Child Guidance Clinics
Using process evaluation to describe a hospital-based clinic for children coping with medical stressors. (1/3)
OBJECTIVE: To use process evaluation methods to describe the development of a hospital-based mental health clinic for children facing medical stressors. METHODS: Over a 21-month time period, we collected data regarding presenting concern, service use, and referral source using hospital administrative, clinic intake, and clinical records for 356 children. RESULTS: Nearly 90% of the children were referred to the clinic from sources within the hospital. With the exception of single session interventions, there were no differences in average length of services according to presenting concern. Hospital pediatric specialists and psychology consultants were the primary referrers to the program. Pediatric specialists referred more often for procedural concerns and chronic illness than other hospital referrers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the feasibility and usefulness of a process evaluation approach in shaping clinical program directions, creating opportunities for collaboration with medical providers, and planning effectiveness research. (+info)Clinical profile of depressive disorder in children. (2/3)
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the risk factors, clinical features and co-morbid disorders of depressive disorder in children below the age of 12 years. Children who attended the child guidance clinic between January 2000 and December 2003 formed the subjects for the study. The diagnosis of depressive disorder was based on DSMIV diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, Single episode. There were 26 boys and 19 girls. Stress at school and in the family was significantly associated with depressive disorder. Children with depressive disorder had significantly more family members affected with mental illnesses. The clinical features included diminished interest in play and activities, excessive tiredness, low self- esteem, problems with concentration, multiple somatic complaints, behavior symptoms like anger and aggression, recent deterioration in school performance and suicidal behavior. Majority of children had other associated psychiatric disorders which included dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorders, conduct disorder and conversion disorder. (+info)Co-sleeping and clinical correlates in children seen at a child guidance clinic. (3/3)
INTRODUCTION: Co-sleeping or bed-sharing is a common practice that has been little researched. While often viewed as being "cultural" in nature, there is a suggestion that it may be a parental response to sleep problems. Some studies link co-sleeping with behavioural and temperamental difficulties. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of co-sleeping and how they relate to sleeping problems among a cohort of children and adolescents seen in a child guidance clinic. METHODS: Parents or guardians of all new patients seen at the child guidance clinic were asked to complete a questionnaire upon their consent to participate in the study. The questionnaire included socio-demographical data and frequency of sleep problems in the past six months. A list of nine common sleep problems was included. RESULTS: The prevalence of co-sleeping was found to be 72.7 percent. The children who co-sleep were significantly younger and there was a decrease in the practice with increasing age. Sleep starts and nightmares were significantly more among those sleeping alone. CONCLUSION: Co-sleeping was not associated with significant sleep problems in our cohort. Co-sleeping may have been initiated in response to an existing sleep problem but eventually resolved the problem. If co-sleeping is not permitted, the sleep problem could be compounded, giving rise to a higher prevalence of sleep starts and nightmares among those in our cohort who slept alone. (+info)Child guidance clinics are mental health clinics specifically designed to assess, diagnose, and treat children and adolescents with behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties. These clinics are typically staffed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other specialists who work together to provide comprehensive care for children and their families.
The services offered at child guidance clinics may include individual and group therapy, family therapy, psychological testing and assessment, medication management, and case management. The goal of these clinics is to help children and adolescents develop healthy social and emotional skills, improve their behavior and academic performance, and promote overall well-being.
Child guidance clinics often work closely with schools, community organizations, and other healthcare providers to ensure that children receive coordinated and continuous care. They may also provide training and education to parents, teachers, and other professionals who work with children to help them better understand and respond to the unique needs of children with mental health challenges.
Child guidance is a field of mental health care that focuses on the emotional, social, and behavioral well-being of children and adolescents. It involves providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for children who are experiencing psychological, behavioral, or developmental difficulties. Child guidance services may include individual and family therapy, counseling, psychoeducation, and consultation with schools and other community agencies. The goal of child guidance is to help children develop the skills and behaviors necessary to lead healthy, productive lives.