Mental & Behavioral Health
It is normal for child behavior to change rapidly and frequently. All children can feel excited, sad, anxious, irritable and angry. In most cases, it is just the part of growing up. But when the behavior persists affecting the child’s functioning at school or relationships with family and friends, it indicates a serious problem that must be addressed.
Likewise, tantrums are a normal part of early childhood, but frequent, intense, or long-lasting ones can wear a whole family down. Dr. Vani helps you understand what’s driving them and offers practical, age-appropriate strategies to make hard moments easier — and recognizes when a pattern points to something that needs a closer look.
Pediatric mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, eating disorder, PTSD, loneliness and social isolation and suicidal behavior have increased markedly in the last decade. There should be no reluctance to seek treatment of mental health – many adults who seek mental health treatment reflect on the impact of mental disorders on their childhood and wish they had received help sooner. With proper care and treatment, children will reach their full potential.
Dr. Vani provides compassionate, judgement-free mental health care for children and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, and related concerns — in a safe, culturally sensitive environment.
Our Approach
Dr. Vani screens for mental health concerns at well visits and takes a coordinated approach to care — working alongside child psychologists, therapists, and school counselors. Medication management (when appropriate) is provided alongside therapy referrals, never as a standalone solution.
- Validated screening tools at well visits
- Collaborative care with community mental health providers
- Culturally sensitive approach respecting family values and beliefs
- Confidential adolescent care — Dr. Vani follows Texas guidelines on adolescent privacy
Mental Health Conditions We Support
Anxiety
Excessive worry, physical symptoms, school avoidance, separation anxiety, panic, social anxiety.
Depression
Low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawal from activities and friends.
Eating Disorders
Restrictive eating, binge-purge cycles, distorted body image, significant weight changes. Coordinated care with dietitian and therapist.
PTSD & Trauma
Following adverse experiences — nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, flashbacks.
If your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, do not leave them alone. Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Behavioral Concerns We Support
Behavioral health is part of whole-child care. Dr. Vani helps families understand and manage everyday behavioral challenges, with parent guidance and coordinated referrals when more support is needed.
Behavioral & Conduct Concerns
Oppositional or defiant behavior, aggression, or conduct concerns — assessment, parent coaching, and referral to behavioral therapy when it would help.
Emotional Regulation
Support for children who struggle to manage anger, frustration, or big emotions, with practical strategies families can use at home and at school.
School & Social Behavior
Concerns about behavior at school, peer relationships, or social skills — guidance, school-coordination, and referral to counseling when appropriate.
Tantrums
Frequent, intense, or long-lasting tantrums can wear a whole family down. Dr. Vani helps you understand what’s driving them and offers practical, age-appropriate strategies to make hard moments easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can children be diagnosed with depression or anxiety?
Depression and anxiety can occur at any age, including early childhood. Presentations differ by age — younger children often show physical symptoms (stomach aches, headaches) or behavioral changes rather than verbalized sadness. Dr. Vani uses age-appropriate screening tools and clinical assessment.
Will my child need medication for mental health concerns?
Not always. Therapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) is often the first-line treatment for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. When medication is considered, Dr. Vani discusses the evidence, risks, and benefits fully with the family before proceeding. Medication is never prescribed without a comprehensive evaluation.
What if my teenager doesn’t want to talk about mental health?
Adolescents often resist discussing emotional struggles, especially with parents present. Dr. Vani routinely sees adolescents privately for part of the visit to create a safe, confidential space, using a non-judgmental, teen-friendly approach that encourages honest communication.
Can you treat eating disorders at your practice?
Dr. Vani can assess and initiate care for eating disorders and provides medical monitoring (weight, labs, vital signs). Eating-disorder treatment typically requires a multidisciplinary team including a therapist who specializes in eating disorders and a registered dietitian. Dr. Vani coordinates referrals and provides ongoing medical oversight.
My child experienced a traumatic event — when should I bring them in?
As soon as you have concerns. Early intervention after trauma significantly improves outcomes. Dr. Vani can conduct an initial assessment and make appropriate referrals to trauma-focused therapists. You do not need to wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.
My child has behavioral problems at home or school — can you help?
Yes. Dr. Vani helps families with behavioral concerns such as oppositional or defiant behavior, aggression, and difficulty managing emotions. Care usually starts with an assessment and parent guidance, with referral to behavioral therapy or counseling when that would help.
What’s the difference between a behavioral concern and a mental health condition?
There is a lot of overlap, and they are often addressed together. Behavioral concerns describe how a child acts — defiance, aggression, or trouble following rules — while mental health conditions like anxiety or depression describe how a child feels. Dr. Vani looks at the whole picture, since behavior is often a sign of what a child is feeling underneath.
Ready to Schedule?
Book online through our secure Phreesia system or call us directly. We are accepting new patients.
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician. For emergencies, call 911 immediately.