If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you are not alone. Nearly one in five children and teens in the U.S. has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. The good news is that you can get help and improve your child’s quality of life. Local options like NeuroHealth Arlington Heights provide comprehensive neuropsychological testing for children to identify and address developmental conditions and behavioral or learning challenges, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and anxiety. This guide explores when you need to ask for help, the psychological evaluation process, and steps for ongoing support.
When Your Child May Need a Mental Health Evaluation
It’s important to recognize if your child may be struggling with their mental health as soon as possible. As many as 11% of children aged 3–17 have a current anxiety disorder, and 4% have depression. Without the right support, they can struggle to fit in socially or perform poorly at school.
You might want to get a mental health evaluation for your child if you see persistent changes in mood, behavior, or daily functioning that last weeks or longer and disrupt their daily life, especially if they involve self-harm, substance abuse, severe anxiety, or trauma responses. Getting a screening and diagnosis as soon as possible lets you put accommodations in place to help them succeed.
Signs That Warrant Professional Assessment
Watch for these common indicators of symptoms of childhood mental illness:
- Persistent sadness or excessive worry
- Irritability, mood swings, or frequent tantrums
- Sudden drops in school performance
- Withdrawing from friends
- Sleep disturbances
- Hyperactivity
- Intense fear
- Defiance or self-harm
These may be a sign of potential mental health issues in children. Behavioral changes like withdrawing socially or struggling with sleep also need evaluation. These may be signs that your child is suffering from anxiety, depression, or ADHD. You can use a daily journal to track patterns in your child’s behavior before getting an urgent evaluation. If your child is showing signs of emotional problems like defiance or self-harm, you should schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
What a Neuropsychological Assessment Consists Of
A psychological assessment involves a series of interviews with the parents and/or the child and our neuropsychologists at NeuroHealth Arlington Heights in Illinois. We use a set of standardized tests and observations to evaluate your child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Our clinicians usually look at a child’s language, academic skills, executive function, and memory, among other things, to work out how well they are coping with daily life.
These sessions can take several hours or involve several sessions in total. The psychological assessment may also include IQ testing, personality inventories, and parent and teacher questionnaires to diagnose conditions such as ADHD or autism. These evaluations are helpful because the results can guide diagnoses and recommendations, such as therapy or school accommodations, with follow-up discussions for parents.
Preparing Your Child for Their Evaluation
Letting your child know what to expect can help them feel more comfortable in the lead-up to the evaluation. Discuss the process with them in an age-appropriate way, explaining it as a way to understand their feelings better. You can explain it simply as “talking about their feelings and playing games” to ease their anxiety.
Be sure to gather your child’s relevant medical history and school records in advance, and note specific behaviors that may help the clinician with the report. Practices like NeuroHealth are all about offering compassionate approaches, with sessions designed for children from toddlers to teens. Our team uses compassionate, child-friendly approaches and reassurance that it’s not a test of “smartness” but a helpful check-up.
After the Evaluation: Understanding Results and Next Steps
After the evaluation, the clinician will work on a report and provide a feedback session with you to discuss the results. This will outline your child’s strengths and give a specific diagnosis or personalized recommendation, such as pediatric mental health therapy or medication. As many as 75 to 85% of children benefit from evidence-based care. Once you have started treatment, continue to track your child’s progress with regular follow-ups and adjust them as your child responds to treatment.
Getting School Support and Accommodations
Schools in Illinois can provide psychological testing through special education processes, potentially leading to IEPs for mental health-related needs. In Arlington Heights, specialists like those at NeuroHealth advocate directly with schools for accommodations like:
- Breaks
- Quiet spaces
- Extra time
- Preferential seating
As many as 18% of public school students used school-based mental health services in 2024 to 2025, though only 52% of schools feel effective in serving all in need. Start by talking to your child’s school teachers or counselors and ask for specific accommodations. If your child receives an official diagnosis, schools have to provide an IEP (or a 504 Plan) by law.
Moving Forward With Your Child’s Mental Health Care
If you are looking to schedule a mental health assessment for your child, contact NeuroHealth Arlington Heights today. Our team can help with a thorough evaluation, treatment recommendations, and school advocacy as needed. Build a care plan with ongoing pediatric therapy, family counseling, and monitoring tools like mood trackers. Explore community resources, school screenings, and local support amid rising needs. Contact NeuroHealth Arlington Heights today for thorough evaluations, treatment recommendations, and school advocacy to ensure long-term well-being.
Image by Izzy Park is licensed with Unsplash License
