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Mental Health Concerns in Children

Mental-health concerns are changes in a child’s emotions, thoughts or behavior that affect daily life. They may involve mood, anxiety, attention, sleep, relationships, school or behavior.

Genetics, brain development, stress, trauma, family circumstances, medical conditions and environmental factors can all contribute to mental-health problems.

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AAP Guide to Mental Health Concerns in Children

The AAP guide below explains what to notice, how to start the conversation and when your child needs more support.

AAP Symptom CheckerMental health concerns

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Mood or behavior changes persist or keep getting worse.
  • School, sleep, friendships or family life are being significantly affected.
  • Your child seems unusually withdrawn, anxious, angry or unable to function normally.
  • You need help finding mental-health evaluation or treatment.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has suicidal intent or has made a suicide attempt.
  • Your child is dangerously aggressive or cannot be kept safe.
  • Your child has severe psychosis or another immediate danger to self or others.
  • Call 988 or 911 when immediate safety is at risk.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on feelings and mental health

See all 164 symptoms