Get Counseling For Children With Social Anxiety Disorder

Children with social anxiety disorder struggle with social interactions and situations where they are expected to perform, as in school. Social anxiety causes affected children to avoid school, birthday parties, playdates and other settings that require them to initiate conversations or participate in normal activities. When treated, social anxiety can be well-managed, but if left untreated, this disorder can have a powerfully negative impact on an individual's life.

Instructions

1. Observe your child for signs of social anxiety disorder. A child with this disorder is excessively fearful of social interaction, may avoid eye contact, struggles in situations where public speaking is required and may refuse to attend school, claiming symptoms like headache and stomachache.

2. Have him evaluated by a mental health professional who has experience with socially anxious children, if you suspect this is an issue for your child.

3. Seek professional mental health treatment for her, once she has been diagnosed. Treatment might involve medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and/or other psychological interventions, as well as school and home accommodations, so look for a counselor or therapist who can address the disorder on all fronts.

4. Locate a counselor or therapist by talking to your child's pediatrician, contacting a local mental health clinic or checking PsychologyToday.com's online directory of mental health care providers.

5. Find three or four therapists in your area who treat children with social anxiety. Call each one and ask about his educational background, experience with social anxiety disorder in children, availability and cost. Consider your phone conversation with each one a kind of job interview.

6. Decide which of the therapists you'd like to work with your child, and make an appointment. Take your child to the appointment, and be prepared to talk to the therapist about your child's difficulties and symptoms and what you hope to gain from treatment.

7. Keep the lines of communication open with the therapist. Report any new symptoms your child may experience. Ask about medication if your child seems not to be improving with psychological interventions alone.

Tags: your child, mental health, social anxiety, social anxiety disorder, anxiety disorder