Child Psychologist NYC: What Should Parents Do If They Need Help for Their Child?

Parenting is not always about the correct approach and steps. Some days your child will be joyful and self-assured, but some days your kid will be frustrated, quiet, worried, or overwhelmed. This is normal during the process of growing up.

But what about the days when your child gets upset more often?

If your child no longer enjoys their hobbies, performs badly at school, doesn’t want to be around their peers, has an unusual mood of irritability, and appears to be anxious all the time, this might indicate that things become too complicated for your child.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that something bad is happening. This just means that your child would appreciate it if he had someone who knew how to properly assess the situation.

For those families trying to find a Child Psychologist NYC, the most common question is simple: When do I need to take action?

When Should a Child See a Psychologist?

There is no one behavior that indicates that a child needs psychological assistance.

Children mature at various stages of development, and sometimes a certain level of temporary change in emotions and behavior can occur due to relocation, school transition, problems with family, friends, health problems, or any other stressors.

It is more important to find out whether the issue persists, is severe, and interferes with daily life.

Parents might be encouraged to seek professional advice in cases when the child experiences:

• Continual anxiety or excessive worrying

• Regular temper tantrums

• Continual depression or irritability

• Problems with concentration

• Change in school performance

• School refusal or withdrawal

• Trouble making or maintaining friends

• Significant change in sleep or eating patterns

• Unexplained physical symptoms

• Inability to cope with frustrations or emotions

• Changes in behavior which are unusual for the child

A psychologist will be able to determine whether the problem is a sign of temporary adaptation, developmental issues, emotional or learning problem, or requires further investigation.

Is My Child's Behavior Normal or a Sign of Something More?

This is perhaps the most frequent question raised by parents.

Children have weeks where they have poor performance in class. Teenagers may go through mood swings. Young children may throw tantrums due to exhaustion.

Such instances may not necessarily point to mental illness on their own.

It is rather a pattern that needs more consideration.

For instance, feeling nervous about a test is one thing while being frequently nervous to the extent of avoiding classes is something else. Occasional forgetfulness of doing homework is one issue while consistent inability to pay attention and stay organized is anoth

The CDC says that whenever there are concerns regarding the behavior and developmental issues of a child, discussing it with a healthcare provider helps determine whether an assessment should be done.

What If My Child Is Struggling in School?

Problems at school might be the initial reason why parents look for a Child Psychologist in NYC.

One child might understand what he/she is being taught; however, he/she might have trouble organizing assignments. Other children might have trouble comprehending instructions, yet be able to read. There might be children who seem to be preoccupied due to problems either in school or at home.

The reasons for academic troubles may vary widely.

There may be a combination of issues related to attention span, learning problems, anxiety, emotions, developmental issues, sleep, etc.

This means that saying that a child should try harder may not fix his/her problems.

It may help to conduct a psychological or neuropsychological assessment

.When Is Neuropsychological Testing Worth Considering?

If the problems relate to learning, attention, memory, processing, executive functioning, or academic achievement, parents will probably hear the phrase neuropsychological evaluation.

A neuropsychological evaluation is an analysis of how the various components of cognitive functioning work together. Testing can focus on certain areas depending on the reason for the referral, and may include attention, memory, language, reasoning, academics, and executive functioning.

According to the American Psychological Association, neuropsychology is a specialty field addressing the relationship between brain functioning and behavior, including assessment.

As stated on the Center for Cognitive Growth website, psychological testing is a personalized process that takes into account not only one problem but emotional, behavioral, learning, and cognitive problems as well.

What Does a Child Psychologist Actually Do?

A child psychologist is not limited to talking to the child.

Depending on the issue, the process could include:

Listening: Understanding the experiences of the child and the family.

Assessment: Examining any issues in terms of emotions, behavior, development, or cognition.

Context: Examining the situation both at home, at school, and socially.

Collaboration: Collaboration where appropriate with parents, teachers, pediatricians, or other professionals.

Treatment planning: Formulating methods for addressing the child's needs.

For children, the process is not just one of labeling the problem. The objective is to understand the child well enough to know what form of intervention might be required

.What About Anxiety?

Kids don't necessarily state, "I'm worried."

Some manifestations of anxiety include but are not limited to withdrawal, irritability, trouble sleeping, difficulty focusing, seeking assurance, stomach aches, headaches, and unwillingness to engage in activity.

According to NYC Health, constant worry can prevent kids from functioning in school, relationships, and at home.

Should a kid's day start being dictated by worry, consultation with an expert might be necessary.

Could ADHD Be Part of the Picture?

Problems with attention may also make parents look for a Child Psychologist NYC.

But having trouble concentrating does not always indicate an ADHD NYC

According to the CDC, the process of diagnosing ADHD requires several steps, and anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, and specific learning difficulties may lead to the appearance of similar symptoms. It is often necessary to take into account the information provided by parents, teachers, and other adults familiar with the child.

This is the reason why a comprehensive examination is sometimes more telling than just looking at one symptom.

How Dr. Andrew Lima Approaches Child Psychology

At Center for Cognitive Growth, Dr. Andrew Lima, PsyD is listed as a licensed child and adolescent psychologist and a licensed health psychologist. The information provided by him indicates specialization in neuropsychological assessment, qEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback, and psychological treatment for such problems as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, and stress-related issues.

This approach combines psychological therapy with a more holistic understanding of how one's brain functions, helping parents focus on their child's overall needs rather than just one symptom.

Questions Parents Often Ask

How do I know when my child needs a psychologist?

Think about professional consultation when emotions, behavior, relationships, academic or other problems are lasting, increasing in severity, or causing trouble.

At what age can children visit a psychologist?

Children and teenagers can be evaluated by a psychologist who will tailor the intervention according to their age and ability to communicate.

Do I have to wait until things get really bad?

No, parents can consult a professional when they recognize that there are some persisting issues with their child, without waiting until things get worse.

Can a psychologist assist with school problems?

Absolutely, a psychologist can help figure out whether emotions, behavior, attentional, learning or other issues are playing a role in school problems.

What if I cannot figure out what is going on with my child?

It is totally fine, parents do not need to make any diagnoses before consulting a professional. The understanding of what is going on will be done during the evaluation.

A Better First Question

Often, parents ask: "What diagnosis does my child have?"

A better starting point may be to ask:

"What is making things hard for my child at this moment?"

This change may provide the opening needed to get the bigger picture.

In cases where your child is experiencing difficulties in terms of emotional regulation, attention, learning, behavior, anxiety, or relationships, a careful evaluation process may be helpful in converting that uncertainty into an organized strategy.

For those seeking out a Child Psychologist NYC, the Center for Cognitive Growth offers its services to children, teens, and families based in Manhattan and New York City