What is Child and Adolescent Counselling?

Child and Adolescent Mental Health refers to the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being of individuals from early childhood through their teenage years. This developmental stage is marked by rapid growth, identity formation, and evolving social roles. If untreated, mental health issues during this time might interfere with social functioning, family interactions, and academic achievement. Early intervention is key to long-term mental wellness.

Psychowellness Center, a trusted mental health institution in West Delhi, offers specialized services tailored to children and adolescents. With a compassionate and age-appropriate approach, the center’s multidisciplinary team aims to understand developmental concerns and emotional struggles in young individuals, empowering them and their families with long-term solutions.

The center emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and integrative play-based interventions to reshape negative thinking, improve emotional expression, and build adaptive coping strategies. At Psychowellness Center, the goal is not only symptom relief but also fostering resilience, self-esteem, and healthier relationships from a young age.

Treatment

Treatment is individualized based on the child’s needs and may involve a combination of therapies, parental support, and, in some cases, medication.

Psychotherapy

A safe space is provided for children to express themselves, process experiences, and learn healthy coping skills.

Assessments

A timely and thorough assessment is crucial for identifying emotional or behavioral concerns.

Clinical Interview and Developmental History

Gather information from the child, parents, and teachers
Understand developmental milestones and behavioral patterns

Observation and Rating Scales

Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
Conners’ Rating Scales (for ADHD)
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) (for ASD)

Medical and Neurological Evaluation

To rule out physical or neurological conditions
May include blood tests

Causes

Child and adolescent mental health issues may arise from a combination of factors:

Biological Factors

Genetic vulnerability
Brain development issues
Neurochemical imbalances

Psychosocial and Environmental Factors

Family conflict or dysfunction
Childhood trauma or neglect
Bullying or peer rejection
Academic pressure

Lifestyle and Other Influences

Excessive screen time
Lack of physical activity
Poor nutrition or sleep habits

Signs and symptoms

Mental health concerns in children and adolescents can present in various forms and may differ from adults. Common signs include:

Emotional Signs

Persistent sadness or mood swings
Excessive fears, worries, or anxiety
Low self-esteem or frequent guilt

Behavioral Signs

Outbursts of anger or aggression
Hyperactivity or inattentiveness
Withdrawal from family or friends

Cognitive Signs

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Poor academic performance
Negative self-talk or hopelessness

Physical or Psychosomatic Signs

Changes in appetite or sleep
Frequent headaches or stomachaches without a medical cause
Fatigue or lack of energy

Common Mental Health Conditions in Children & Adolescents

Anxiety Disorders: Comprising Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder
Depressive Disorders: Persistent sadness, irritability, and loss of interest
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Challenges in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Defiant, angry, or vindictive behavior towards authority
Learning Disorders: Difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics

How Therapy Works

Focus is placed on building trust, emotional vocabulary, and adaptive behavior.

Goals of Therapy:

Emotional regulation
Enhancing self-esteem
Social skills development
Reducing problematic behaviors
Academic and peer support

Evidence-Based Therapies:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Helps children challenge negative thoughts
- Encourages problem-solving and emotional regulation
Play Therapy
- Utilizes toys, stories, and creative activities
- Helps young children express feelings and experiences
Behavioral Therapy
- Reinforces desired behaviors and reduces unwanted ones
- Often used for ADHD, ODD, or conduct issues
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Strengthens parent-child bond
- Teaches effective discipline and communication strategies
Family Therapy
- Addresses family dynamics
- Enhances support systems and problem-solving within the home
Psychoeducation for Parents and Caregivers
- Increases awareness of mental health conditions
- Empowering families to manage symptoms and promote growth

Medication

Prescribed only when necessary, and always in combination with therapy:

Stimulants for ADHD (e.g., Methylphenidate)
SSRIs for anxiety or depression (e.g., Fluoxetine)
Antipsychotics for aggression or mood instability

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT COUNSELLING