Getting Help for Your Child | Bradley Hospital
Source: http://www.bradleyhospital.org/parents-guide/getting-help
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Getting Help for Your Child | Bradley Hospital
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Getting Help for Your Child
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Getting Help for Your Child
Is Your Child in Crisis?
If you think your child may have a mental health issue, the first question you should ask is whether or not they are in crisis. If your child is in crisis, it means they are at high risk of causing harm to self or others or are completely not able to function.
If your child is in crisis, seek help immediately.
What to do in a crisis situation
If Your Child Is Not in Crisis
If your child is not in crisis, but you still think that they may have a mental health issue, then start to keep track of your child’s signs and symptoms and make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. At this point, it may also be helpful to contact your child’s school and let them know that you are concerned about your child’s mental health. It is important to begin communicating with your child’s school in order to ensure your child is receiving the best care possible.
Bradley Hospital clinicians are specially trained to perform evaluations for children and adolescents, and will direct each child to the most appropriate and effective services for their needs. Call our
Access Center
at
1-855-543-5465
to get help.
Finding Help for Your Child: Understanding the Mental Health Care System
Read below for tips about navigating the mental health care system for children and adolescents.
Make an Appointment with Your Child's Pediatrician
If your child’s pediatrician determines that your child’s signs and symptoms are not a part of normal child development, then they will suggest getting your child evaluated. In some cases, a pediatrician can do an initial screening. However, in most cases, a pediatrician will refer your child to a mental health specialist.
If your child’s pediatrician determines that your child’s signs and symptoms are a part of normal child development, but you are still concerned about your child’s mental health, then you should talk to your child’s pediatrician about your options. Consider getting your child evaluated by a mental health specialist. Also, consider seeking a second opinion.
Consider Getting a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion means that you make an appointment with a different pediatrician or mental health specialist to evaluate your child’s mental health. If this change in behavior does turn out to be a part of normal child development, you can still seek additional support and build your parenting knowledge to help your child through this stage.
After Your Child's Evaluation
After your child receives an evaluation, it is possible that your child may be diagnosed with a mental illness. A diagnosis will usually lead to suggested treatment. Learn all you can about your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan. At this point, a number of different mental health providers are likely to be introduced into your child’s life. You will have to become your child’s advocate. Treatment can include working with mental health specialists, hospitals and health centers, early childhood programs, the school system, state agencies, community and non-profit organizations, health insurance care managers, or a combination of the all of these. You will also need to figure out ways to pay for your child’s care.
Hopefully, once your child begins treatment, you will see improvement in him or her. If you do see an improvement, continue with the treatment plan. If you do not see an improvement in your child, then talk to your child’s mental healthcare providers. You may need a revised treatment plan to help manage any symptoms that continue. Remember, it can take time before you see a change. Be patient. If this revised plan still does not improve your child’s signs and symptoms, then you should talk to your child’s mental healthcare providers or seek a second opinion to re-evaluate your child’s situation.
Additional Resources
Advocacy organizations teach parents and families how to advocate for the education, health, and socio-economic well-being of their children and families.
See a list of organizations that advocate for children's mental health
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA
Skip to main content
Search for Resources & Information
Getting Help for Your Child
URL COPIED!
Getting Help for Your Child
Is Your Child in Crisis?
If you think your child may have a mental health issue, the first question you should ask is whether or not they are in crisis. If your child is in crisis, it means they are at high risk of causing harm to self or others or are completely not able to function.
If your child is in crisis, seek help immediately.
What to do in a crisis situation
If Your Child Is Not in Crisis
If your child is not in crisis, but you still think that they may have a mental health issue, then start to keep track of your child’s signs and symptoms and make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. At this point, it may also be helpful to contact your child’s school and let them know that you are concerned about your child’s mental health. It is important to begin communicating with your child’s school in order to ensure your child is receiving the best care possible.
Bradley Hospital clinicians are specially trained to perform evaluations for children and adolescents, and will direct each child to the most appropriate and effective services for their needs. Call our
Access Center
at
1-855-543-5465
to get help.
Finding Help for Your Child: Understanding the Mental Health Care System
Read below for tips about navigating the mental health care system for children and adolescents.
Make an Appointment with Your Child's Pediatrician
If your child’s pediatrician determines that your child’s signs and symptoms are not a part of normal child development, then they will suggest getting your child evaluated. In some cases, a pediatrician can do an initial screening. However, in most cases, a pediatrician will refer your child to a mental health specialist.
If your child’s pediatrician determines that your child’s signs and symptoms are a part of normal child development, but you are still concerned about your child’s mental health, then you should talk to your child’s pediatrician about your options. Consider getting your child evaluated by a mental health specialist. Also, consider seeking a second opinion.
Consider Getting a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion means that you make an appointment with a different pediatrician or mental health specialist to evaluate your child’s mental health. If this change in behavior does turn out to be a part of normal child development, you can still seek additional support and build your parenting knowledge to help your child through this stage.
After Your Child's Evaluation
After your child receives an evaluation, it is possible that your child may be diagnosed with a mental illness. A diagnosis will usually lead to suggested treatment. Learn all you can about your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan. At this point, a number of different mental health providers are likely to be introduced into your child’s life. You will have to become your child’s advocate. Treatment can include working with mental health specialists, hospitals and health centers, early childhood programs, the school system, state agencies, community and non-profit organizations, health insurance care managers, or a combination of the all of these. You will also need to figure out ways to pay for your child’s care.
Hopefully, once your child begins treatment, you will see improvement in him or her. If you do see an improvement, continue with the treatment plan. If you do not see an improvement in your child, then talk to your child’s mental healthcare providers. You may need a revised treatment plan to help manage any symptoms that continue. Remember, it can take time before you see a change. Be patient. If this revised plan still does not improve your child’s signs and symptoms, then you should talk to your child’s mental healthcare providers or seek a second opinion to re-evaluate your child’s situation.
Additional Resources
Advocacy organizations teach parents and families how to advocate for the education, health, and socio-economic well-being of their children and families.
See a list of organizations that advocate for children's mental health
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA