Child Behavioral Disorders Evaluation

Child Behavioral Disorders Evaluation & Treatment Program Methodology


PREMISE: Old Town Psychological Services has become well known for providing services to children and adolescents. Children with Oppositional behavior patterns have seemed to increase in prevalence. These children generally present a significant challenge to parents and can be highly disruptive to any family setting. Some of the signs and symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder include frequent temper tantrums, arguing with adults, refusing to comply or listen to directions, appearing angry and resentful, are easily annoyed or deliberately annoy others, etc. Children with these types of presentations are at risk for being diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Typically early therapeutic intervention is best for these children. The treatment process can be highly effective and at times significant changes are observed in a relatively short span of time. It should be pointed out that children who have been diagnosed with ADHD are often times more prone to being diagnosed with O.D.D. as well.

Child Behavioral Disorders Evaluation

COMPONENTS: Generally a two tiered treatment approach is utilized when intervening with children with O.D.D. After the initial diagnosis has been made a formalized behavioral treatment program is established by the therapist for use and implementation by a parent. These behavior treatment programs are beneficial to both the parents and children in these cases. The program often helps restore balance and equilibrium to the family setting by helping to increase parental consistency and direct the proper use of disciplinary approaches and required level of firmness. In addition, the program helps to return a mutual sense of positive regard between the parent and child.

The second part of the approach includes individual counseling for the diagnosed child. This is crucial for serving to reinforce the implemented behavioral treatment program and address the underlying issues that the child may have that have contributed to the diagnosis of O.D.D.

SPECIFIC TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: The Child Behavioral Disorder Evaluation and Treatment Program is operated by a licensed doctoral level psychologist. This psychologist has extensive training in the area of O.D.D. and years of experience working with children diagnosed with this disorder. The clinician's and test technicians who work in this program work under the supervision of this individual. Therapists working in the program are required to have a masters' degree in psychology, counseling or clinical social work. In addition, the clinicians are required to have significant experience working with children diagnosed with O.D.D.

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