CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN LAHORE
Child and Teen Mental Health Care That Helps Young Minds Thrive
Gentle, expert support for children, teenagers and their parents at Dr. Maham Iqbal - Consultant Psychiatrist, Lahore.
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone, and you may sense that something is not right: a change in mood, behaviour, learning or friendships that does not seem to pass. At Dr. Maham Iqbal - Consultant Psychiatrist, our child and adolescent specialists help families understand what is happening, identify problems early, and support children and teenagers to grow into happy, confident and resilient young people.
Children's Mental Health Matters
Many parents hesitate to seek help for their child. They worry about labels, what relatives and teachers might say, or that their child will be given strong medicines at a young age. Others are told "he is just naughty", "she will grow out of it" or "it is a phase", and wait for months or years.
Mental health conditions are common in childhood and adolescence, and around half of all adult mental health problems begin before the age of fourteen. Early help can change the course of a child's life, protecting their education, friendships and self-belief. With the right support, most children improve, catch up with their peers and thrive, and parents feel far more confident about how to help.
Our child and adolescent service is built on three commitments:
Child-friendly care
A warm, relaxed setting where children and teenagers feel safe, respected and listened to.
Parents as partners
You are involved at every step, with clear explanations and practical guidance for home.
Medication only when needed
Therapy and family support come first. Medicines are considered carefully and only when they will truly help.
How Mental Health Problems Look at Different Ages
Mental health conditions in children are persistent difficulties with thinking, emotions, behaviour or development that interfere with life at home, at school or with friends. They are harder to recognise than in adults because children are constantly growing and changing, and young children often cannot explain how they feel. Instead, distress usually shows up in behaviour, sleep, eating or physical complaints, and teenagers may hide their feelings to appear strong or fit in.
Signs also change with age:
Young children (under 6)
Delayed speech or social skills, frequent intense tantrums, extreme clinginess, poor sleep or difficulty settling.
School-age children (6 to 12)
Problems with attention, learning, behaviour at school, friendships, worries, stomach aches or refusing to go to school.
Teenagers (13 to 18)
Low mood, irritability, withdrawal, self-harm, eating changes, risk-taking, substance use or a sharp drop in grades.
A specialist assessment helps tell the difference between normal stages of development and a problem that needs support, and reassures parents when everything is on track.
Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
Every child has difficult days. Consider an assessment if any of the following last for more than two weeks, keep returning, or clearly affect daily life. Pay special attention to sudden changes in a child who was previously doing well:
Emotions and mood
- Persistent sadness, tearfulness or hopelessness, or saying they hate themselves
- Excessive worries, fears or clinginess
- Frequent anger outbursts or extreme irritability
- Sudden, dramatic changes in mood or personality
- Talking about death, self-harm or not wanting to live
- Losing interest in play, hobbies or friends
Behaviour
- Severe or frequent tantrums for their age
- Inability to sit still, wait or follow instructions
- Aggression, destroying things or harming others
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Repetitive behaviours or rigid routines
- Secretive behaviour, lying, stealing or signs of substance use
School, body and sleep
- Falling grades, learning difficulties or school refusal
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches without a medical cause
- Loss of skills they already had, such as speech or toilet training
- Big changes in eating, weight or body image
- Sleeping too little, too much, or frequent nightmares
When to seek help
Trust your instincts. If you are worried about your child, or a teacher has raised concerns, an assessment can give you clarity. Physical problems such as hearing or vision difficulties, anaemia or thyroid issues can affect behaviour and learning, so these are checked too. The earlier a concern is assessed, the easier it usually is to help.
Seek emergency help if a child or teenager talks about suicide, has harmed themselves, has stopped eating or drinking, or is at risk of harm. If a child discloses abuse, stay calm, believe them, keep them safe and seek professional help immediately.
Conditions We Assess and Treat
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. Children may struggle to concentrate, daydream, lose things, leave tasks unfinished, fidget constantly, talk out of turn or act without thinking. These difficulties appear in more than one setting, such as at home and at school.
ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, too much sugar or a lack of discipline. It is a brain-based condition that often runs in families. Without support, children may fall behind at school, be labelled as naughty, and lose confidence. ADHD can also continue into the teenage years and adulthood, affecting studies, driving and relationships.
Parent training, classroom strategies, behavioural therapy and, for moderate to severe ADHD in school-age children, carefully monitored medication. We also help children build organisation skills and self-esteem.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction and behaviour. Signs often appear before age three and may include delayed speech, limited eye contact, difficulty with back-and-forth interaction, repetitive movements, intense interests and strong reactions to sounds, lights or textures.
Every autistic child is different, with their own strengths, interests and challenges. Early identification allows support to begin while the brain is developing most rapidly. Autism is not caused by vaccines or parenting, and many autistic children make excellent progress with the right help.
Thorough assessment, parent guidance, and coordination with speech, occupational and behavioural therapy, plus support for related anxiety, sleep, eating or attention difficulties as your child grows.
Anxiety and Depression in Young People
Children can experience anxiety as excessive worry, fears, separation difficulties or refusing school, often with stomach aches and headaches. Depression in young people may look like sadness, but often appears as irritability, boredom, withdrawal, tiredness or a drop in school performance.
Teenagers are especially vulnerable to depression, which can lead to self-harm, substance use or suicidal thoughts if untreated. Exam pressure, bullying, family conflict and social media can all play a part. Young people often hide their feelings, so parents may need to ask gently and listen without judging.
Age-appropriate CBT, family sessions and school liaison, with medication considered only for moderate to severe cases. Safety planning is put in place whenever self-harm is a concern.
Learning and Developmental Difficulties
Some children have difficulties with reading, writing or maths despite normal intelligence, known as specific learning disorders. Others have a broader intellectual disability, with delays in milestones such as walking and talking and difficulty with learning and daily living skills, such as handling money or travelling independently.
Children with learning difficulties are often misunderstood as lazy or careless, which harms their self-esteem. Identifying their needs allows the right teaching methods, support at school and realistic goals that build success rather than repeated failure.
Psychological and educational assessment, clear recommendations for school, practical life skills training and family support to help each child reach their full potential.
Other Concerns We Help With
Our specialists also support children and teenagers with:
- Behavioural problems, including defiance, lying, aggression and rule-breaking
- Eating difficulties, including restrictive eating and body image worries
- Trauma and PTSD, after abuse, violence, accidents or loss
- OCD and tics, including repetitive checking, washing or movements
- Sleep problems, such as night terrors, nightmares or insomnia
- Bedwetting and soiling, when they continue beyond the expected age
- Screen and gaming overuse, affecting sleep, studies and behaviour
- Exam stress and bullying, and their effect on confidence and mood
In teenagers, we also assess early signs of serious conditions such as bipolar disorder or psychosis, including withdrawal, unusual beliefs or a marked change in personality, because early treatment greatly improves outcomes.
Every plan is tailored to the child's age, development, personality and family situation, with parents closely involved throughout and progress shared openly.
Worried but unsure what is wrong?
You do not need a diagnosis to ask for help. Our assessment will bring clarity.
How We Assess Children and Teenagers
A careful assessment looks at the whole child, not just the symptoms. It usually includes:
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STEP 1
A detailed history from parents, including pregnancy, birth, developmental milestones, health, family background, and any stressful events or trauma.
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STEP 2
Time with your child, through conversation for older children and play-based observation for younger ones, at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
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STEP 3
Information from school, with your permission, such as teacher reports, academic records and observations of behaviour in class.
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STEP 4
A physical health check, including hearing, vision and relevant tests to rule out medical causes.
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STEP 5
Standardised assessments, such as questionnaires for parents and teachers, and developmental, intelligence or learning tests where needed.
Afterwards, we explain the findings clearly to parents, and to the child in an age-appropriate way, and agree on a plan together. Some assessments, such as for autism or learning difficulties, may need more than one visit.
Our Treatment Approach
Children do best when support surrounds them at home, at school and in therapy, and when everyone involved works towards the same goals. Our approach is gentle, practical and family-centred.
Parent guidance
Parents are the most important influence in a child's life. We help you understand your child's condition and teach practical strategies for managing behaviour, setting routines, encouraging positive habits and responding calmly to difficult moments. Parent training is one of the most effective treatments for many childhood conditions, especially ADHD and behavioural problems.
Child-friendly therapy
Therapy is adapted to your child's age and stage of development, and sessions are designed to feel engaging rather than frightening. It may include:
- Play therapy: helping young children express feelings through play
- CBT for children and teens: managing worries, low mood and anger
- Social skills training: building confidence with friends and peers
- Emotion coaching: naming and handling big feelings
- Relaxation and coping skills: calming the body during stress and before exams
- Trauma-focused therapy: healing safely after frightening experiences
Family and school support
When needed, family sessions improve communication and reduce conflict at home. With your consent, we also work with teachers to put helpful classroom strategies in place, such as seating arrangements, extra time or structured routines, so that support continues throughout the school day.
Medication, when it is needed
Many children improve without medication, especially when difficulties are identified early. For certain conditions, such as moderate to severe ADHD or depression, medication can make a significant difference. It is prescribed by a psychiatrist at the lowest effective dose, explained clearly to parents and, where appropriate, to the child, and monitored closely, including growth, appetite, sleep and side effects.
Never give a child psychiatric medicine that has not been prescribed for them, and never stop prescribed medicine without advice.
Regular review
Children grow and change quickly, so we review progress regularly and adjust the plan as your child develops, starts a new school or enters the teenage years. Families can always contact us between appointments if new concerns arise.
Why Choose Dr. Maham Iqbal - Psychiatrist for Your Child's Mental Health?
Child and adolescent expertise
Specialists experienced in the emotional, behavioural and developmental needs of young people.
A welcoming environment
A calm, child-friendly space that helps young people feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Family-centred care
Parents are partners, with guidance and support at every stage, including help for siblings and the wider family when needed.
Careful, conservative prescribing
Therapy first, medication only when clearly beneficial and closely monitored.
School collaboration
Practical recommendations and liaison with teachers, with your consent, so support continues in the classroom.
Complete confidentiality
Your child's information is protected, and teenagers' privacy is respected.
Urdu and English
Sessions in the language your child is most comfortable with.
Preparing for Your First Visit
A little preparation helps the first appointment go smoothly for both you and your child:
- 1 Book an appointment by phone, WhatsApp or our online form, and tell us your child's age and main concern.
- 2 Bring useful records, such as school reports, previous assessments and any medical reports.
- 3 Explain the visit simply to your child, for example as meeting someone who helps children with feelings and worries.
- 4 Attend together. We usually meet parents and child together, and may also see older children alone so they can speak freely.
- 5 Leave with clear next steps, including any further assessments and a plan for support.
Common Myths About Children's Mental Health
Children will grow out of it.
Some difficulties do pass, but many continue or worsen without help. Early support prevents long-term problems with learning, confidence and relationships.
It is caused by bad parenting.
Most conditions result from a mix of genetics, brain development and life experiences. Parents are part of the solution, not the cause, and guilt only makes it harder to help.
Children cannot get depressed.
Children and teenagers can experience depression, which often appears as irritability or withdrawal rather than sadness. It needs to be taken seriously.
Seeing a specialist will label my child for life.
An assessment gives understanding and support. Records are confidential, and the goal is to help your child thrive. Understanding a child's needs often reduces unfair labels like lazy or naughty.
Talking about suicide will put the idea in my teenager's head.
Asking calmly and directly does not increase risk. It shows you care and can open the door to help.
Treatment always means strong medicines.
Most children are helped with therapy and parent guidance. Medication is used only when it is clearly needed and is closely monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child be assessed?
Children can be assessed at any age if there are concerns. Developmental conditions such as autism can often be identified in toddlers. Please contact us to confirm the age range we see.
How do I know if my child's behaviour is normal?
Consider how long it has lasted, how intense it is compared with other children of the same age, and whether it affects home, school or friendships. If you are unsure, an assessment can help.
Will my child need medication?
Not necessarily. Many children improve with therapy and parent guidance alone. Medication is considered only for certain conditions and severity levels, and always discussed with parents first.
Will you inform my child's school?
Only with your consent. Sharing helpful strategies with teachers can greatly support progress, and you decide exactly what is shared.
Can teenagers speak to the specialist privately?
Yes. Teenagers are often seen alone for part of the session, which helps them speak openly about things they may find hard to share at home. Parents are always informed of anything affecting safety.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the condition and the child's needs. Some families need a few sessions of guidance, while others, such as families of children with autism or ADHD, benefit from longer, ongoing support.
Can screen time cause mental health problems?
Excessive screen use can affect sleep, mood, attention and family life, and some teenagers are exposed to bullying or harmful content online. We help families set healthy, realistic limits.
What can I do at home while waiting for an appointment?
Keep routines predictable, spend relaxed one-to-one time together, praise effort, limit late-night screens, and note when difficulties happen. These notes help the assessment.
My teenager refuses to come. What should I do?
This is common. You can attend a parent session first for guidance on how to approach them. Teenagers are often more willing once they know they will be respected and listened to.
Is my child's information confidential?
Yes. All information is kept strictly private and shared only with your consent, except where a child's safety requires otherwise.
Give Your Child the Support They Deserve
Reaching out for help is one of the most caring and responsible things a parent can do for their child. With early, gentle and expert support, children can overcome difficulties and grow with confidence.
Our team at Dr. Maham Iqbal - Consultant Psychiatrist is here to listen, guide and work alongside your family, every step of the way. Book a confidential family consultation today.
If a child or teenager talks about wanting to die, has harmed themselves, has stopped eating or drinking, or is in danger, please contact emergency services or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
More Services
- Anxiety Treatment
- Panic Attack Treatment
- Personality Disorder Treatment
- Depression Treatment
- Drug Addiction
- OCD Treatment
- Sleep Disorder Treatment
- Bipolar Disorder Treatment
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment
- Psychotherapy
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Schizophrenia Treatment
- PTSD Treatment