Sick Visits and Mental Health

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Sick visits aren’t just about your child’s physical health. Your child’s mental health is just as important. That’s why mental health screenings are an important part of pediatric visits. Your pediatrician can tell you more. The pediatricians at Premier Pediatrics provide a wide range of medical care for children and adolescents, including well visits and mental health services. They have two convenient office locations in Brighton and Commerce City, CO.

What You Need To Know About Sick Visits and Mental Health Screenings for Children

Children suffer from stress, just like adults do. Children may not discuss their feelings or mental health concerns with you. Mental health screenings at pediatric visits are important to your child’s overall health. Your child may be undergoing stress or a mental health crisis due to:

  • Divorce or marriage
  • Losing friends
  • Moving to a new school
  • Dealing with a serious medical problem
  • Death of a close family member or pet

At pediatric visits, the pediatrician can screen for depression and anxiety, which are two of the most common mental health conditions affecting children.

Mental health concerns can include physical symptoms, too. You should consider scheduling a sick visit with the pediatrician if your child is:

  • Anxious about going to school
  • Often feeling sad
  • Disinterested in favorite activities
  • Demonstrating harmful or destructive behaviors
  • Having eating or sleeping issues
  • Experiencing chronic nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Having breathing difficulties

A mental health screening may consist of:

  • Completing an initial assessment and checklist of symptoms
  • A specific screening for anxiety disorder
  • A specific screening for depression

Incorporating the mental health screening as part of a sick visit can help your child feel more comfortable about discussing mental health issues and concerns.

Want To Know More About Sick Visits and Mental Health Screenings for Children?

To find out more about sick visits and mental health screenings, call the doctors at Premier Pediatrics. You can reach them in their office locations in Brighton, or Commerce City, CO, by calling (303) 655-1685, so call today.