Should my child see a psychologist?

Sometimes it's hard to know when children need professional help.  Some people get help when family members are not getting along.  Others seek help when they find it hard to manage or parent their children.  You might also consult a psychologist if your child:

•	is having difficulties at school
•	has learning difficulties
•	seems to be developing differently or slower than others
•	is wetting the bed beyond the usual age
•	seems socially immature
•	has poor eating and sleeping habits
•	is overly active or has difficulty paying attention
•	is aggressive and destructive or has difficulty with other children
•	is lying or stealing
•	seems anxious or depressed
•	has difficulty with drugs or alcohol
•	has an eating disorder
•	is adjusting poorly to change such as a move, divorce, or separation

How would a psychologist help? Initially, a psychologist will talk to parents to help them identify and clarify their concerns about their child.  Often the child will be included in this initial session; the psychologist will let you know.  Psychological assessments and tests provide the psychologist and parents with helpful information about the child.  The psychologist may see the child alone or involve the whole family. The psychologist may want to collect information from teachers and the family physician and others people who know your child. They will only do this with your permission. The psychologist may want to have you and/or the teacher fill our some questionnaires about the child's behaviour or give her/him some psychological tests. These can be very helpful and will not be done without your permission. If you feel your child could use the help of a psychologist, please use our Online Referral Service to find a child psychologist in your area. http://opajoomla.knowledge4you.ca/index.php/getting-help-faq/child