Chicago-based Mental Health Experts

Building a strong and healthy relationship takes effort, commitment, and communication. Without these elements, even the happiest of couples can experience challenges and conflicts that cause stress, tension, and strain in the relationship. That’s why many will seek out professional support for couples therapy in Chicago.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed. If you're struggling with depression, it's important to know that there are effective treatment options available to help you feel better. But what exactly are your options for depression treatment in Chicago?

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that millions of Americans struggle with each day. Feelings of anxiety can affect how we feel and behave, and those feelings can create vast changes in our daily lives, especially in the case of formal anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, many people with anxiety disorders don't seek reliable help for their issues and symptoms because they don't know where to begin or may feel overwhelmed by the search process. Thankfully, treatments are effective and available. At Wellington Counseling Group, we specialize in anxiety treatment in Chicago and are ready to help you.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, particularly events that are life-threatening or terrifying. Those with PTSD often experience unsettling symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, irritability, anger outbursts, depression, and hypervigilance. Fortunately, there are many reliable PTSD treatment options in Chicago that are available today.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects around 9.4% of children and 4.4% of adults in America. ADHD can make it difficult for individuals to concentrate, learn, and just sit still. In some cases, these symptoms persist into adulthood. This disorder can seriously impact individuals' lives and makes it challenging to perform everyday tasks. Thankfully, there are options for ADHD therapy in Chicago.

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but sometimes it can be a little bit too much so. Even the sturdiest relationships can benefit from some outside support every so often. Couples counseling in Lakeview and Lincoln Park offers a great way to help your relationship grow stronger and mend existing problems. Counseling teaches you to resolve issues and develop new ways to communicate more effectively and honestly.

Psychotherapy has become increasingly more prevalent in today’s society for various reasons including an apparent upswing in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, etc. Counseling helps people of all ages regain their confidence and deal with life challenges. However, for many, therapy in Chicago would simply be too expensive to have without the financial backing of a healthcare plan. As such, many people will ask the common question: does insurance cover therapy?

Does your child seem depressed or anxious lately? Or maybe they've lost interest in their hobbies and activities without explanation? If so, you might consider finding out if he/she may have a diagnosable mental health condition and to seek treatment. A child psychologist in Chicago can help.

Generally speaking, most people—at any age-can benefit from attending therapy as there are plenty of benefits to take away from it. However, there are certain instances when counseling should be a priority for your family.

Telltale Signs Your Kid May Need to See a Child Psychologist in Chicago

If your child is showing signs of depression or anxiety, it's important that you get him/her evaluated by a professional who specializes in treating children with these conditions. This will ensure that the right treatment plan is put into place for your child.

Here are some telltale signs that your kid could be struggling with a mental health issue.

Mood Swings

Mood swings can certainly be developmentally-expected in youngsters, decreasingly as they master emotional management tasks with age. But when these swings become extreme and/or frequent, it may indicate something more serious. For example, if your child suddenly becomes angry, sad, or withdrawn for an extended period, this could mean he/she is experiencing a depressive episode, which may be due to major depressive disorder (MDD). Other symptoms and mood swings to look out for include irritability, crying, sleeping problems, poor appetite, and excessive worry. Trying to identify situations where these feelings arise can help to diagnose and ultimately treat these issues.

Changes in Behavior

Minor behavioral shifts are a part of normal development for many children. However, if your child seems to be acting out more severely than their peers, then it's possible he/she is suffering from a mental health problem. Some behavioral changes linked to mental health conditions include difficulty concentrating, trouble making friends, being easily frustrated, having consistent temper tantrums, and becoming aggressive.

Poor School Performance

If your child is not doing well at school, emotional issues could be at the root of it. It's also common for kids to experience academic difficulties due to stress or other mental health concerns. In either case, it's important to seek assistance from a qualified child psychologist in Chicago if their school performance drops without explanation.

Troubling Physical Symptoms

Kids often suffer from physical ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, and back pain without a physiological cause. These symptoms can be brought on by many different things, including stress, illness, or even too much screen time. But if your child is complaining about any of these types of symptoms on a regular basis, it may be linked to another mental health issue. It's best to consult a psychologist to get to the root of the problem after clearing any medical causes for the symptoms with their pediatrician.

You Have a Family History of Mental Health Issues

If your family history includes a few mental health disorders or issues, it's important to talk to your child's pediatrician about these concerns. He/she can refer you to a child psychiatric specialist who can provide further evaluation and treatment, if needed.

With all of these potential symptoms in mind, it's important to note that not every child behaves the same way in the same situations. Being aware of your child's unique behavior, personality, and any noticeable changes in those areas is the most important way to identify if your child is struggling.

How Can Wellington Counseling Group Help?

As children grow and develop, they may face challenges in regulating and controlling their emotions and behaviors. Adolescence can be hard, especially when your child has emotional outbursts and behavioral difficulties. Parents and kids alike may struggle to deal with these things, and there’s no good reason they should have to struggle alone.

For kids and parents, family therapy can help everyone involved express emotions more appropriately and openly and reach a better understanding of themselves. Therapists can also help families understand communication between them and their children and work through family issues. At Wellington Counseling Group, we offer family and child counseling services to help families work through complex mental health issues. Our staff of psychologists also offer full psychological assessments when the need arises.

Let our team at Wellington Counseling Group help you. Schedule your consultation today and get started with a child psychologist in Chicago.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or situation. Individuals can endure trauma from various circumstances—for example, you might develop PTSD after witnessing violence or being attacked. People who experience trauma often struggle with challenging symptoms like flashbacks and recurring nightmares. These individuals may also have trouble sleeping or concentrating. If you suffer from the effects of trauma, then it’s a good idea to seek out PTSD counseling in Chicago to address your symptoms.

When should I start searching for counseling services for my child? There are several reasons why parents seek out therapy for their children. Some children struggle with emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. Others may exhibit behavioral problems such as aggression or defiance. And many kids may experience developmental delays or learning disabilities. For many families, it’s a good idea to seek out professionals who offer child counseling in Chicago.