Mental health problems in Canadian children and youth should be taken seriously, as studies indicate that 20% of Canadian children and adolescents suffer from mental health disorders. Mental health care for these vulnerable populations must be a priority as it can have a long-term impact on their lives. The role of mental health care for Canadian children and youth encompasses many different areas and can be implemented through various approaches.
Firstly, mental health care should begin when children are in their early childhood years, as behavioral and psychological health patterns can start to develop during this time. Prevention and early detection are key in helping young children to develop healthy attachments and the capacity to
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Mental health care providers should use empirically based tools such as the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to identify any areas of difficulty and develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Treatment should encompass a variety of psychosocial, psychopharmacological, and family-oriented interventions. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be of great benefit to children and youth suffering from anxiety, while family therapy can be helpful in family conflicts or other types of behavioral problems. Clinical pharmacists and medical practitioners can also be of assistance in prescribing appropriate psychotropic medications when …show more content…
School psychologists are tasked with assessing and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of students, diagnosing and treating psychological issues, and helping manage personal crises for students in need. They act as essential guardians of student mental health as well as promote learning and academic development.
School psychologists deliver specialized services to students of all ages in educational settings. They provide psychological interventions, consultations, and assessments to provide a supportive learning environment for students. They are typically members of an interdisciplinary school support team and work closely with teachers, counselors, administrators, families, and outside professionals to identify, diagnose, and improve the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students.
School psychologists usually begin by identifying, diagnosing, and evaluating a student’s mental and emotional problems or educational deficiencies. The school psychologist may also collaborate with parents or guardians to determine the best course of action. After assessing a student’s needs and providing the appropriate interventions or referrals, school psychologists then monitor the student’s progress and provide the necessary support to ensure they reach the best possible