CARING FOR YOUR CHILD’S EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Mental Health Support for Children & Teens in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs
Anxiety and depression aren’t just adult struggles – they affect children and teens too, often showing up as stomachaches, irritability, or changes in school performance rather than the sadness or worry adults expect to see. At Associates in Pediatrics, mental health is treated as a core part of your child’s overall health, with routine screening, honest conversations, and a clear path to support when it’s needed.
Recognizing Anxiety and Depression in Kids
In younger children, anxiety often looks like clinginess, frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause, trouble sleeping, or meltdowns around separation or new situations. In older children and teens, watch for withdrawal from friends and activities, declining grades, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, or expressions of hopelessness. These symptoms deserve attention especially when they persist for more than two weeks or interfere with daily life.
How We Screen for Mental Health Concerns
We use validated screening questionnaires (such as the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety) starting in adolescence, and we ask open-ended questions about mood, stress, and home/school life at every well visit for younger children too. We also encourage parents to bring up concerns directly – you know your child best, and a screening tool is a starting point, not the whole picture.
Treatment and Support Options
Depending on severity, care may include counseling referrals to child and adolescent therapists, coordination with school counselors, lifestyle and coping strategies for mild anxiety, and medication management for moderate-to-severe cases when appropriate – always with close follow-up to monitor how your child is responding.
When to Seek Emergency Help
If your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or you’re worried about their immediate safety, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. You can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, available 24/7. Please don’t wait for a scheduled appointment if you’re concerned about immediate safety.
anxiety & Depression
frequently asked questions
How do I know if my child’s worry is normal or something more?
Occasional worry or sadness is a normal part of growing up. It’s worth a conversation with us if these feelings are intense, last more than two weeks, or start interfering with school, friendships, or sleep.
Can our pediatrician treat anxiety or depression, or do we need a therapist?
We can screen, provide initial support, and manage some cases directly – especially milder anxiety – while working alongside therapists and counselors for more involved treatment or when talk therapy is the best first step.
Is medication necessary for childhood anxiety or depression?
Not always. Many children respond well to counseling and coping strategies alone. Medication is considered for moderate-to-severe cases or when therapy alone isn’t providing enough relief, and it’s always a shared decision with the family.
What if my child doesn’t want to talk about how they’re feeling?
This is common, especially with teens. We can help open that conversation during a visit, and sometimes kids are more comfortable speaking with a pediatrician than a parent at first.
This page discusses sensitive mental health topics. If you are a parent reading this out of personal concern for your child’s safety, please don’t wait – call our office or, for any immediate risk, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Your Child Doesn’t Have to Struggle in Silence
Whether it’s occasional worry or something more persistent, we’re here to listen and help you figure out the right next step.
Call 847-742-6888 to Talk to a Provider
Caring for northern Illinois families for over 40 years
Call for Appointments
847.742.6888
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
(Closed for lunch 12 - 1:30pm)
Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm
Sunday: Closed
ELGIN SUMMIT STREET
1015 Summit St
Elgin, IL 60120
ELGIN RANDALL ROAD
1530 N Randall Rd.
Elgin, IL 60123
STREAMWOOD
1020 E Schaumburg Rd. Streamwood, IL 60107
ALGONQUIN
2971 Algonquin Rd. Ste 105
Algonquin, IL 60102
AFTER HOURS
Call 847.742.6888 to reach our answering service. A provider will be paged to assist you. A $25 after-hours fee applies.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.