A diagnosis can bring relief, help explain what a child or young person has been experiencing, and point towards useful support. It can also raise new questions: what happens next, which treatments may help, and how will we know whether they are working? Psychiatric treatment and ongoing management provide a chance to answer these questions

A comprehensive child and adolescent psychiatric assessment is a careful, structured way to understand a young person’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour and development. It is not a test to pass or fail, and it should not rely on one questionnaire or one person’s point of view. The aim is to build a rounded picture, consider possible

Some children have difficulties that affect several areas of development at the same time. Communication, attention, sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation, learning and everyday independence can all influence one another. When a child’s needs cross professional boundaries, a multidisciplinary assessment involving Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) can provide a clearer

Neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis is a structured clinical process designed to understand how a child or young person’s development, behaviour, communication, learning and emotional wellbeing have been affected over time. At Healing Young Minds, assessments are carried out by experienced clinicians using recognised diagnostic frameworks and NICE-guideline pathways, with the aim of providing a clear explanation

Depression and persistent low mood can affect children and young people in different ways. Some become noticeably sad, withdrawn or tearful, while others appear irritable, angry, exhausted or unusually quiet. Changes in sleep, appetite, concentration, school attendance, friendships and enjoyment may be just as important as mood. Early assessment can help clarify what is happening

Persistent behavioural difficulties can be challenging for children, young people and their families. Behaviours such as frequent outbursts, aggression, defiance, severe impulsivity, withdrawal or difficulties following everyday expectations may affect home life, education, friendships and emotional wellbeing. Although these behaviours can be distressing, they are usually a sign that a child is struggling with something

Receiving a diagnosis of autism, ADHD or a mental health condition can bring relief and clarity, but it may also lead to new questions. Families often want to know what the diagnosis means in everyday life, what support is available, whether treatment is needed and what they should tell school or college. A diagnosis is

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can affect children and teenagers as well as adults. It involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges, together with repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a young person feels driven to carry out. These experiences can be distressing, time-consuming and disruptive to family life, education, friendships

Medication can be an important part of treatment for some children and young people with ADHD, autism-associated difficulties, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sleep problems or other mental health conditions. It is rarely considered in isolation. A careful medication review should take account of the young person’s symptoms, development, physical health, emotional wellbeing, education, family circumstances

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can help secure the right support for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is a legal plan, issued by the local authority in England, which describes a child’s needs, the outcomes they should work towards and the special educational provision required