden appetite or sleep changes
• Have suicidal thoughts
• Have significant trouble focusing 
• Have experienced an emotional trauma
• Have unhealthy eating habits or body image
• Exhibit hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors
• Experience frequent feelings of sadness, worry or fear
• Show aggression towards others
• Participate in self-destructive behaviors
• Spend an unusual amount of time alone
• Tortures or kills animals
  
  

If you feel for any reason that your child may need behavioral health support, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. AAA Pediatrics specializes in the behavioral health for adolescents and teens and can offer expert assessment and personalized treatment plans that benefit their mental and emotional health and wellness.  

What do behavioral health treatment plans entail? 

Your child’s behavioral health specialist develops a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Medications
• Behavioral therapy 
• Family or group therapy 
• Nutritional support
• Coping strategies
• Activity or exercise plan 
• Stress management techniques
   

Your pediatrician may also work closely with your child’s school or recommend a consultation with another specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a different type of therapist. The team at AAA Pediatrics strives to give you all the tools you need to support and protect your child’s mental and emotional health.  

For a comprehensive assessment and behavioral health treatment plan, call or schedule an appointment online with AAA Pediatrics today.