Children and Adolescents
Mental Illness in Children and Adolescents
According to the Department of Health & Human Services, 1 in 5 children and adolescents (20 percent) has a treatable mental illness. Half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 and three-fourths begin by the age of 25. |
For help with Child and Adolescent Services, please contact Madison Dolph at 972-232-0802 or by email at Madison.Dolph@lifenettexas.org |
Without treatment, many mental health disorders can continue into adulthood and lead to problems in all areas of the person's adult life. People with untreated mental health disorders are at high risk for many problems, including alcohol or drug abuse, and violent or self-destructive behavior, even suicide.
SUICIDE IS THE 2ND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG TEXAS YOUTHS.
Symptoms in children vary depending on the type of mental illness, but some of the general symptoms include:
- Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
- Inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Excessive complaints of physical ailments
- Defying authority, skipping school, stealing, or damaging property
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Long-lasting negative moods, often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Changes in school performance, such as poor grades despite good efforts
- Loss of interest in friends and activities they usually enjoy
- Significant increase in time spent alone
- Excessive worrying or anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Persistent disobedience or aggressive behavior
- Hearing voices or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
When treated appropriately and early, many children can fully recover from their mental disorder or successfully control their symptoms.
Children are referred to LifeNet through a variety of resources: schools, probation, courts, churches, hospitals, shelters and clients who are already in our program. Call today to set an appointment for intake, to see a doctor and meet with a case manager.
LifeNet currently accepts Medicare, Medicaid, CHIPS, Amerigroup, Molina, and Compcare. However, no insurance is necessary in order to receive treatment. If you do not have insurance and income is within 200% of federal poverty level, services (including medications) are free!
LifeNet’s Child/Adolescent Services
- Psychiatric services
Diagnosis and evaluation of symptoms
Medication monitoring - Skills training
Coping skills and daily living skills offered in the home, school and community - Case Management
Coordination of services and community referrals - Parenting Classes
- Coming soon: After hours parenting/teen group and play therapy
