You may be dealing with
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity disorder or Conduct Disorder
ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, often lasting into adulthood. ADHD may cause a child to have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors or be overly active – behaviors that are rarely outgrown in a child with ADHD. Additionally, children may experience difficulty at school, home or with friends depending on the severity of symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are several factors that might play a role in a child having ADHD, including:
- genetics
- brain injury
- premature delivery
- low birth weight
- conduct disorder
Conduct Disorder
All children act out from time-to-time, by when aggressive behavior is severe, or persists over time, the child might have a behavior disorder. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with a behavior disorder such as a conduct disorder, and, as a result, are more likely than other children to experience injuries and difficulties getting along with peers.
Additionally, behaviors including aggression toward others, and violation of rules at home, school or with peers may lead to a child making bad choices and ultimately breaking the law.
Help is available for children experiencing ADHD or behavior disorders such as conduct disorder. Through mental health treatment and outpatient programs, The Center for Health Care Services helps children get on-track with peers, achieve academic success and live a positive, meaningful life as a well-functioning adult.
Outpatient Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents
Being mentally healthy in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, learning healthy social skills, and how to cope when problems arise. When there is a concern that a child might not be meeting these milestones, The Center offers an array of services that can help.
Our goal is to strengthen and support families by providing services for an array of issues, including:
- Sadness or depression
- Fear or anxiety
- Persistent nightmares
- Low self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Harming self or others
- Behavioral problems
- Academic problems
- Running away and truancy
- School bullying
- Parenting support
- Child abuse/assault
- Divorce
- Grief/loss
- History of trauma
Children’s mental health treatment is for Bexar County youth ages 3 – 17 with a DSM-V Diagnosis, and includes the following services:
- assessment
- skills training
- counseling
- case management
- medication training and support
- psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring
- training
- family partner support
How to Enroll in Children's Behavioral Health Services Through the Center for Health Care Services
To enroll a child in services, start by calling (210) 261-CHCS (2427) to begin the registration process. The enrollment screening process is done Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Children’s Behavioral Health Clinic at Bandera: 6812 Bandera Road, Suite 102, San Antonio, Texas 78238.
In the event of a mental health crisis including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call the 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline at 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). Please call 911 if harm to self or harm to others is imminent.
The Center helps children and adolescents find hope, determine their path to wellness, and discover their way to an independent, productive life.
For more information, or to enroll in services, please call:
Children: (210) 261-CHCS (2427)
Good Health and Wellbeing: Children 101
Mental health and wellness is essential for a child to live an independent, productive life full of positive experiences. Because a child’s development begins with the love and encouragement they receive from parents and caregivers, it’s important to:
- Establish healthy habits: nutritious food, adequate sleep, and exercise
- Provide a safe and secure home
- Give children unconditional love
- Nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem
- Make time for play
- Provide fair and consistent guidance and discipline
- Teach your children healthy ways to manage stress and bounce back from adversity
- Help your child maintain emotional balance by teaching them resiliency
- Take care of your own mental health!
