Understanding Mental Health Screening for Children: Why It's Important and What to Expect

Mental health problems in children and teenagers have become far more heavily diagnosed in recent years, which is something our team at Mesquite Pediatrics has noticed. That's why we've upped our mental health screening processes for Tucson, AZ, residents. If you worry that your child has mental health or behavioral issues, it's important to schedule a screening with Dr. Joshua Yell, Dr. Jeff Couchman, Dr. Susan McMahon, and Dr. Nicole Abdy.

What Happens During a Screening?

 A screening can help provide you and your child with the insights needed to figure out if they have mental health problems and what therapy may be necessary. Here are the three major components of this process: read through them to ensure you're prepared:

• Medical History: First, we'll ask you and your child about medical history issues. For example, your child might have physical symptoms of a disease that might trigger anxiety and depression. 
• Interview: Throughout our screening, we'll talk with your child and get to know them. This casual conversation helps them feel comfortable talking with us about various emotional concerns.
• Diagnosis Steps: If we think that your child needs help, we'll go through more involved diagnosis steps to help figure out what's going on. Sometimes, it's a very simple thing, but in other situations, it requires a far more in-depth process.

Benefits of Screening 

 At Mesquite Pediatrics, we can provide the mental health screening that Tucson, AZ, residents need to stay healthy. Here are a few reasons why you need to seriously consider a screening:

• Give Your Child an Outlet: Talking with your child during a screening gives them an outlet for their emotional concerns. 
• Spot Early Symptoms: Often, early warning signs are easy to miss, but a screening could catch symptoms that are subtle or easily mistaken for something else.
• Peace of Mind: As a parent, you deserve to feel comfortable knowing that your child's emotional concerns are being managed appropriately through treatment.

We're Here for You

 Mesquite Pediatrics truly cares about your children and will work hard to provide a mental health screening in Tucson, AZ, that can be used for an effective treatment plan. Call our team at (520) 648-5437 to talk with our team and learn more about our role in mental health support.