Mental health is a big deal, no matter your age. For little ones, mental health is incredibly challenging to navigate because their minds are still developing and their perceptions of themselves and others can change drastically over relatively short periods of time. In fact, in 2021 to 2022, the prevalence of mental health disorders among children ages three to 17 revealed significant statistics: 10% diagnosed with anxiety, 7% with behavior disorders, and 4% with depression.
Early intervention is crucial yet difficult, highlighting the critical demand for innovative approaches in child mental health care. At Hearts Connected, we strive to implement such solutions.
The Gaps in Traditional Mental Health Care for Children
Traditional mental health services for children have several barriers affecting accessibility and effectiveness. One significant issue is the reliance on in-person therapy sessions tied to a therapist’s availability and schedule. This constraint can result in long wait times, making it almost impossible for kids to receive timely care when they need it the most. Furthermore, geographical limitations heighten these concerns, such as a lack of qualified therapists in rural or underserved areas. Another barrier is insurance coverage. Insurance constricts your choices of providers and often dictates what is “covered” vs “not covered” even though you feel your child is in need of mental health services.
Additionally, traditional talk therapy may not always be suitable for younger children. Some patients struggle to express their emotions or articulate their experiences verbally. Consequently, this method often fails to account for developmental differences, leaving many patients without the tailored support they require.
How Hearts Connected’s Approach Differs
Hearts Connected stands out with its revolutionary lines of action in child mental health care. We are a group of child life specialists dedicated to serving young minds and their families. What do our services entail?
Free Consultation and Affordable Pricing
Many parents or guardians delay seeking professional help for children because of financial concerns. Some also simply do not know how to go about finding the right services. To overcome this hurdle, Hearts Connected is available for free consultations. You can connect with one of our mental health providers, share your troubles regarding your child, and learn about our offerings. We also have a transparent self-pay pricing structure for affordable care, so you know what the cost will be up front and you do not need to wait for insurance to dictate your child’s care or determine reimbursement.
No Waitlist
Hearts Connected is open daily, offering flexibility in scheduling appointments to accommodate busy families and urgent situations. Having no waitlist means we can help you and your child as soon as needed. We understand how mental health concerns involving kids can be time-sensitive, so we strive to deliver immediate services, 7 days a week!
Virtual and From the Comfort of Your Home
Not everyone can travel to therapy sessions, and some children feel more comfortable speaking to a specialist from the comfort of their own homes. Our virtual mental health support for kids makes care more accessible and convenient. By going virtual, Hearts Connected reaches more families faster and more efficiently.
Guidance in Pediatric Emotional Support for Parents
We empower parents and caretakers by involving them in their kids’ work with us. Our providers also equip you with the knowledge and tools to help your child outside of sessions. Every session is followed up with a thorough debrief email including resources, individualized coping plans, and more! Our goal is for families to feel ready and educated on their journey towards stronger mental health.
Beyond Talk Therapy
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Hearts Connected does collaborative planning with both the child and their family. Therapeutic activities focus on coping mechanisms based on the child’s developmental stage, and purposeful discussions help kids comprehend and explore their emotions. We also promote growth and resilience through individualized coping plans created for each child. With continuity as our priority, we conclude every session with a wrap-up of the strategies learned and goals moving forward.
Child Life Specialists vs. Traditional Therapists – Why It Matters
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are highly trained professionals who focus on the developmental and emotional impact that illness, injury, trauma, or loss can have on kids. All of our child life specialists hold a Masters Degree, have completed an intensive 600-hour clinical internship, and have passed a rigorous national certification exam.
Child life specialists focus more on situational stressors rather than chronic or pathological behavioral or mental issues. Families with kids struggling with the death of a family member, friend, or pet; acute or chronic health diagnoses; or significant life transitions like divorce or a new school can get in touch with a CCLS. Anxiety, fear, grief, and all the other emotions can also affect the youth, and the ways to work through them differ from adults. A CCLS can determine the best course of action.
As a team of CCLS, Hearts Connected works with children from birth through young adulthood while maintaining a family-centered approach. We acknowledge that parents and caregivers are the foremost experts on their kids. Our child life specialist support involves implementing age-appropriate strategies and ensuring comprehensive psychosocial and emotional care for every child or teen.
Schedule an Appointment With Hearts Connected
Hearts Connected is redefining child mental health. Our commitment to early intervention and family-centered perspective puts every kid and their support unit on a path to lifelong wellness! Bridging the gap is not easy, and we know that our services must keep up with the times. Rest assured that our team is capable and ready to provide what the industry and your family deserve.
You can email any questions you have to info@heartsconnected.org or reach out directly to us at (404) 516-0906. To book a free consult and speak with a child life specialist today, click here!
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