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The Importance of Behavioral Health and Children

Is your child acting up? Here’s how a pediatrician can help.

Poor grades, fighting with others, lashing out at parents—If you find yourself dealing with these issues, no doubt you’re concerned about your child’s behaviors. Whether the teachers have complained or you’ve seen these issues in your household, it’s essential to address these concerns with your pediatrician.

Pediatricians and Behavioral Health

While a pediatrician is there to provide your child with medical care, which means that they are focused on physical health, that doesn’t mean they can’t recognize behavioral, mental or emotional issues. Since pediatricians often spend the most time with your children and have seen them grow up through the years, they are often the first to spot problems. That’s why you must have a long-standing pediatrician you know and trust.

When to Be Concerned

It’s natural for a child to be sad when they get sick or lose something important to them or a date with a friend gets postponed; however, if your child is dealing with recurring emotional and behavioral issues that are impacting their daily life, well-being and routine, then it may be time to speak with your pediatrician. Behavioral health concerns that may require a further evaluation with a pediatrician include,

  • Anger and irritability
  • Outbursts and temper tantrums
  • Defying adults and acting out
  • Harmful behavior, whether harming themselves or others
  • Avoiding social interactions
  • Trouble focusing and a drop in academic performance
  • Changes in mood
  • Sadness or hopelessness that lasts more than two weeks
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Stealing, lying and other risky behaviors

How a Pediatrician Can Help

There are many factors a pediatrician will take into account when a child comes in for a behavioral health assessment. Certain factors include,

  • Physical
  • Environmental
  • Social
  • Mental
  • Emotional
  • Socioeconomic

Any changes to your child’s environment could impact their behavioral health, leading to these problematic behaviors and habits. It’s essential to take all aspects and factors into account so that we can provide the proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help manage behavioral issues. From learning disabilities and separation anxiety to autism and ADHD, a pediatrician can help your child cope with many behavioral health problems.

Yes, kids will be kids, but that doesn’t mean you should let recurring or problematic behaviors slide. If you are concerned about your child’s behavioral health, it’s time you turned to a pediatrician to discuss behavioral health options.

Our Location

Easy to Find Location

From I-205

Take Highway 213-Exit 10 toward Molalla for about 4 miles. After the Clackamas Community College, turn left at the signal onto Glen Oak Road. Turn left into our parking lot. The offices are on the corner of Glen Oak Road and Highway 213.

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Limited evening Urgent Care Clinic and Saturday Morning Clinic during the winter months, from November through April.

Medical advice is available 24 hours a day for those unexpected emergencies.

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Limited morning urgent care hours may vary during Winter months

Sunday:

Closed

  • "He makes my son less fearful at the clinic by providing fun interactions,like juggling and using light spinners which allows for a great experience for my child."
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  • "Dr. Resk shows compassion for children in many ways, one being the amount of time he spends with his patients and families during office visits. He is a wonderful educator to others and simply an amazing doctor!"
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  • ""We have 3 children that we bring to see Dr. Stoeber, he not only takes care of my children, he makes it enjoyable each time and we leave with a smile""
  • ""We appreciate the way Dr. Uyesugi always takes the time to explain things and make us feel like we matter - We LOVE Dr. Uyesugi's MA!""
  • ""My kids have been patients for over 20 years and I love that I can always count on either my doctor or front office to follow up and address my questions right away. Great service OCPEDS! Thank you~ ""
  • ""I have been bringing my kids to Oregon City Pediatrics for 14 years and have always been impressed with the high quality care my kids are given. The office atmosphere is so homey and the staff are friendly and respond quickly to questions I have. We love Dr. Corso and the detailed listening and care that she gives to my kids.""