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Inattentive? Hyperactive? Impulsive?

Your child may have ADD/ADHD. The good news is professionals have learned that ADD/ADHD is only as medically “serious” as myopia. It’s treatment is as nearly straightforward as vision testing and eyeglasses. Both ADD/ADHD and myopia lead to profoundly negative outcomes if unrecognized and untreated. The difference is, they don’t blame you for not seeing well.

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FAQ

Q. What causes mental illness?

A. Many psychiatric disorders are traced to a biological origin. Yet, many others may be situational caused by emotional trauma, extreme stress or abrupt life changes that can have devastating effects on the mental well-being of individuals of all ages. To discuss the impact of your experiences on your mental health, our trained staff will access your symptoms and severity and then design a treatment program for a clear path to wellness.


Q. I have heard that substance abuse and depression are often masking more serious mental disorders? Any truth to that rumor?
A. Yes, addiction is often a by-product of trying to cope with or self-medicate mental illness. Only a psychiatrist can effectively diagnose mental health disorders. If you or someone you love is suffering from symptoms of addiction, excessive worry or irritability, or is experiencing dramatic changes in eating or sleeping, these are warning signs. You may want to encourage them to seek treatment with a mental health professional.
Call us at 920-497-0788


Q. If my child is in therapy, how will I stay informed?
A. At CFC we take a team approach to therapy so you will be an active participant in designing a treatment plan that works at home as well as in school. Parents are the first line advocates for their children. We believe in providing all the necessary information so that you may become better informed about the challenges your child faces and yet still respect some needed confidentiality to build trust with your child.


Q. Will my records be kept confidential?
A.  In enacting HIPAA, Congress mandated the establishment of Federal standards for the privacy of individually identifiable health information. At CFC we strictly adhere to these new standards and carefully safeguard your private health information.


Q. What if I have an urgent situation that occurs after hours?
A. Our phone line will direct you to an emergency number to call to get immediate attention. Call 920 497 0788, if it is after hours it will direct you to the Crisis Center at 920 436 8888 where someone will help you to get the assistance you need. If it is an emergency where you or someone you love is at risk dial 911.


Q. How do you bill for your services?
A. Billings are determined by the insurance information you provide us when you set up your appointment. Benefits and eligibility can be checked by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. We accept most insurance plans however we are not a facility that takes Medicare or state aid. Co pays are often paid at time of service if warranted.


Q. My child’s teacher thinks he may have ADHD. What are some of the symptoms and will he need therapy or medication to improve his academic performance?
A. ADHD is an acronym for “Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.”
ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's not yet understood why. Children with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. One of the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD is that it's often found in conjunction with other problems. These are called coexisting conditions, and about two thirds of all children with ADHD have one or more. Your primary physician will often make a referral to a mental health professional for a clear diagnosis and treatment plan to suit your child’s needs. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty controlling their behavior without medication or behavioral therapy. Dr. Lyles, our medical director, is an expert in child behavioral disorders so you will be in good hands at CFC.


Q. Isn’t all that mental health stuff just all in your head?
A. Yes and no. The more severe psychiatric, or “mental health” conditions are caused by genetic predisposition to changes in brain chemistry and anatomy that cause a person to think, act, or feel certain ways, usually very unpleasant ways. Because of the chemistry/anatomy changes in the brain, one might say that mental illness is “all in the head.” That phrase is usually used, however, to refer to the expectation that a person with mental illness such as Major Depression, should be able to “pick themselves up and get on with their life,” or “just get over it,” i.e. that the person in some way (through their own fault or their own defects), has contributed to their own downfall. Unfortunately, the answer’s a little more complicated than that. One quick example: Everyone’s favorite recommendation to a person with depression is that they should “be around people, get active, exercise, eat right,” etc. This in fact is quite helpful for minor, usually reactive depressions, such as when a girlfriend breaks up with us. On the contrary, forcing oneself to do these activities when one suffers moderate or severe Major Depression can actually be HARMFUL.


Q. Isn’t there already too much use of psychiatric medications? 
A. It all depends on what you mean by “too much.” If you mean, “are there people who shouldn’t be getting psychiatric medication?” you’d be correct. However, there are far more people who are NOT getting the psychiatric medication they need and deserve. Consider the fact that Harvard and WHO find that Major Depression is THE most disabling medical condition in the world, even more disabling than heart disease or cancer. Despite this, less than ½ of those with major depression are evaluated or treated. Accordingly, it is true to say that there are not ENOUGH psychiatric medications being used!