Behavioral Health
Your child’s emotional health matters just as much as their physical health. At Bluebird Kids Health, we integrate behavioral health into every child’s care — from routine screenings to ADHD evaluations to medication management, and more. Our goal is simple: to help every child thrive, with care that supports their whole well-being.
What is behavioral health?
Behavioral health focuses on your child’s emotional, social, and mental well-being — how they feel, think, and connect with others. It can include conditions like ADHD, and autism. Mental health is a part of behavioral health, and includes conditions like anxiety and depression.
We approach behavioral health as an essential part of your child’s overall growth and development. We’re always happy to discuss specific questions or issues during your child’s well-visit or at a separate appointment.
Call today to book a behavioral health visit.
What kind of provider treats behavioral health?
Behavioral health can feel like a catch-all phrase when you’re trying to find your child the right care. We’ve created this guide to help you understand the different types of providers who may be involved in your child’s care.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the physical, developmental, and emotional health of children from birth through young adulthood. They serve as the first point of contact for most health concerns, including behavioral and mental health. Pediatricians can perform screenings for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or autism, discuss concerns with families, and coordinate care with behavioral health specialists when additional support is needed. At Bluebird Kids Health, your pediatrician plays a central role in understanding your child as a whole — body, mind, and emotions — and guiding your family to the right resources for ongoing care.
Psychiatric Or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners can provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. In some states, they are also qualified to prescribe and monitor medications. Requirements also vary by state as to the degree of supervision necessary by a licensed psychiatrist.
Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists
These masters-level health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They operate under a variety of job titles—including counselor, clinician, therapist or something else—based on the treatment setting. Working with one of these mental health professionals can lead not only to symptom reduction but to better ways of thinking, feeling and living.
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They are also trained in case management and advocacy services.
Psychologists
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or another specialty such as counseling or education. They are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and testing. They can make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Some may have training in specific forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other behavioral therapy interventions.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide therapy. Some have completed additional training in child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.
What to expect at your first behavioral health visit:
How should I prepare?
Please bring your completed forms as well as a a list of any medications your child is currently prescribed. There’s no need to bring your forms if you’ve submitted online.
Your child is welcome to bring a comfort item if it’s helpful
If age appropriate, let your child know the practitioner will be asking them questions and they should answer openly and honestly.
Call now to book your child’s behavioral health visit.
Why Bluebird Kids
Do you have an upcoming behavioral health visit at Bluebird Kids?
