Children’s Mental Health
What if my child is angry, depressed, has anxiety, is being
bullied or just not acting like him/herself lately?
The first step is to bring your child in for a free
screening. Community Hospitals provides free
screenings that are conducted by a Registered Nurse or
a Masters Level Prepared Therapist. After you register,
you and your child will meet together with the screener,
followed by one-on-one sessions with the screener.
Once all of the information is gathered, the screener
discusses and reviews the data collected with the
psychiatrist. The psychiatrist then determines the best
course of treatment for your child, which could include
any of the following:
» » Participation in Outpatient Services
a “fear of the unknown” factor like what will happen
to our children if we call for help. However, the thing to
remember is that you don’t have to wait until your child
is at the point of endangering him/herself or others,
you can call for help at any time. Below is an overview
of what to expect when you call 911:
» » When you call 911, a law enforcement official will
be sent to assess the situation.
» » If the officer doesn’t feel like your child meet
the requirements for the Baker Act, he/she may
recommend that you take your child to the
Emergency Department or other location for a
screening. They may recommend calling a therapist
or Psychiatrist.
» » If the officer feels your child is of danger to him/
herself or others, and could also have a mental
illness, they will institute the Baker Act and
take your child to Behavioral Services or to the
Emergency Department.
» » Participation in a Day Treatment Program – this
service is only provided by referral from the
Psychiatrist
» » Admittance to an Inpatient Program
» » They might determine that your child is just having
a bad day
What if I fear that my child may hurt him/herself or
others?
If you ever feel that your child is going to hurt him/
herself or others, or if his/her behavior is out of control
or dangerous, the first thing you need to do is call 911.
This decision can be extremely difficult because there is
» » Parents, it is extremely important you follow your
child in a vehicle as the law states that the officer
is only able to transport your child in their car.
Your child may be handcuffed, however this is not
mandatory but, at the discretion of the officer. The
first responder has to do what is necessary for the
safety of everyone involved. We are telling you this
not to scare you or upset you, but to prepare you.
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