At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we are proud to provide low-cost, high-quality mental health counseling and psychiatry services to children and families across the state. While these services are essential for addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, many people may not fully understand the difference between therapy and psychiatry. Knowing which professional to turn to when your child is experiencing a mental health issue is crucial for getting the right support at the right time. This guide will help you better understand these distinct yet complementary approaches to mental health care.

Counseling: A Therapeutic Approach

Mental health counseling focuses on addressing emotional, social, and behavioral concerns through talk therapy. Licensed therapists, counselors, or social workers provide counseling to help individuals understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve relationships. Common therapeutic techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Play Therapy, and Family Counseling.

Counseling is ideal for addressing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Relationship Challenges, Disruptive Behaviors and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, fostering a continuous, supportive relationship between the counselor and the client. This process helps clients navigate life’s challenges and build resilience over time.

At LFCS, our counseling services are tailored to children and families’ unique needs, ensuring evidence-based care that promotes growth and healing. Learn more here.

Psychiatry: A Medical Perspective

Psychiatry focuses on the medical evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often through medication management and other medical interventions.

Psychiatry is particularly effective for managing conditions such as ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Psychotic Symptoms, and Anxiety. Psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop personalized treatment plans, which may include prescribing medications to stabilize symptoms. Follow-up sessions are typically less frequent than counseling sessions and focus on reviewing and adjusting treatment as needed.

LFCS psychiatry services provide children and adolescents with access to specialized care, including evaluations, medication management, and care planning. Learn more here.

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The philosopher Aristotle once said, “Laughter is a bodily exercise, precious to health.” Charlie Chaplin believed that “To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain and play with it”. We all love a good laugh, but did you know that laughing offers several health benefits for us? The Mayo Clinic recently shared the impact laughing regularly has at combating stress:

Short Term Effects:

• Stimulates multiple organs
• Soothes tension
• Calms our stress response

Long Term Effects:

• Improves immune system
• Relieves pain
• Improves mood and personal satisfaction

The post Using Humor first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Keeping a consistent routine is important and key to success. Follow this homeschool daily schedule to establish a “school away from school” routine. Also, be sure to check out  helpful homeschooling resources like ABC Mouse (abcmouse.com) and Scholastic (classroommagazines.scholastic.com). Many of these companies are offering free services in this time of crisis.

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Until this year, Ethan was one of the latter. His days at school were full of fear and anxiety. He cried almost daily, feeling like he didn’t fit in and no one liked him. The beginning of the school year was especially difficult. Summer break had given him just enough time to let go of his anxieties before having to face them all again.

After one particularly difficult day in the beginning of 6^th grade, Ethan’s teacher referred him to LFCS for counseling. His parents agreed that he needed additional support in order to be successful in and out of the classroom. Although reluctant to talk to a stranger about his feelings, Ethan agreed.

Weeks passed without much progress. It was difficult for Ethan to put his feelings into words. A breakthrough came when the counselor asked Ethan about his friends. Ethan broke down. “I don’t have any friends,” he said. “No one likes me.” Tears rolled down his cheeks.

The sessions that followed were life-changing for Ethan. He and his counselor talked about the traits of a good friend. They drew pictures and created word clouds about friendship. Ethan’s therapist also incorporated roll play into their sessions so he could experience positive social exchanges. Soon, Ethan gained confidence. He starting applying his newly learned skills when talking to classmates. To his surprise, his interactions were positive and with each conversation Ethan’s fears were replaced with assurance.

Today, Ethan is excited and ready for school to start again. He will be in 8^th grade; a bright, friendly, funny, and well-liked young man. He spends his weekends talking, texting and playing video games with his friends – the boys Ethan once thought couldn’t stand to be around him.

If someone you love is struggling with anxiety or depression, they are not alone. In the United States, 8% of children aged 3-17 years have diagnosed anxiety. Contact LFCS today to make an appointment with a licensed counselor or to learn more about treatment options.

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