Behavioral Health (BH)
Behavioral health services support children’s emotional, mental, and behavioral well-being. These services help children develop healthy coping skills, manage emotions, improve relationships, and address challenges that may affect daily life at home, school, or in the community.
Behavioral health professionals may work with children experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, attention difficulties, or other emotional concerns.
Quick Summary
- Behavioral health focuses on emotional, mental, and behavioral well-being
- Supports coping skills, emotional regulation, and relationships
- May include counseling, therapy, or psychiatric services
- Services are tailored to each child’s needs
On this page
What Does Behavioral Health Support?
Behavioral health services help children develop skills that support emotional well-being and healthy behavior.
Children may benefit from behavioral health services if they experience challenges such as:
- anxiety or excessive worry
- difficulty managing emotions
- behavioral challenges at home or school
- attention or focus difficulties
- trauma or stressful life events
- social or relationship difficulties
Behavioral health professionals help children learn strategies to better understand their feelings and develop healthy coping skills.
Common Types of Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral health services may include several types of support, depending on the child’s needs.
These services may include:
- individual counseling or therapy
- family counseling
- behavioral therapy
- trauma-informed therapy
- psychiatric evaluation or medication management
Different professionals may provide behavioral health services, including licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists.
What Happens During Behavioral Health Therapy?
Behavioral health therapy often involves talking, play-based activities, and skill-building exercises that help children understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Therapists may work with children on:
- identifying and expressing emotions
- developing coping strategies
- problem-solving and social skills
- managing stress or anxiety
Parents or caregivers are often included in the process so that strategies can be supported at home.
What to Expect During a Behavioral Health Evaluation
A behavioral health evaluation helps professionals better understand a child’s emotional and behavioral needs.
During the evaluation, the provider may:
- talk with parents about concerns and family history
- meet with the child individually
- ask questions about emotions, behavior, and daily functioning
- review school or developmental information when available
The evaluation helps determine what types of support or therapy may be helpful for the child.
How Children Qualify for Behavioral Health Services
Eligibility for behavioral health services typically depends on whether a child is experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges that significantly affect daily functioning.
Different insurance plans and programs may use different criteria, but providers often look for concerns that affect areas such as:
- emotional regulation
- behavior at home or school
- relationships with peers or family members
- coping with stress or life changes
If these challenges significantly affect a child’s well-being or participation in daily life, behavioral health services may be recommended.
Real Life Tip
Behavioral health services are not only for severe concerns. Many children benefit from counseling or therapy during stressful life changes, emotional challenges, or periods of adjustment.
Early support can often help children develop healthy coping skills that benefit them long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children start behavioral health services?
Behavioral health services can support children across the lifespan. Some providers work with very young children using play-based therapy, while others focus on school-aged children or adolescents.
What is the difference between behavioral health and ABA therapy?
Behavioral health services typically focus on emotional well-being, coping skills, and mental health. ABA therapy focuses on teaching functional skills and reducing behaviors that interfere with learning or daily activities.
Who provides behavioral health services?
Behavioral health services may be provided by licensed counselors, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals depending on the type of support needed.
Helpful Resources
Families exploring Behavioral Health may also find these resources helpful.
Related programs on Real Life Resources
- Types of Therapy & Services - Overview of therapies and services that support children with developmental or medical needs.
- Choosing the Right Therapy Setting - Learn about the different settings where therapy services may be provided.
- Funding Sources Explained - Programs that may help families cover the cost of therapy services.
- Where to Start - A guide for families beginning to explore evaluations and therapy services.
Official information and applications
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