Teen Psychological Assessments for Prolonged and Complicated Grief and Loss in Texas
The teenage years and adolescent development are already rife with challenges, from peer pressure to puberty and identity. Add grief and loss to the multitude of adolescent stressors, and your child may struggle with mental and emotional well-being. At BasePoint, we’re committed to improving adolescent mental health and equipping teens with the coping skills to navigate these difficulties with resilience.
Schedule a Free Confidential Grief Assessment for Your Teen
BasePoint Academy, with facilities in Arlington, Forney, and McKinney, Texas, offers specialized mental health screenings and treatments for Texas youth, including a comprehensive grief assessment. Our clinical evaluations and services address a wide range of conditions, including mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, OCD, self-harm, and grief. We are passionately committed to supporting teens in their time of grief and guiding them through their path toward emotional wellbeing.
We conduct extensive mental and behavioral health assessments to understand each teen’s unique needs, which enables us to recommend personalized coping strategies. Fill out our brief contact form today to schedule a free, confidential, and comprehensive grief assessment. Allow us to aid your teen in navigating their path away from the despair that grief can bring.
Teenage Mental Health Assessment & Admissions
Our complimentary assessment with a licensed clinician will provide you with a recommendation for the appropriate level of care for your teen struggling with grief. We can also check your insurance coverage levels.
Call us today to schedule a complimentary same-day assessment at (972) 357-1749 or complete our inquiry form.
Teen Grief & Loss Admissions Form
Contact BasePoint Academy Today
Contact us today to schedule a free confidential assessment for your teen with a licensed clinician.
You can also get in touch to talk with our mental health experts about treatment needs, care options and your insurance coverage levels.
Call: (972) 357-1749Check Your InsuranceWhat is Complicated Grief?
Complicated grief, often referred to as prolonged grief disorder or persistent complex bereavement disorder, is a profound, relentless form of mourning that extends beyond the typical grieving period. In complicated grief, the pain intensifies and persists, interfering with daily functioning, relationships, health, and emotional well-being.
Unlike normal grief, which gradually lessens over time, complicated grief can linger for months or even years, impeding the ability to find joy or meaning in life. One of the distinguishing features of complicated grief is the inability to accept the reality of the loss. This can manifest in extreme emotional distress, avoidance of reminders of the loss, and difficulty engaging in activities once enjoyed.
If you find your child struggling to cope with the overwhelming emotions of grief and it’s interfering with their ability to function, seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief can provide valuable guidance and help your child navigate this challenging journey—call (972) 357-1749 to schedule a free same-day grief assessment test.
What is Prolonged Grief?
Prolonged grief is often used interchangeably to describe complicated grief. However, while these terms share many of the same characteristics, prolonged grief subtly differs from complicated grief in its severity. Complicated grief is typically much more severe and complex, although both conditions lead to deeply distressing experiences that extend well beyond the typical grieving period.
Unlike the natural ebb and flow of grief, where emotions gradually lessen over time, prolonged grief persists, causing enduring anguish and disrupting the ability to function in daily life. Your child might be consumed by thoughts of the loss, struggling to find meaning or purpose. Everyday tasks may seem impossible, and the world may feel emptier.
If your child is struggling with overwhelming grief that hampers their functioning, seeking help from the grief specialists at BasePoint Academy can guide them through this tough time—call (972) 357-1749 for a free same-day grief evaluation.
Common Causes of Grief
As a parent of an adolescent grappling with grief, it’s crucial to understand the common causes of their sorrow. While each individual’s experience of grief is unique, common triggers include the loss of a loved one, such as a family member, friend, or pet, as well as significant life changes like divorce, relocation, or the end of a romantic relationship.
Additionally, adolescents may also experience grief due to transitions such as moving to a new school, changing social circles, or struggling with identity issues. The following is not an exhaustive list, and various other factors can contribute to juveniles’ experiences of grief, but understanding contributing causes can help you provide the necessary support and guidance to help your adolescent navigate their grief journey.
Loss of a Loved One or Peer
Experiencing the loss of a loved one or peer can be an incredibly challenging and emotionally turbulent time for both you as a parent and for your child. The death of someone close can evoke a range of intense emotions in children, from profound sadness and confusion to anger and disbelief.
As a parent, it’s essential to create a safe, supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and asking questions about death and loss. Encourage open communication, validate their emotions, and provide reassurance that it’s okay to grieve in their own way and at their own pace. Additionally, offering opportunities for your child to reminisce about the person they’ve lost and participate in rituals or ceremonies that honor their memory can be comforting and healing.
Family Changes
Family changes, such as divorce, separation, or the addition of a new family member, can profoundly impact adolescents. These transitions often bring mixed emotions, including sadness, confusion, and uncertainty. Acknowledging and addressing these feelings openly with your children, reassuring them that they are loved and supported throughout the changes, is essential.
Maintaining consistent routines, fostering open communication, and providing opportunities for children to express their thoughts and concerns can help ease the adjustment process. Additionally, seeking professional support can offer valuable guidance and strategies to navigate these transitions as a family, fostering resilience and strength during times of change.
Relationship Changes
Relationship changes, such as a breakup or losing a close friendship, can be emotionally challenging for youth. Shifts in adolescent relationships can trigger feelings of sadness, loneliness, and even rejection. It is imperative to provide a supportive and understanding space for your child to process their emotions and navigate these changes.
Encourage open communication and actively listen to your child’s thoughts and feelings without judgment. Offer reassurance that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions during relationship changes and that they’re not alone in their feelings. Professional mental health support can aid teenagers in exploring healthy coping mechanisms and encourage them to engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment as they adjust to these relationship shifts.
Life Transitions
Life transitions, such as moving to a new home, changing schools, or experiencing significant milestones like puberty or graduation, can bring about a mix of excitement and anxiety for both parents and children. These transitions mark new chapters in life and often come with adjustments and uncertainties.
As a parent, it’s important to acknowledge and validate teenagers’ feelings about these changes while offering support and guidance throughout the transition. Keep communication lines open, listen actively to your teen’s concerns, and provide reassurance that it’s natural to feel a range of emotions during times of change. Encourage your child to express themselves creatively and explore new opportunities that these transitions may bring, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Academic and Social Pressures
Navigating the academic and social pressures of teenage lifestyles and education can be daunting. Recognizing these pressures’ impact on a child’s mental and emotional well-being is crucial. Observe for signs of stress or anxiety, such as changes in adolescent behavior, or physical symptoms, such as significant weight loss.
Optimal adolescent health requires setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, and balancing teenage education and social activities. Collaborate with teachers and school counselors to address any academic concerns proactively, providing the support and guidance needed to help your child thrive during their teenage years.
Traumatic and Identity Issues
Traumatic experiences and identity issues can profoundly impact teenagers, shaping their sense of self and emotional well-being. As a parent, it’s essential to recognize the signs of trauma or identity struggles in your teenager, such as withdrawal, mood swings, or changes in behavior.
Teenage identity is central to adolescent development, shaping their values and beliefs and providing validation and reassurance. Encouraging open communication and acceptance is crucial to creating a safe and supportive environment where your teen feels comfortable openly discussing their feelings and experiences. Seek professional support from therapists or counselors specializing in adolescent psychology, trauma, and identity issues to help your teen develop healthy coping mechanisms and build resilience in the face of adversity.
BasePoint Academy Accepts Health Insurance
We accept most major health insurance providers in Texas and can check your treatment coverage levels on your behalf.
Psychological Assessment Centers for Prolonged and Complicated Grief and Loss in Dallas, Texas
BasePoint Academy is a leading adolescent mental health treatment provider in the Dallas, Texas, area. With three facilities conveniently located in Arlington, Forney, and McKinney, we offer comprehensive support to address a range of mental health challenges. From depression and anxiety to trauma, ADHD, OCD, and grief, our dedicated team provides compassionate, effective care tailored to each individual’s needs.
At BasePoint Academy, we understand the complexities of prolonged and complicated grief and loss, and our experienced clinicians are equipped to conduct a thorough psychological assessment of grief to identify underlying issues and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your child.
Whether struggling with unresolved grief, traumatic loss, or other mental health concerns, we are here to help your child take the first step toward healing and recovery. Call (972) 357-1749 or complete our convenient contact form to schedule a complicated grief disorder test and learn how BasePoint Academy can support your teenager’s emotional and mental wellness journey.
Contact BasePoint Academy Today
Contact us today to schedule a free confidential assessment for your teen with a licensed clinician.
You can also get in touch to talk with our mental health experts about treatment needs, care options and your insurance coverage levels.
Call: (972) 357-1749Check Your InsuranceDoes Health Insurance Cover Assessments for Grief and Loss?
While coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and multiple other factors, many insurance plans include mental health benefits that cover assessment tools for grief and loss. These grief measurements are conducted by licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists or counselors, who can evaluate your child’s emotional well-being and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Before scheduling an assessment, contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage specifics, including copayments, deductibles, or limitations on mental health services. Additionally, ask whether a provider within your insurance network must conduct the grief assessment to maximize coverage benefits. If you encounter any challenges navigating insurance coverage, our team at BasePoint Academy is here to assist. We can help you understand your insurance benefits and explore alternative payment options to ensure your child receives the support and care they need.
How Much Do Psychological Assessments for Grief and Loss Cost?
When considering the cost of a complicated grief assessment, keep in mind that prices vary depending on factors such as the provider’s qualifications, location, and the specific nature of the assessment. At BasePoint Academy, we prioritize accessibility to mental health services for teens and their families and offer complimentary assessments as part of the treatment admissions process.
This means that there is no upfront cost when seeking to understand and address your child’s grief and loss through our services. Our team of experienced clinicians uses thorough grief assessment scales to evaluate your child’s emotional well-being and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs. By removing the financial barrier, we aim to ensure that all families can access the support and resources necessary for healing and recovery. If you’re considering seeking help for your child’s grief and loss, we encourage you to call (972) 357-1749 to learn more about the assessment process.
Complicated Grief Assessment and Prolonged Grief Disorder Assessment Process
Navigating the grief assessment process can be overwhelming, but at BasePoint Academy, we strive to make it as straightforward and supportive as possible for you and your child. Our experienced clinicians use grief questionnaires and grief diagnostic tools to understand the complexities of your child’s grief and determine the most effective treatment approach.
The process can vary from one treatment center to the next, but the ultimate goal at BasePoint Academy is to offer compassionate, personalized care to support your family through the challenges of grief and loss. Below is a general overview of the grief and loss assessment tools and the process involved. Contact us for more information.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, our team at BasePoint Academy will meet with you and your child to gather information about the nature of your child’s grief, including the circumstances surrounding the loss and any existing mental health concerns. This allows us to establish a rapport with your child and gain insight into their unique needs and experiences.
Clinical Interviews and Questionnaires
Following the initial consultation, our clinicians conduct clinical interviews and administer questionnaires for the assessment of grief intensity related to your child’s emotional state, coping mechanisms, and any symptoms they may be experiencing. These interviews and the grief impact assessment help us gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s condition and its influence on their mental well-being.
Symptom Assessment
In the symptom assessment phase, we systematically evaluate specific grief-related symptoms your child may be experiencing, such as intense sadness, yearning, or difficulty accepting the loss. This helps us identify the severity and duration of their grief and tailor our treatment approach accordingly.
Functional Impact
Assessing the functional impact of grief on your child’s daily life is crucial in understanding how their grief is affecting their ability to function at school, home, and in social settings. By assessing functional impairment, we can better address areas of concern and develop targeted interventions to support your child.
Rule Out Other Conditions
As part of the grief assessment process, we thoroughly examine and rule out other contributing factors or underlying conditions that may influence your child’s grief response. Prolonged grief disorder frequently coexists with other mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Ruling out other or co-occurring conditions ensures we provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
Clinical Judgment and Diagnosis
Based on the information gathered up to this point and through the grief response evaluation, our clinicians use clinical judgment to formulate a diagnosis, if applicable. They’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs and goals for healing and recovery.
Treatment Planning
This comprehensive treatment plan may include individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and other therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing grief and promoting overall well-being. Throughout the treatment planning process, we prioritize open communication and collaboration to ensure that your child receives the support and care they need to navigate the overwhelming and often debilitating symptoms of grief.
Contact BasePoint Academy Today
Contact us today to schedule a free confidential assessment for your teen with a licensed clinician.
You can also get in touch to talk with our mental health experts about treatment needs, care options and your insurance coverage levels.
Call: (972) 357-1749Check Your InsuranceWhat Questions Are Asked During Grief and Loss Assessment Tests?
A complicated grief assessment is designed to gather a detailed picture of your child’s emotional and psychological state following a significant loss. The evaluation will include a series of questions to understand the depth and impact of your child’s grief and develop a tailored approach to help them heal.
Questions Commonly Asked During Grief Assessments
Who was the person you lost?
- This question helps the clinician understand the identity of the deceased and begin to contextualize the nature of your child’s loss. Knowing whether the loss was a parent, sibling, friend, or another significant person provides insight into the potential emotional impact.
What was your relationship with them?
- Understanding the relationship your child had with the deceased helps in assessing the depth of their bond and the subsequent impact of the loss. It sheds light on the emotional closeness and dependency your child may have had with the person they lost.
When did the loss occur?
- The timing of the loss is crucial in understanding how recent the grief is and how it aligns with your child’s current emotional state. This helps in determining whether the grief is acute or has transitioned into a more prolonged state.
How have you been feeling since the loss?
- This open-ended question lets your child express their emotional journey since the loss. It gives the clinician a sense of the range and intensity of emotions on the grief experience scale.
Are there specific times or triggers that intensify your emotions?
- Identifying triggers helps in understanding what exacerbates your child’s grief. These could be specific dates, places, or activities that remind them of the person they lost, and knowing these can help create coping strategies.
Have you noticed any changes in your behavior since the loss?
- This question aims to uncover changes in adolescent behavior, often manifesting in sleep patterns, eating habits, social interactions, or academic performance. Behavioral changes are indicators of how your child is coping with grief.
Are you experiencing any physical symptoms related to your grief?
- Grief can manifest physically, causing symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, or changes in appetite. Recognizing these physical manifestations is essential for a holistic understanding of your child’s grief.
How has the loss affected your relationships with family and friends?
- Assessing the impact on relationships helps us understand whether your child has withdrawn from social connections or experienced changes in how they relate to others. This can indicate isolation or the need for additional support.
Have you had trouble functioning in your daily life since the loss?
- This question examines how grief affects your child’s ability to perform everyday tasks, such as attending school, participating in extracurricular activities, or maintaining their responsibilities at home.
What coping mechanisms have you used to deal with your grief?
- Understanding the strategies your child has employed to manage their grief helps assess their effectiveness and whether they are healthy or potentially harmful. This can guide the clinician in providing appropriate support and introducing new coping techniques.
These questions and others collectively provide a comprehensive view of your child’s experience with grief and loss, allowing the professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your child’s distinct needs while supporting their path to healing.
Techniques Used for Grief Disorder Therapy and Intervention
Understanding the techniques of grief therapy assessment and intervention is crucial for effectively supporting your child’s needs. At BasePoint Academy, we employ various evidence-based methods tailored to meet each adolescent’s unique needs. While this isn’t a complete list of all practical methods that can aid the path toward healing, it provides some insight into the diverse array of effective approaches.
Grief Counseling
Grief counseling provides a supportive space for teens to express emotions and process loss. A grief counselor helps your child understand and navigate their feelings through compassionate listening and guidance, fostering resilience and healing. This type of counseling is tailored to meet teens’ unique needs, offering tools and strategies to cope with their grief effectively.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with grief. This therapeutic modality can provide practical coping strategies to manage emotions and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. By challenging unhelpful thoughts and promoting positive thinking, CBT helps adolescents regain a sense of control and improve their mental health.
Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)
CGT’s process involves addressing the intense and prolonged symptoms of complicated grief. This therapeutic approach helps your child accept the reality of their loss, process their emotions, and find ways to move forward. CGT combines cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy elements to provide a structured and supportive framework for healing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT encourages acceptance of grief as a natural part of life. It teaches mindfulness and coping strategies to help teenagers remain present and engaged with their feelings without being overwhelmed. This approach promotes psychological flexibility, allowing your child to adapt to their new reality while finding and emphasizing meaning and purpose.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy allows adolescents to explore and reshape their stories about their loss. By reflecting on their experiences and finding new perspectives, your child can better understand their grief and its impact on their life. This therapeutic approach empowers your child to become the author of their own story, fostering resilience and personal growth.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving your child’s relationships and social support network, which can be crucial during grief. This approach helps your child develop better communication skills and address any interpersonal issues that may arise due to grief and loss. Strengthening these connections can provide a solid foundation for emotional healing and support.
Group Therapy
Group therapy offers the opportunity to connect with peers experiencing similar losses. Sharing stories and listening to others can provide validation and a sense of community. Group therapy fosters mutual support and understanding, helping adolescents feel less isolated in their grief journey. This collective environment can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
Who Can Perform Grief Disorder Testing and Assessment in Texas?
In Texas, grief disorder testing and assessment can be performed by various licensed mental health professionals trained in understanding and addressing grief-related issues. These professionals include psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs).
If you’re seeking a grief assessment for your child, choose a professional with experience in dealing with bereavement, loss, and prolonged grief. Many mental health clinics and centers, such as BasePoint Academy, offer specialized grief counseling assessment and treatment services. Our experienced clinicians conduct thorough grief evaluations and develop tailored treatment plans that support the unique needs of each individual. To ensure the best care for your child’s well-being, contact us today to schedule a free assessment.
How To Book a Grief and Loss Assessment for My Teen in Dallas, TX
Booking a grief assessment for teenagers in Dallas, Texas, is synonymous with initiating the support they need to cope with loss. At BasePoint Academy, our experienced clinicians are dedicated to offering comprehensive assessments tailored to your teen’s unique needs—call (972) 357-1749 to schedule a grief assessment today.
Our team will guide you through the process, answer questions, and ensure your child receives the compassionate care they deserve. Taking this step can make a significant difference. By contacting us, you’re choosing a trusted partner committed to supporting your family every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the first step toward helping your teen navigate the challenges associated with grief and loss. Call or complete our user-friendly contact form to book a free assessment today.
Effective Teen Grief Assessment & Treatment With BasePoint Academy
We can help your teen and your family address and overcome mental health concerns with expert care and a safe environment. Call today to discover the treatment for long-term healing.
Statistics Related to Teen Grief and Bereavement in Texas and Nationally
- Approximately 1 in 16 children in Texas will experience the loss of a parent or sibling before reaching adulthood.
- An estimated 6 million children in the U.S. will experience the loss of a parent or sibling by the age of 18.
- A national poll of 531 bereaved children and teenagers aged 18 and under, conducted by local Grief Support Centers across the United States in collaboration with the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Grieving Children, revealed that 76% appreciated meeting others experiencing similar grief, and 62% valued making new friends in their grief group or counseling sessions.
- A new bereavement evaluation checklist developed jointly by UCLA and the University of Texas aids in identifying children and teenagers experiencing bereavement disorder.
- Children and adolescents who have experienced a loss are three times more likely to die by suicide.
- In 2021, suicide ranked as the second most common cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 14.
- In 2012, approximately 100 Texans under the age of 18 died from gunshot wounds. By 2022, that figure had nearly tripled, reaching almost 300.
- More than 9 million youth are experiencing bereavement, and this number more than doubles by the age of 25, reaching 12.8 million young adults.
- According to the latest estimate from Imperial College London, over 200,000 American children have lost a primary caregiver to Covid-19 thus far. Geographically specific data further reveals that Texas ranks among the states with the highest rate and total number of caregiver loss nationwide.
