specialized type 1 diabetes counseling for kids, teens, and families

Specialized Type 1 Diabetes Counseling: Support for Kids, Teens, and Caregivers

Your child or teen was just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Maybe they’ve been diagnosed for years and are at the stage of diabetes burnout. At some point, most individuals diagnosed with Type 1 will experience emotional distress related to their diabetes. Kids and teens are at even higher risk due to the developmental stages they are going through. People diagnosed with Type 1 are also 2 to 3x more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression than their peers.

Caregivers/parents for a child or teen with Type 1 are also significantly more likely to experience higher levels of stress than parents of children without chronic illness. Many mental health professionals outside of a medical setting don’t receive proper training in understanding the best methods to help people with Type 1. Mental health counselors who both specialize in Type 1 and have personal experience with the disease are rare, and you may be struggling to find a mental health professional that understands. That’s where I can help. I am a licensed therapist and have been a type 1 diabetic for almost 40 years. In addition, I am the parent of a type 1 diabetic child. This unique perspective allows me to not only connect with kids and teens but also with their caregivers.

Kids Type 1 Therapy

You’ve noticed a change in your child since their type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Maybe your once outgoing child is now withdrawn and angry. Perhaps your child is struggling with anxiety and never wants to leave your side. You may notice their grades are dropping and suddenly they can’t concentrate. Or perhaps they are more emotional and say they “hate diabetes”. You want your child to know they can manage type 1 diabetes and live a happy, healthy life. You need someone who specializes in type 1 diabetes, child development and mental health.

Teen Type 1 Therapy

Managing type 1 diabetes at any age can be challenging but it can be especially difficult during the teen years. You may notice your teen becoming increasingly withdrawn, anxious and angry. They are overwhelmed and exhausted by the idea that type 1 diabetes is a life long condition. More than anything, they hate feeling “different” than their peers and they want to forget they even have diabetes. You need a mental health professional who can relate with your teen and “gets it”.

Collective Hope Counseling, PLLC

(832) 521-8809
[email protected]