When your child is facing emotional or behavioral challenges, it’s common to hear terms like mental health and behavioral health used interchangeably. While they are closely connected and often overlap, understanding the difference between the two can help you find the right support for your child.
At ADWO Behavioral Services, we specialize in supporting children and teens in the Colorado Springs area with both behavioral and mental health needs. Here's how these two areas of care are different — and how they work together to support whole-child wellness.
Mental health refers to the overall state of a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It includes how a child:
Common mental health conditions in children and teens include:
Mental health challenges may be caused by a variety of factors — genetics, trauma, stress, or even environmental influences.
Behavioral health is a broader term that includes mental health, but also focuses on how behaviors impact overall well-being. It looks at the daily habits, routines, and actions that can either support or challenge a child’s development.
Behavioral health concerns might include:
While behavioral health challenges may be linked to a mental health condition, they can also be shaped by a child’s environment, learned behaviors, or unmet emotional needs.
Think of behavioral health as the umbrella under which mental health lives. A child might have behavioral issues without a diagnosable mental illness — for example, trouble following directions at school due to trauma or lack of structure at home.
Other times, a mental health condition like anxiety may lead to behavioral symptoms such as avoidance, tantrums, or withdrawal. That’s why it’s so important to look at both mental and behavioral patterns when assessing a child’s needs.
Understanding this difference helps families choose the right kind of support. At ADWO Behavioral Services, we take a holistic approach — looking at the whole child, not just a diagnosis.
Whether your child needs therapy, structured behavior planning, residential support, or wraparound services, our team works with families to create personalized care plans that meet kids where they are.
If you're in the Colorado Springs area and are concerned about your child’s behavior or emotional well-being, we’re here to help. Reach out to our caring team today for a free consultation or to learn more about our services.
Your child’s healing starts with understanding. Let’s walk that path together.
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