Physical and Sexual Abuse

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Physical and Sexual Abuse

Abuse and neglect can have a long-term impact on the well-being of children and teenagers. Common types of abuse include physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, which is a failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs.

Vital warning signs of abuse include withdrawal from friends or usual activities; behavior changes; depression; anxiety; apparent lack of supervision; frequent school absences; attempts at running away; reluctance to leave school activities; defiant behavior; and self-harm. Parents may be at a higher likelihood of becoming abusive if they have a history of being abused/neglected as a child, physical or mental illness, developmentally or physically disabled child, financial stress or unemployment, substance abuse issues or social isolation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in seven children have experienced some form of child abuse and/or neglect within the past year. In 2017, an estimated 1,720 children died from abuse or neglect. Abuse during childhood and adolescence can contribute to a higher risk of health issues in adulthood. Victims of child abuse are vulnerable to developing depression, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is crucial that child and adolescent victims of physical or sexual abuse seek mental health treatment. Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

National Resources:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

Prevent Child Abuse America: 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373)

If in need of immediate medical attention, call 911.

Local Resource:

The Safe Center LI

Read more in our blog:

Keeping Teens Safe from Dating Violence and Abuse

Sources:

CDC: Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect

Mayo Clinic: Child Abuse – Symptoms and Causes

Childhelp: Child Abuse Statistics & Facts

School Refusal

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

School Refusal

School refusal is when a child or teenager refuses to go to school on a regular basis or has trouble staying in school. These students may complain of physical symptoms such as a headache or nausea, which often disappear if they are allowed to stay home. Younger children may throw tantrums or have meltdowns on school day mornings. School refusal can be incredibly frustrating and difficult for parents, and it could have long-term effects on the child’s social, emotional and academic development.

Often, school refusal is a sign of a larger problem with a child or teenager. School refusal may be in response to stressful life events or a fear of something at school, such as bullying or academic anxiety. About 2% to 5% of children refuse to attend school because of anxiety or depression. Younger children may suffer from separation anxiety contributing to school refusal.

Mental health services can assist with school refusal in children and teenagers. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation training and systemic desensitization can all help school-refusing students.

If your child is experiencing school refusal, mental health services at each of the three sites of the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center can be incredibly helpful. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Read more on our blog:

How to Handle School Refusal

Sources:

ADAA: School Refusal

Psychology Today: School Refusal

Self-Mutilation

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Self-Mutilation

Self-mutilation refers to any form of intentional violence that can cause injury to the self, including cutting and suicide. Other forms of intentional self-injury may include head-banging, self-biting or self-scratching.

Adolescents have the highest rates of self-harm, with around 15% of teenagers reporting some form of self-injury. Some studies also note a higher rate among college students, in particular.

Children and adolescents with developmental disabilities are more likely to engage in acts of self-mutilation. Additionally, those with depression, anxiety and conduct disorders have a higher chance of self-mutilation and suicidal ideation. Though those who engage in non-suicidal self-injury don’t intend to complete suicide, it is possible that they could cause more harm than intended, resulting in medical complications or death.

Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Sources:

CDC: Self-Directed Violence and Other Forms of Self-Injury

MHN: Self-injury (Cutting, Self-Harm or Self-Mutilation)

Separation and Divorce

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Separation or Divorce

The separation or divorce of parents can be difficult for young children to cope with. Research has indicated that such events can contribute to problems in children and adolescents, including academic difficulties, behavioral issues, mental health symptoms such as depression and more.

Separation and divorce introduce a massive change to children regardless of their age. However, reactions may differ between children and adolescents. Young children may become uncooperative, aggressive or withdrawn. Older children and adolescents may feel a deep sadness or loss, and children of divorce may struggle with relationship and self-esteem problems into adulthood.

Mental health services are offered at all three of our sites. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Read more in our blog:

Kids and Divorce

Holiday Tips for Divorced and Blended Families

Sources:

World Psychiatry: Parental divorce or separation

Psychology Today: The Impact of Divorce on Young Children and Adolescents

Suicide

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 24 years old and the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14 years old. The majority of youth who attempt suicide have a significant mental health condition, most frequently depression.

Warning signs of suicide may include talking or writing about suicide, mood swings, withdrawal from social contact, feeling hopeless, increased substance use, risky or self-destructive behavior, giving away belongings, changing normal routines and personality changes. Risk factors for suicide include a recent or serious loss, a psychiatric disorder, prior suicide attempts, substance abuse, family history of suicide, lack of social support and bullying.

With the Douglas S. Feldman Suicide Prevention Project, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center addresses high-risk cases with a thorough evaluation for suicide risk; multiple sessions of individual, group and family therapy each week; and an individualized, culturally sensitive treatment plan that focuses on safety strategies, healthy coping skills and relapse prevention. Evaluation with a psychiatrist regarding the possible use of medication will also be provided, when needed. We also provide in-home treatment and referrals to programs and services that will support your efforts to protect your child. Unlike many providers, the Guidance Center promises that at-risk children and teens will be seen within 24-48 hours, when the case is deemed urgent.

The Fay J. Lindner Foundation Triage and Emergency Services at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center offers rapid response to psychiatric emergencies – a sudden set of circumstances in which there is an impending risk of danger to the child or adolescent such as a risk of suicide, risk of physical harm to others, and a state of seriously impaired judgment in which the child is endangered. Our team will assess if the situation is urgent and will arrange an appointment to see the child within 24 to 48 hours.

Our goal is to strengthen, stabilize and support. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

Related Programs:

The Douglas S. Feldman Suicide Prevention Project

Fay J. Lindner Foundation Triage and Emergency Services

National Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (United States): 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

In an emergency situation, call 911.

Read more on our blog:

Suicidal Thinking in Young People: Know the Signs

Recognizing the Risk of Suicide

Guidance Center Expands Suicide Prevention Efforts