Preschool mental health assessment (1088)

Key points below

Early childhood

An early childhood mental health assessment is for children 0 to 5 years old. This may be helpful if you are concerned about these behaviors or stressful events:

temper tantrums.
over active.
trouble following directions or focusing.
problems with their emotions or development.
trouble getting used to changes or stress in your family life.

The assessment may be covered by insurance.

What can I expect?

The assessment is done over three visits. Each visit is about one hour. Most often, the three visits will take place over a 30 day period.

Before the first visit you will get some forms to complete. They may be in your email or the US Mail. These forms help the therapist learn more about your child’s strengths and struggles.

Please bring these forms to your first visit.
If your child has had other testing done, bring the paperwork or reports, also. This may include reports from an IEP meeting, a psychological assessment, Birth to Three, or another clinic.

At the first visit, you will bring your child. The therapist will give you tasks to work on while you and your child play together. The therapist might ask you a few questions about your child at this appointment.
At the second visit, you will meet alone with the therapist to talk about your concerns. Tell your therapist as much as you can about your child and family. You will need to find someone to watch your child. This is true whether your appointment is a video visit or at the clinic.
The last session is a feedback session. The therapist will talk with you about the assessment. You and the therapist will create a plan to help your child.

What will the plan include?

The plan may include:

A referral to specific mental health services. These services may include individual or family therapy. These services are available even for babies.
Other services like occupational therapy, speech and language, or other educational support services.

Parents and caregivers will get a written copy of the plan to help with their child’s needs. Your child’s doctor will also get a copy of the plan.

How can my child get an assessment?

If you feel your child should be seen, call Mental and Behavioral Health Access at 414-266- 3339.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.