Pregnancy and being a new parent can be the most exciting experience you will ever have. It can also be confusing and challenging, which can take a toll on your mental health. For some, the challenges arise long before the arrival of the baby. For others, they come after, when you start to experience the highs and lows of parenting. Whether you are a mom, dad, or partner, know you are not alone.…
The bio-social model of child development is based on the belief that the interaction of biology and genetics, physical and social environments, and culture affects a child’s development. Understanding what is “normal” for each stage of development is crucial in identifying children who may need mental health services.…
Psychological testing can be an excellent tool to help you and your child's care provider understand your child's mental health needs. Here are some common questions about psychological testing for children.…
There are a handful of helpful techniques you can use to strengthen your child's confidence in facing their anxiety.…
Dakota Family Services provides an intensive, comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program to help adolescents manage and regulate their emotions and behaviors.…
Generations of children and adults with chronic emotional dysregulation leading to suicidality and self-harming behaviors have lacked effective treatment options. Early therapists and psychiatrists recognized the plight of these individuals, but due to the complexity of the illness and lack of scientific knowledge, they were unable to treat them successfully. Many were told they simply could not be helped.…
Our understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in the last decade or so. But, because the knowledge of the public has not caught up to the research, myths about ADHD reach far and wide. Clearing up some of those myths will help you understand what is like for kids and adults who live with ADHD.…
If you are concerned about someone, start with an honest conversation. It is a myth that asking and talking about suicide will put the idea into someone's head.…
If you recognize any of the signs or are worried about a friend or loved one, ask them if they are OK and if they are contemplating suicide. It might make you uncomfortable, but no one is ever going to be mad at you for asking them how they are doing.…
Since its birth in the 1960-1980s, the Internet has grown tremendously. What started as a limited communication tool for academic, military, and research institutions has evolved into a primary way for people to connect. As one of the biggest sources of entertainment, the internet has also become one of the scariest places for children to venture.…
Play is an important part of childhood development. Child development can be disrupted by stress, trauma, or other factors. When this happens, children may struggle with communication skills, social skills, self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. Play is how children learn, how they express their thoughts and emotions.…
Bullying can be a devastating experience. It impacts not only the person being bullied, but also their friends and family members; and even acquaintances who witness it.…
