Behavioral Health

ADHD is a common disorder that affects children and adults. Recent studies show that almost 10% of children between the ages of 4 and 7 have been diagnosed with ADHD.* 

There are three common symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms can interfere with everyday functioning and development. Symptoms include: 

• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused 
• Being overactive or having trouble sitting still 
• Impulsivity (acting without thinking first)
  
  

Most children with ADHD will have all three symptoms. However, some children with ADHD only have hyperactivity and impulsivity. Others only have challenges with attention or staying focused. 

Treating ADHD

A treatment plan developed with your child’s doctor can help improve functioning. Improved functioning can help at home, school, and in social situations.

Treatment plans may include therapy and/or prescribed medications. The right dose of the right medication has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD.

The prescribing doctor must closely monitor children taking medications to treat ADHD. If your child is prescribed a medication to treat ADHD, regular follow-up appointments are important. Follow-up appointments allow your doctor to identify potential side effects and ensure your child receives the full benefit from the medications. Your doctor may also ask about your child’s sleep, appetite and may check their height, weight, blood pressure and pulse. As your child grows, your doctor may adjust the medications to make sure your child is getting the maximum benefit.

We recommend that children who are prescribed medications to treat ADHD:

• See the doctor who prescribed the medication for a follow-up appointment within 30 days of filling ADHD-related prescriptions.
• See any doctor two more times within the next nine months for ADHD follow-up visits.
  
  

Visit the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry’s website to learn more about ADHD. Or read Understanding ADHD (also available in Spanish) to learn more about treatment and follow-up for children diagnosed with ADHD.

*According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in early childhood. It can cause significant communication, social, and behavioral challenges for children. 

Behavior challenges can also be caused by other underlying issues common in children with ASD, such as emotional, communication or sensory difficulties, or medical issues. All underlying issues must be considered during a comprehensive evaluation. 

There currently is no cure for ASD, but there are many treatments to help children lead healthy, happy lives. Members diagnosed with ASD should receive the recommended evaluations so MVP can process requests for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment. 

Recommended evaluations include: 

• A physical with your child’s doctor 
• An evaluation by Early Intervention or your school’s Committee on Preschool and School Education (CPSE) 

If your child is living with ASD and has other medical, behavioral, or developmental concerns, your child’s ABA provider and other doctors should work together to best support your child’s overall health. 

 

Resources for Parents 

• Early Intervention Steps: A Parent’s Basic Guide to the Early Intervention Program
• Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
• Vermont Family Network Behavior Analysis

Children and teens can show many of the signs of mental health concerns listed on this page, including depression and anxiety. If you think your child may be struggling, it’s important to get help right away. Talk with their pediatrician or family doctor, or find a behavioral health provider who can help.

These resources may be helpful for parents: 

• Depression in Children and Teens 
  
• Anxiety and Children
• Project TEACH: Resources for Parents 
• Find a Behavioral Health Provider  
• New York State and National Support Services for Children and Teens

If you or a loved one needs a mental health provider, you may not be sure where to start. You don’t need a referral from your PCP to see a behavioral health provider but talking with your PCP is a good first step. They can help you identify if there is a problem and the type of provider that may be right for you. Different types of behavioral health providers include:

Psychiatrist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat mental illness.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice registered nurse with a specialty certification in psychiatry. A psychiatric nurse practitioner can prescribe medication to treat mental illness.

Psychologist: A behavioral health professional with an advanced degree who evaluates a person’s mental health through discussion, interviews, evaluations, and testing. A psychologist can make diagnoses but cannot prescribe medications to treat mental illness.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): A health care professional who is trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and help them find emotional wellness. Working with a LMHC often leads to symptom reduction and better ways of feeling and thinking.

Clinical Social Worker: A licensed or certified professional who is trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques to help. They are also trained in case management and advocacy services. 

Find a behavioral health provider.

Feelings of sadness or grief are normal emotions that people experience from time to time. Major depression, however, is a serious mood disorder that impacts daily life. Depression causes long-lasting, severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. 

Someone who is experiencing some of these signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, may be suffering from depression: 

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood 
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt 
• Irritability 
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities 
• Decreased energy or fatigue 
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still 
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions 
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping 
• Appetite and/or weight changes 
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts 

Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment 

Not everyone who is depressed has every symptom. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual. The good news is that depression—even the most severe depression—is treatable.  

Learn about our Depression Management Program.

There are many ways to take care of yourself to make sure you can successfully manage everyday life, relationships, and challenges.

View some strategies from the National Institutes of Health for improving your emotional health.