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Pediatric Counseling services offered in McLean, VA
Children and teens face challenges that take a toll on their mental health, resulting in anxiety, depression, and other problems early in life. At Verathy in McLean, Virginia, Laura Granato, PhD, LPC, and a team of experienced clinicians offer pediatric therapy using age-appropriate approaches to build trust and improve children’s mental health. If your child or teen has emotional or behavioral issues, help is available through telehealth visits. Complete the online booking form or call the office today to learn how the Verathy team can improve young lives and pave a path for a successful future.
What conditions are treated with pediatric therapy?
It would be great if children could enjoy their childhood without stress. But many are bullied at school, develop a phobia, or don’t outgrow childhood problems like separation anxiety.
Kids and teens deal with other challenges like discrimination, ridicule, and peer pressure, leading to anxiety disorders and depression at an early age.
In addition to anxiety and depression, children and teens may develop mental health disorders, including:
- Sleep disorders
- Conduct disorders
- Attachment disorders
- Tic disorders
- Behavioral disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Signs of a mental health problem can appear earlier than parents imagine. For example, signs of ASD are often noticeable by age one.
What symptoms indicate the need for pediatric therapy?
Children too young to express their feelings typically act out, so parents may see opposition, defiance, and aggression.
In addition to angry outbursts and destructive behaviors, parents may notice:
- School refusal
- Stomach aches and other physical problems
- Clinginess or tantrums when separated from parents
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings
- Nightmares and night terrors
- Phobias like fear of animals, needles, or situations
- Difficulty socializing or making friends
- Constant worry about family and friends
- Low self-esteem (lack of confidence)
- Changes in eating habits
- Low energy or fatigue
Many children and teens become self-critical, making statements like, “I’m worthless,” “You hate me,” and “No one likes me.”
What are the different types of pediatric therapy?
Verathy clinicians specialize in many therapies that connect with children and encourage communication. Their therapists choose techniques appropriate for each child’s age and developmental stage.
These are a few examples of pediatric-friendly therapies:
- Play therapy
- Art therapy
- Drama therapy (play-acting)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
- Parent-child interaction therapy (PIT)
- Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
- Mindfulness techniques
Parent education also plays a vital role in pediatric therapy. The Verathy counselors teach parents and caregivers about the child’s mental health condition, teach techniques to use at home to support progress, and suggest changes that improve family dynamics.
Early treatment with pediatric therapy is the best way to support your child’s success at school, at home, and in life. Use the online booking form or call the office as soon as you notice persistent signs of an emotional or behavioral problem. Verathy’s telehealth services are available to patients living throughout Virginia, Maryland, and DC.