Does my child need therapy?
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Understanding a Child’s Level of Functioning
A child’s level of functioning refers to how well they are coping and performing in key areas of daily life—such as at home, in school, and in social settings.
It includes emotional regulation, communication skills, behavior, relationships, attention, and ability to adapt to routines and expectations.
By assessing a child’s level of functioning, parents and therapist can better understand how the child is navigating their world age-appropriate demands and whether additional therapeutic support may be beneficial.
A satisfactory or good enough level of functioning
Good enough level of functioning happens when the child is doing well most of the time, is able to manage most age-appropriate challenges, and is adjusting to routines, transitions and separations and enjoying the discoveries of their age.
If your child is functioning well overall, therapy may not be necessary, however, it’s a good idea to seek an evaluation if you notice that your child’s emotional or behavioral challenges are disrupting daily routines or family life, happening frequently or intensely even with appropriate support from caregivers, or making it hard for your child to enjoy activities, connect with others, or participate in things they usually like.
Understanding a child’s current functioning is not about labeling—it’s about creating a compassionate and informed plan to help the child thrive emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
For example, a child who frequently struggles with emotional outbursts, has difficulty making friends, or is falling behind academically might benefit from therapy aimed at supporting their development in those areas.
Playing, having fun, making friends, exploring the world, and expressing themselves are also indicators of a good functioning and a healthy development.
Consider therapy if your child is frequently...
- having relationship problems
- having behavioral issues at school or at home such as: over activity, poor regulation of impulses, non-compliance, defiance or aggression
- having a hard time expressing their needs
- having a hard time dealing with frustration
- having excessive outbursts of anger, fussiness, or temper tantrums
- having difficulty making friends
- having increased fears and worries
- having uncontrollable crying, screaming and eating disturbances
- having irritability, sadness or lack of interest in activities and in play
- having insomnia or sleeping a lot
- having nightmares or night walking
- presenting with feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- having difficulty separating from parents during day activities
- having anxiety and difficulties at bedtime
- having difficulty performing what is expected of them in their current developmental stage
- being consistently "moody"
- displaying aggressive behaviors or inflicting any kind of self-harm
Some children experience loss...
Loss can mean the death of a loved one, but it also includes other significant changes—such as a parent’s divorce, incarceration, or the family moving to a new community. These experiences can deeply affect the entire family, impacting a child’s sense of safety, identity, and ability to cope with everyday life.
Sometimes children experience traumatic situations...
Examples of traumatic situations include emotional, sexual, or physical abuse, domestic violence, exposure to natural disasters, accidents, and medical procedures. These experiences are often stored deeply in the body and brain, making them difficult to understand and process. Children who have experienced trauma can greatly benefit from therapy, which provides a safe space to heal and develop healthy coping skills.