ANXIETY

INTRODUCTION

Your child/youth has been referred to our clinic for assessment of their mental health concerns.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for children and adults, affecting upwards of 20% of children and adolescents over their lifespan. Anxious youth are often quiet and well behaved, and thus frequently go unnoticed by their parents, teachers, and coaches. Alternatively others can be disruptive and act out, being labeled as having attention deficit disorder or being a “bad” kid.

As a parent, remember that you are the most important person in your child’s life. Although it can be frustrating for the entire family to deal with an anxious child, your child needs a loving but encouraging parent to help support them through the process of learning to cope and conquer their anxiety.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Due to the nature of these assessments, the paediatrician will spend 60-75 minutes with you and your child/youth at the initial visit. Part of the visit will include a private interview with your child/youth.

RESOURCES

While you wait for your initial assessment, we highly recommend looking at the following resources and engaging with community supports in Brant or Haldimand Norfolk County.

While medication may be eventually recommended by the paediatrician, first line treatment for anxiety is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Please do not wait for the paediatrician’s assessment - register your child for therapy/counselling as soon as possible.

OHIP-Covered Therapy

Contact Brant (Brantford):
Self-refer by calling 519-758-8228 or by email at information@contactbrant.net
Walk-in mental health clinics are also available by:
Calling 519-752-5308 and press ‘0’ OR texting 226-920-4427
Haldimand Norfolk REACH (if you live in Haldimand-Norfolk County):
Self-refer by phoning 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087
Walk-in mental health clinics are also available by:
Calling 519-410-1502
Qualia Counselling (if you live on Ohsweken and are covered under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations):
Self-refer by calling 1-844-380-3228

Private Therapy (paid through insurance or out of pocket)

Brantford

Guthrie and Associates Inc. tel: 519-752-8280
Willowbridge Community Services tel: 519-753-4173
Qualia Counselling tel: 1-844-380-3228
Dr. Gregory Knoll (Psychology) tel: 519-802-7235

Simcoe

Harmony Counselling and Psychotherapy (Kerri Stone):
tel: 519-428-7979 or email harmony-counselling@hotmail.com
Please also check your work’s EAP program to see if there is coverage

Crisis Lines (if your child/youth requires immediate telephone assistance):