FAQs for Parents

It can be difficult for parents when their teens are going through hard times. They may not know what to do or where to turn. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions parents or caregivers may have.

• How do I know if my child needs to be seen? What types of behaviors should I be concerned about in my adolescent?

  Adolescence is a time of many changes. At times, even typical adolescent behavior can be challenging. It's important to know that Behavioral Health is here to help families communicate and relate effectively throughout their child's development. Knowing what to expect from your adolescent and how to know what types of behaviors are concerning is important. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's Fact for Families website can offer some guidance.

• What can I expect from an initial assessment in Behavioral Health?

  An initial assessment is typically 60-90 minutes and may include the provider speaking individually with parents/caregivers, individually with your child/adolescent, and/or a combined interview. The intent is to gather information about the problem and pertinent history, do an assessment for safety, and develop preliminary treatment plans. This is also an opportunity for your provider to get to know you and your family, and for you to get to know her or him.

  A provisional diagnosis may be discussed with you at the initial intake. However, the process of assessment is often ongoing, and particularly with young people may occur over one or more sessions. "Diagnosis" is simply looking at the presenting problem, and "naming" it, which is valuable in developing a positive plan of action.

  Oftentimes the initial assessment may focus primarily on what's bringing you to the department, though our providers are also interested in learning about strengths and skills your child and family possess which will help you make progress towards your goals.

• How do I find a Behavioral Health provider for my child and/or the family?

  The Assessment & Referral Team assists first-time callers in determining a good fit for your child, adolescent or family by asking a number of basic questions about the nature of your concern. These questions include your child's age, the reason for your call, your location and scheduling preferences, and screening for urgency. The Team will then schedule you or your child accordingly. The Assessment & Referral Team can be reached at (608) 775-7991 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 57991.

• I'm concerned about my family's privacy. How is this addressed?

  All patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality. Treatment records and conversations about your treatment are kept confidential. Records and conversations about your treatment are revealed to others only as required by law or with your written consent or the consent of your legal representative. Two exceptions to professional confidentiality are: (1) reporting either suspected or actual child abuse to the appropriate authorities as required by law, or (2) when not disclosing information would pose a clear threat of physical harm to one's self or others.

  We encourage open communication between parents and their children. At the same time, it is also appropriate for a young person to be allowed privacy on particular issues in therapy. Sometimes it is difficult to identify how to balance these concerns, and improving communication is often an issue with which families are requesting assistance. If you or your child have questions about your privacy or the process of treatment at any point, it is important to discuss these with your current care provider.

• How might group therapy benefit my child or adolescent?

  There is a tremendous amount of evidence that indicates that group therapy is one of the most effective interventions for young people. Group therapy provides a place where a person can come together with others to share problems or concerns; to better understand one's own situation; to better understand one's own patterns of thoughts and behaviors and those of others; and to learn from and with peers.

  Group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It can address feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety and help to build skills. It can also help people make significant changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives.

  Group therapy also provides a safe environment where people can learn about similarities that exist between all people, without discrimination. This intervention gives opportunities for learning how to give and receive constructive feedback as well as trying out and practicing new skills for communication, problem solving and decision making.

• How do I know if my child is suicidal or harming themselves in some way?

  Teens who are suicidal may have some warning signs including:

  • Change in eating and sleeping habits
  • Withdrawal from things they use to enjoy
  • Neglecting personal hygiene and appearance
  • Noticeable personality changes
  • Rebellious behavior
  • Drug and/or alcohol abuse
  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Declining grades in school
  • Difficulty accepting compliments or praise

  Other signs that a teen may be considering suicide or even have a suicide plan include:

  • Actually saying they want to die or are thinking about committing suicide
  • Giving verbal hints such as 'I want you to know something in case I'm not here anymore' or 'I won't be a problem for you much longer'
  • Writing suicide notes
  • Giving away or getting rid of personal belongings
  • Becoming suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
  • Expressing bizarre thoughts or hallucinations

  Some teens may self-injure themselves. Self-injury can come in many forms and severity. Some common behaviors include:

  • Cutting
  • Burning
  • Head-banging
  • Picking, pulling skin and/or hair
  • Biting
  • Hitting
  • Bruising

  
  
• Why do adolescents self-injure?

  Self-injury is a complex behavior and symptom that results from a variety of factors. Adolescents who have difficulty talking about their feelings may show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, pain and low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors. Although some teenagers may feel like the steam in the pressure cooker has been released following the act of harming themselves, others may feel hurt, anger, fear and hate.

  The effects of peer pressure and money situations can also influence adolescents to injure themselves. Self injury can leave lasting scars. Occasionally, teenagers may hide their scars, burns and bruises due to feeling embarrassed, rejected or criticized about their physical appearance.

• What can parents and teenagers do about self-injury?

  Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about respecting and valuing their bodies. Parents should also serve as role models for their teenagers by not engaging in acts of self-harm.

  Feelings of wanting to die or kill themselves are reasons for adolescents to seek emergency professional care. Self injury is a very serious concern and warrants evaluation by a mental health professional. A child and adolescent therapist, psychologist and/or psychiatrist can diagnose and treat the serious psychiatric disorders that may accompany these behaviors as well as identifying and treating the underlying causes of self-injury.

  Some helpful strategies to avoid self injury that adolescents learn by working with a mental health professional can include how to:

  • Soothe themselves in a positive, non-injurious, way.
  • Identify feelings and talk them out rather than acting on them.
  • Stop, think, and evaluate the pros and cons of self-injury.
  • Accept reality and find ways to make the present moment more tolerable.
  • Distract themselves from feelings of self-harm (for example, counting to ten, saying "NO!" or "STOP!," practicing breathing exercises, thinking about positive images, etc.)
  • Practice positive stress management.

  
  
• What do I do in case of an emergency/crisis?

  During regular office hours, the Behavioral Health department can be reached at (608) 775-2287. The nursing staff is available to assist with coordinating communication with our Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists and for questions or concerns about medication.

  If you are concerned about the immediate health or safety of your child, utilizing 24-hour emergency services such as your local emergency room or law enforcement is appropriate. Additional 24-hour resources for crisis management include calling Great Rivers 211 by dialing 211 on your phone or cell phone or and the La Crosse Children's Crisis Program at (608) 784-HELP (608-784-4357).

  To report suspected abuse of a child, contact your local County Human Services Department and ask to speak with a Child Protection Intake worker.

• Why might a child/adolescent be hospitalized psychiatrically?

  A young person may be hospitalized psychiatrically if there is concern that without additional supervision that child may be at risk for significant self injury or death. Your child's primary care provider, current provider in Behavioral Health, or on-call staff can assist in making this determination and developing appropriate safety plans.

• What do I need to know about tobacco, alcohol or other drugs?

  This is a growing concern for adolescents, teens, young adults, their parents and community members. Although there are programs to advocate for non-use, there are adolescents, teens, young adults and their parents who deal with these struggles. There are programs available to support non-use and focus on prevention and education, as well as programs that help those who struggle with alcohol and other drug issues. Such programs are located within the community and here at Gundersen Health System.

• How do I know if my child may be using drugs or alcohol?

  Here are a few signs that your child, adolescent or teen may display if using drugs or alcohol. This is not a comprehensive list, but will give you an idea of what to look for.

  • Decline in grades, academic or extra curricular performance
  • Skipping school or consistently too tired or sick to go to school
  • Irritability, isolation, depression, anxiety, and other mood changes that don't appear like your child, adolescent or teen
  • Changes in physical appearance
  • Changes in friends

If you have additional questions or need more information, contact the Gundersen Behavioral Health Assessment and Referral Team at (608) 775-7991 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 57991. They will discuss your concerns and match you up with the appropriate service.