Child and Adolescent Counseling & Psychological Therapy Services

In the process of development and learning, children and adolescents face many difficulties, which can lead to negative consequences such as decreased academic performance and learning ability, conflicts with parents, teachers, and peers, and involvement in negative social issues (such as violence, online gaming addiction, and school dropout). The challenges faced by children and adolescents are diverse, ranging from lack of motivation, low self-confidence, and stress to mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, behavioral disorders, ADHD, and possibly suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Therefore, counseling and psychological therapy for children facing difficulties or crises is essential.

The purpose of counseling & psychological therapy

Counseling & psychological therapy is not about giving advice to children, but rather a collaborative process between a professional psychologist and the child (or both the child and their parents/caregivers) to help improve the difficulties the child is experiencing. Counseling & psychological therapy also helps enhance positivity and coping abilities in children, enabling them to prevent the recurrence of psychological issues or mental health problems in the future.

What is Child and Adolescent Counseling & Psychological Therapy?

Counseling and psychological therapy for children/adolescents is a professional service conducted by qualified counselors or clinical psychologists through a process that helps children improve their personal difficulties. The process of implementing a counseling and psychological therapy program for children and adolescents includes several steps, from gathering basic information from parents/caregivers (and even teachers at school) to psychological assessments using tests/scales, formulating/identifying a pathophysiological hypothesis, creating a therapy plan, applying psychological therapy methods and techniques, evaluating the child’s issues, and concluding with follow-up sessions.

When do children and adolescents need counseling/psychological therapy?

Psychological counseling/therapy is a positive solution that does not cause “side effects” for children. In addition to helping children improve their difficulties, it also enhances their quality of life (learning, daily activities, relationships, etc.). Therefore, whenever children face psychological difficulties or exhibit signs of a disorder, early assessment and counseling/therapy will bring positive outcomes. Parents should pay attention to the following signs to take their child for evaluation and psychological counseling:

For children under 12 years old:

• Physical or mental signs, such as difficulty sleeping, poor appetite, digestive issues, and constant crying.
• Lack of eye contact, indifference to surroundings.
• Neglect of personal hygiene.
• Struggles at school or in relationships.
• Mischievous behavior – anger, irritability, restlessness, aggression.
• Eating or sleep disorders.
• Language difficulties or challenges in communication.
• Anxiety and stress.
• Difficulty concentrating, poor memory.
• Learning difficulties: struggling with reading, writing, and calculation.
• Signs of distress – bedwetting, twitching, nightmares, or ongoing worry.
• Family changes like divorce, illness, or bereavement.
• Hyperactivity – attention deficit.

For adolescents from 13 to 18 years old:

• Addictive behaviors such as online gaming, social media, etc.
• Depression, generalized anxiety.
• Social phobia, specific phobias.
• Indifference to studies, difficulties in learning, school dropout.
• Mischievous behavior – wanting to drop out, violence, aggressiveness.
• Suicide attempts.
• Eating disorders.
• Bullying, conflicts with friends, teachers, or parents.
• Substance abuse.
• Challenges in personal development.

Psychological Counseling & Therapy Model for Children and Adolescents at Minh Tri