Determining whether to bring your child or adolescent to therapy is a deeply personal choice. Studies indicate that Play Therapy is a valuable approach to mental health care, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. It is most effective when a caregiver actively participates in the treatment process. Here are some indicators that your child or teen may benefit from therapy: sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events learning or attention problems (such as ADHD) behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, acting out, bedwetting or eating disorders) a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression social withdrawal or isolation being the victim of bullying or bullying other children decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities overly aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking, or hitting) sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents) insomnia or increased sleepiness mood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next) development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse) problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation) bereavement issues