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When To Refer A Child for Professional Help

By Ann V. Deaton, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As parents, teachers, childcare providers, and other caregivers, you meet the needs of children much of the time. Sometimes, however, you may find that a child needs more than you can offer. If you care for children, please be aware of these warning signs that indicate a child’s need for professional help:

  • Child has consistent difficulty sleeping and/or nightmares that regularly interrupt sleep.
  • Child frequently acts in an angry or aggressive way, and does not respond to gentle redirection and reassurance.
  • Child is unwilling to be separated from parents, even when left with familiar others in a setting that was previously enjoyed such as day care.
  • Child is often tearful and clings to care providers, or refuses to be comforted.
  • Child talks about hurting self or makes gestures as if to do so.
  • Child restricts activities due to fear or anxiety (e.g. avoids playground, school football games or holiday parades).
  • Child cannot get terrorism (or other upsetting or age-inappropriate topic) out of his or her mind, and/or talks about it incessantly.
  • Child has numerous temper tantrums a day, and often cannot be calmed by parents, family members, or other caregivers.

An evaluation by a mental health care professional will provide recommendations for how to help a struggling child cope more effectively, and prevent fear or anger from disrupting ongoing development.

- Reviewed by Josie Castaldi, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Feb. 2002

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The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.