The Growing Need for Pediatric Mental Health Services
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The call for improved mental health services for children has intensified, particularly in light of recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which indicate a significant rise in diagnoses of mental health disorders among the younger population. Pediatricians and mental health professionals agree that access to these services is crucial to address the increasing levels of anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes seen in children today.
According to studies, there has been a notable uptick in cases of anxiety disorders, particularly among teenagers and preteens, with the CDC reporting a more than 15% increase in diagnoses within this demographic. Local mental health advocates stress that early intervention is key to helping children develop the emotional resilience and coping skills necessary for navigating their formative years.
Tammy Hargis, the Regional Behavioral Health Supervisor for Lutheran Family and Children Services in Missouri, has extensive experience in the mental health field, spanning over two decades. She notes that an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with mental health issues compared to previous years. Hargis attributes this trend to a multitude of factors, including societal changes that have reduced community support systems which traditionally assisted families in managing developmental challenges.
In reflecting on the role of family dynamics, Hargis explains, “In the past, families often lived near extended relatives who provided crucial support, but that has changed. Many parents today do not have the same access to community resources or family help, which can lead to a gap in understanding what is developmentally appropriate.”
Additionally, the rise of technology and digital media exposure is believed to play a significant role in increasing anxiety levels. Hargis highlights that children today are often surrounded by influences they can’t control, whether online or in their environment, making them more vulnerable to heightened anxiety.
“The earlier children receive mental health services, the better equipped they are to learn healthy emotional management,” Hargis emphasizes, noting that skills like mood regulation, anger management, and effective emotional expression can set the stage for healthier adult behaviors.
The influence of parental engagement is critical, with Hargis pointing out that open discussions about feelings and emotions by parents, especially fathers, can foster a more supportive environment for children. According to her, this approach helps dismantle stereotypes around emotional expression and models healthy behavior for children.
Lutheran Family and Children Services operates multiple locations throughout the region, including a dedicated facility in Cape Girardeau. The organization prides itself on having qualified professionals ready to assist children facing various mental health issues, including grief, behavior problems, and sleep disorders. Their Cape Girardeau location features a designated therapy playroom designed to meet the needs of children in a comforting environment.
Families looking to access mental health services can initiate an intake appointment by calling 1-866-326-5327 or by visiting the organization’s website for more information. This proactive approach to mental wellness is essential in building healthier futures for children and adolescents facing mental health challenges.
For more information, visit Lutheran Family and Children’s Services.
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With skyrocketing rates of mental health issues among children, the urgency for enhanced mental health services is at an all-time high. Addressing these needs requires a collaborative effort from healthcare providers, families, and the broader community to ensure mental wellness is prioritized within youth development strategies.
