We all want to take good care of our children, and if your child is experiencing some mental health issues, it’s important to get them good care. In this article, we list out all your options for pediatric counseling here in Tifton, ABA therapy and what it is, and some key signs your child may need mental health help.
Southwell
Southwell has two options for child and adolescent therapy here in Tifton. The first is at their pediatric clinic, Affinity Pediatrics, with provider Dorothy Agyepong. Dorothy is a CPNP (Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) and PMHS (Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist). This can be a great option for a younger child or a child who is worried about seeing a mental health provider, since she sees patients at the normal pediatric clinic. Southwell also has several providers at Southwell Medical Clinic (formerly Affinity Clinic) who see children and adolescents as well, including:
Medical providers of behavioral health at Southwell see patients 16 and older. These providers include:
Healing Connections Therapy Center
Healing Connections Therapy Center in Tifton offers counseling for children and adolescents as well as family and couples counseling. Their therapists include:
AR Psychiatric and Counseling Center
AR Psychiatric and Counseling Center has a Tifton location, and they offer medical options for behavioral health, like medication management, as well as a variety of therapy options. Their providers include:
- Dr. Anil K. Gupta, MD
- Dr. Bhavesh Patel, MD
- Michele L. Walker, LCSW
- Cindy Mathis, LPC
- Aneisa Young, LCSW
- Michael Norman, Jr., LCSW
Tiftarea Psychiatric and Counseling Services
Tiftarea Psychiatric and Counseling Services offers clinical behavioral health services and mental health services for children and adolescents, as well as family therapy options. Their providers include:
- Dr. Angeanette McCall Nixon, PSYD, LPC, MAC
- Christy Bell, LPC
- Tremayne J. Graydon MS, LPC, CPHQ, CPCS
- Virginia Caroline Hogan, MA, LPC, CFRC
- Tanza Patrice Sutton, MS, MPA, LPC, CCFC
- Kneleta Powell,
Legacy Behavioral Health
Legacy Behavioral Health has a location in Tifton, where they offer services for children and adolescents, and they also offer family therapy options as well. They do not list their providers on their website, but you can learn more about them and what they offer as a clinic here.
RELATED ARTICLE: Pediatricians in Tifton
ABA Therapy Options
In addition to traditional counseling and psychiatric medication options, Tifton also has two ABA clinics. If you’re not familiar with what ABA is, ABA stands for Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy, and it is an evidence based approach to help individuals, particularly those with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, develop essential skills and overcome behavioral challenges. The two ABA providers in Tifton are:
- The Conner Group: The Conner Group, started by Teresa Conner, offers ABA therapy at their ABAC clinic, in-home, and in the classroom for individuals. They currently accept Amerigroup, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Caresource, Medicaid, and Peachstate insurances. You can learn more about them and their services here.
- Total Care ABA Therapy: Total Care ABA Therapy is a national group with a location in Tifton. Most insurances are accepted, but you can learn more here.
Signs Your Child May Need Mental Health Help
Unlike physical illnesses, mental health issues can be harder to spot. They don’t present with a fever, vomiting, coughing, or other obvious signs that something is wrong, so it’s important to be tuned in to your child to notice when something may be off. Some of the key warning signs that they need help include:
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in their school or sports performance
- Increased anxiety and worrying
- Changes in sleep (more or less sleep or more disturbed sleep)
- Changes in appetite
- Engaging in more risky behaviors
- Withdrawing from friends and/or family
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities they previously enjoyed
And while often the symptoms may not be physical, your child complaining of frequent headaches or stomachaches with no obvious cause or medical explanation can sometimes be related to issues like anxiety or depression. Additionally, if your child is talking about death, suicide, or giving away possessions, this should be taken very seriously and addressed right away.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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