MENTAL HEALTH, SCHOOL & BEHAVIOUR ISSUES
Are you concerned about your child’s worries, behavior, short fuse, sad mood, talk of self harm or negativity? Please go through intake at Child and Youth Mental Health. DO NOT wait for your appointment in this office.
Follow this link for Child & Youth Mental Health Intake Clinics
We see a large number of children who have differences or difficulties with how they behave, learn in school or relate to others. The wait to be seen for these types of problems can be longer and it is important to come to your appointment prepared with all the requested forms filled out and with report cards if child is school age. Vist our Forms page here.
An up to date eye exam and hearing assessment should be done.
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/children-youth-services/hearing-program
For language / speech issues, contact your local Public Health unit:
http://south-island.fetchbc.ca/service.html?i=296
If your child is having issues with worries, sadness, explosions or an eating disorder, seek support from:
- Child and Youth Mental Health:
http://south-island.fetchbc.ca/service.html?i=656
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/child-teen-mental-health - Eating disorder clinic:
https://keltyeatingdisorders.ca/south-vancouver-island-eating-disorders-program/ - Foundry:
https://foundrybc.ca - Kelty Mental Health:
https://keltymentalhealth.ca
If your child is waiting for an autism assessment, have a look at this series:
If you or your child’s school is worried about a learning disability, your child’s school based team will be suggesting a psychoeducational assessment. This is done at the school or privately, not by the pediatrician. The pediatrician can help look at underlying medical problems or help with advocacy but they cannot make the diagnosis of a learning disability. Consider the following resources to learn more.
- The Learning curve :
https://ldasvi.bc.ca
https://ldasvi.bc.ca/knowyourrights/ - Learning Disability Association of BC:
https://www.ldabc.ca
Everybody needs tools in their toolbox to handle the hardest job there is. Consider these options:
- Life seminars:
https://lifeseminars.com/ - Triple P Parenting:
https://www.triplep-parenting.ca/can-en/triple-p/ - Boys and Girls club:
https://bgcvic.org/programs/parenting/ - How to talk so your kids will listen:
https://how-to-talk.com/events/ - Good Inside with Dr. Becky (low cost classes and free podcasts on common problems):
https://goodinside.com/
If your child is of Indigenous heritage, it may be possible to access services or assessments through Jordan’s Principle. Learn more here: https://www.bcpeds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/10_Factsheet_JordansPrinciple.pdf
Seeking opportunities for funding for services, assessments or activities?
Speech therapy grants:
CKNW
Speech therapy, private autism assessments and other services:
Variety Club
Activity and physical literacy:
Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence
Hillside Pediatrics 