How Your Child Could Benefit from a Behavioral Health Consultation

Just as it’s important for your child to undergo a physical to make sure that they don’t fall ill, it’s just as important to pinpoint behavioral and mental issues early on so that our Marion, VA, pediatricians, Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, and Dr. Tara Etter, can help you address them. Read on to learn more about what is involved in a behavioral health consultation and the benefits surrounding them.

Who could benefit from a behavioral health consultation?

It may be time to schedule a mental health consultation at our Marion office if you suspect that your child may be dealing with a mental disorder. This consultation can pinpoint, and even prevent, certain mental health problems. This evaluation may also benefit children who are exhibiting certain behaviors that are impacting their social, school, or home lives.

If your child is displaying signs of any of these mental illnesses, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with us:

• Eating disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders
• Substance abuse
• Impulse control disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Personality disorders
• Adjustment disorders
• Somatic symptom disorders

During a consultation, a physical exam may be performed to rule out any physical causes for your child’s symptoms. The other part of the consultation will consist of an interview to talk with you and your child about their symptoms and feelings. A diagnosis may be made during your child’s consultation or further testing from a psychologist may be recommended. Once a diagnosis has been reached, we can immediately create a treatment plan for your little one. Early intervention is key to providing your child with the best support and care possible.

What are the benefits of a behavioral health consultation?

The most obvious benefit is that our pediatrician can identify certain issues early on to find simple and effective solutions before the problem gets any worse. In some cases, we may even be able to prevent certain mental health problems from occurring in the first place. Furthermore, this consultation ensures that your child gets the proper attention and support they need, particularly if they are dealing with emotional or social issues.

Give us a call

If your child is displaying serious or troublesome behaviors, it’s important that you have a pediatrician that you can turn to for answers and help. Call Royal Oak Pediatric Associates in Marion, VA, today (276) 783-8183 at to talk with us.