What is pediatric behavioral health care?
Behavioral health is a key part of a child’s overall health that can affect how they grow, learn and develop. Many symptoms that appear to be mental health issues may just be a normal part of a child’s development. But it is important to recognize and treat mental illnesses in children early on, when appropriate.
MaineHealth professionals and counselors have the expertise to evaluate and treat a full range of mental health and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Pediatric behavioral health services are offered throughout the MaineHealth system of care, including many of our primary care practices. Talk to your primary care provider if you are concerned about your child's behavioral health.
The right care. The right place. At the right time.
From counseling to case management to psychiatric care in a hospital setting, Maine Behavioral Healthcare provides a full range of services to both adults and children.
Evaluation, diagnosis and treatment
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Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)
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Depression
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Anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder
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Disruptive behavior disorders
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Oppositional/defiant disorder
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Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) including autism
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Co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness
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Psychological complications from chronic or serious illness
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Eating disorders
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Bipolar disorder
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Psychotic disorders including schizophrenia
Who will provide mental health care for my child?
Depending on the diagnosis and other factors, your child’s mental health care may be provided by:
- Social worker
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Nurse practitioner
Many types of care for different needs
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Cognitive behavioral therapy: clients address and seek to change negative thoughts and patterns into positive actions
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Family therapy: licensed clinicians provide therapeutic treatment for families struggling with a wide variety of issues
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Child-parent psychotherapy: an evidence-based therapy that strengthens the relationship between a parent and child so that both can heal from trauma and violence
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Group therapy: from depression to trauma, children and adolescents explore issues in a safe environment among peers struggling with similar challenges
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Creative therapy: tapping the creative arts for a youngster's healing journey
