Student Mental Health

If your child or teenager shows signs of depression, anxiety, or another mental health disorder and you have concerns, see the experts at Axis Integrated Mental Health in Louisville and Aurora, Colorado. The experienced mental health team offers comprehensive student mental health care for patients aged 5 and older. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is student mental health?

Student mental health affects children and teenagers. In fact, nearly half of teenagers struggle with a mental health disorder during their lifetime. Mental health encompasses a child or teenager’s emotions, thoughts, behaviors, moods, lifestyle habits, and more. Identifying potential mental health problems early and treating them can help students flourish in all areas of life.

Which mental health conditions might students struggle with?

Students may struggle with one or more of the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Grief 
• Bipolar disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Eating disorders 
• Low self-esteem

It’s common to have more than one type of mental health challenge at the same time.

What are the symptoms of student mental health concerns?

Symptoms of mental health disorders in children and teenagers may include:

• Social withdrawal
• Loss of interest in once-favorite things
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Ongoing or extreme sadness
• Intense anxiety
• Not being able to focus at school
• Difficulty fitting in or making friends
• Using harmful substances
• Thoughts or talk of suicide
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Appetite changes
• Sleeping more or less than usual 
• Fatigue
• Feeling guilty or shameful
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Obsessions or compulsions

Anytime a student has sudden changes in behavior or mood, have them see the Axis Integrated Mental Health team for an evaluation.

How are student mental health issues diagnosed?

The Axis Integrated Mental Health experts complete a physical exam and psychiatric evaluation to determine if a child or teenager has symptoms of a mental health condition. They discuss their emotions, behaviors, thoughts, moods, lifestyle, medical history, and medications. 

Risk factors for mental health disorders in young individuals include:

• Family history of mental health disorders
• Bullying
• Stress
• Lack of a strong social support network
• Low self-esteem
• Relationship conflicts
• Trauma
• Social influences

Social media and excessive screen time are also risk factors for depression and related conditions. 

How are student mental health conditions treated?

Treating student mental health concerns at Axis Integrated Mental Health may involve:

• Integrative psychiatry
• Talk therapy (psychotherapy)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Family-focused therapy 
• Interpersonal therapy 
• Medication management
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Nutritional psychiatry
• Lifestyle coaching
• Vitamin D supplements
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Partial hospitalization programs 
• Support groups 
• School-based support
• Alternative therapies

Examples of alternative therapies for children include acupuncture, art therapy, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and nature therapy.

The team calls insurance companies on a patient’s behalf to help reduce health care costs associated with mental health care. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Axis Integrated Mental Health by phone or request one online today to take advantage of student mental health care.