Good emotional and behavioral health is a fundamental part of a child’s well-being. It is vital for cultivating rewarding relationships with people and supporting the child’s full academic potential. Children with emotional or behavioral conditions may experience difficulties performing certain tasks and managing their emotions and behavior.

According to the Forum on Child and Family Statistics, “parents of over 5 percent of American children, with ages ranging 4 to 17, reported their child to be experiencing serious difficulties with emotions, behavior and concentration.” Not all of these parents, however, had contacted a professional about their child’s condition. Among the reasons cited for not providing the appropriate care or intervention were a lack of health insurance coverage or higher deductibles and limited benefits offered by their existing insurance policy. In some cases, their employer-sponsored plan did not include comprehensive health care for the young members of the family.

Emotional and behavioral difficulties are not simple concerns that parents can just dismiss. These difficulties, when left unaddressed, may persist, disrupt a child’s normal functioning and development, and become lifelong problems. A child who receives early evaluation and treatment of the symptoms has a better chance of being able to control their behavior.

An Affordable Health Insurance Program for Non-Medicaid Beneficiaries

If your child has emotional or behavioral difficulties, don’t give up if you have insufficient or no health coverage for therapy. Being a resident of North Carolina gives you the advantage of being supported by an insurance program that can provide coverage for your child.

North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC) is a health insurance program supported by Medicaid, available to children whose family income exceeds the level to qualify for regular NC Medicaid benefits. Ultimately, it is intended to reduce the population of uninsured children in the state of North Carolina. Included in its coverage is counseling for children ages 6 to 18 at a cost that can be affordable to low-income families.

If your family income is too high to qualify for Medicaid coverage, but too low to purchase private or employer-sponsored health insurance, your children between ages 6 and 18 may qualify for NCHC. Visit http://dma.ncdhhs.gov/medicaid/get-started/eligibility-for-medicaid-or-health-choice to get more information.

The Extent of NCHC Coverage

Children of families with income above 100 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level can enjoy a full package of health care benefits from NC Health Choice. This covers hospitalization and outpatient care for services, including counseling. Children must be diagnosed with emotional or behavioral difficulties in order to receive counseling services.

Paying Attention to Your Child’s Need for Counseling

Many everyday factors and significant life events can trigger emotional and behavioral changes in children, such as academic pressures, a birth or death in the family, or relocating to a new home. It is important to distinguish between typical behavioral shifts and those associated with more serious emotional turmoil. As a parent, you need to pay special attention to behaviors such as self-harming, oppositional defiance, or frequent anger outbursts.

Although there may be times when it’s not clear why your child suddenly becomes withdrawn, sulky, aggressive, or disruptive, you need to trust your instincts that your child is most likely being challenged by feelings or behavior. There is only so much you can do to alleviate the difficulties your child is going through. It is beneficial to seek treatment as early as possible.

Allies in Times of Need

If you’re concerned your child might be emotionally distressed, as manifested in continuous misbehavior without sign of improvement, seek professional intervention on your child’s behalf. Emotional and behavioral difficulties are among the most common childhood health issues. Some symptoms are more severe than others, but getting help is crucial for your child to move through the tough times toward a healthier and happier adulthood.

Fortunately, there are two allies you can rely on. First, North Carolina Health Choice makes counseling an affordable treatment option for your child. Second, Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC, helps NCHC recipients get the support they need. CCS has independently contracted counselors who are both NCHC and Medicaid providers and can prepare a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific condition.

With NCHC and CCS on your side, you’re not alone in this situation. The friendly staff at CCS in Fuquay-Varina, NC, will help you get the assistance needed as soon as possible. Call now to request an appointment.

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