Mental Health
Comprehensive Mental Health Support
Mental health is an aspect of wellness related to a person's thoughts, emotions, ability to cope with stress, view of themselves, and how they see the world. Pediatric mental health focuses on protecting, monitoring, and supporting your child's psychological and emotional needs, especially in the teen years.
The Children's Clinic commits to supporting your child in every stage of development and monitors their mental health regularly during well-child visits, physicals, and sick visits. By asking questions and listening for signs of mental illness, the team can offer early diagnosis and early intervention when problems arise.
The adolescent years can be difficult, and having a knowledgeable, compassionate team of providers to support you and your teen is essential to maintain their mental health into young adulthood. The Children’s Clinic doesn’t just see kids — they specialize in kids and their mental health.
Your child’s mental health and development are dynamic and could use knowledgeable, compassionate support, especially during the teen years.
The team at the Children’s Clinic in Billings, Montana, offers mental health support for children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, severe stress, suicidal thoughts, and more.
Mental Health Q&A
If you have concerns about your child's mental health, call or request an appointment online with the Children's Clinic today.
What are common mental health concerns?
Adolescents especially are prone to mental health issues such as:
- Severe stress
- Anxiety and depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
Children and teens who struggle with mental health problems are more likely to have self-harm behaviors, substance abuse problems, trouble in school, and difficulty maintaining strong relationships.
How can I support my child's mental health?
Ensuring your child has regular well-child visits and annual school physicals is an essential factor in protecting their mental health. The more your provider sees your child, the better equipped they are to identify signs of mental illness.
Other things you can do to support their mental health is to encourage healthy behaviors and habits, such as:
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating and drinking nutritious foods
- Spending time with family and friends
- Taking downtime and getting good sleep
- Avoiding overscheduling and burnout
- Managing stress
- Having a hobby
- Serving others
Finally, encourage your child to report feelings of extreme anxiety, depression, or self-harming thoughts. It is crucial that they feel safe to share difficult emotions and don't feel judged by you or those who could offer help. The Children's Clinic provides a non-judgemental space for you and your child to share your concerns and seek treatment as early as possible.
What services help protect a child's mental health?
The Children's Clinic specializes in teen wellness, which includes constant assessment for signs of mental illness, ongoing support, and services such as:
- Behavioral health services
- Referrals to mental health specialists
- Nutrition consultation and support
- ADHD assessment and intervention
- Developmental screenings
- Lab testing
- Family and child education and support
- Medication
When you have immediate concerns and need to speak to a pediatric mental health specialist, they also provide after-hours care and telemedicine visits. Your child's mental health is a priority for the team at the Children's Clinic.