Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health In Grandville, MI

Behavioral health issues aren’t just something that occurs in adults. Kids (even young kids) can deal with mental health issues. While many parents hope that outbursts, social withdrawal, and anxious behaviors are just a phase or something their child will “grow out” of, it’s still important that you consult a doctor. The pediatric team here at Grandville Pediatrics can pinpoint warning signs of mental illness and also help you figure out the next steps to ensuring that your child gets the proper care and treatment they need.

Childhood Behavioral Disorders

Some of the most common types of behavioral disorders we see in kids include,

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Emotional Behavioral Disorder

Behavioral Warning Signs in Children

It’s normal for kids with these types of disorders to become upset more easily or to act out. Some signs that your child could have a behavioral disorder include,

  • Refusing to follow authority or rules
  • Frequently throwing temper tantrums
  • Prone to outbursts and easily angered
  • Quick to nervousness
  • Blaming others


It’s important that if you suspect that your child might have a behavioral health problem that you seek care from a qualified pediatrician. Grandville Pediatrics team in Grandville, MI have worked with children and teens dealing with a wide range of behavioral health issues.


We can provide comprehensive assessments, as well as create custom treatment options. These treatment plans can include medication, as well as healthy lifestyle adjustments that can improve your child’s symptoms (e.g., getting the proper amount of sleep each night; getting regular aerobic exercise every day).


We can also offer referrals for counselors and psychologists, as well as provide tailored recommendations for support groups and academic interventions to improve behaviors and to set your child up for success in all aspects of their daily life, from school to home.

If your child is displaying signs of a behavioral issue, this is something that you can bring up with our pediatrician during your next well-child visit (or sooner, if the issue warrants). To discuss your child’s mental health with us, simply call Grandville Pediatrics at (616) 538-2410.

If you have concerns about your child's behavioral development, please call our office and ask to speak to our Behavioral Health Coordinator. We will discuss your concerns and gather information that will be used to determine how we can best help your child. If a Behavioral Evaluation with one of our providers is needed, we will schedule this visit for you and provide you with assessment tools that you can complete prior to the your visit.

  • Assessment tools to complete for children ages 5-12:
    • Vanderbilt Assessment - Parent Initial
    • Vanderbilt Assessment - Teacher Initial
    • Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) - Parent
    • Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) – Child
    • Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC)
  • Assessment tools to be complete for children ages 13-18:
    • Vanderbilt Assessment - Parent Initial
    • Vanderbilt Assessment - Teacher Initial
    • Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) - Parent
    • Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) – Child
    • Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC)
    • Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9)
    • CRAFFT screening tool
  • Assessment tools used on a case by case basis include:
    • Child Obsessional Compulsive Inventory- Parent and Child (CHOCI)

Completing the Assessments

  • You will be directed to complete the Parent Assessments through the patient portal.
  • Your child will be given a portal account so that they can complete their assessments through their private patient portal. 
  • You will be directed to invite your child’s teacher to complete their assessment through the patient portal as well.


Important! All Assessments must be completed before the day of your child’s appointment.

What to Expect

At least one week prior to your appointment, complete assigned assessments noted above. On the day of your child's behavioral evaluation, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Ideally, your child should eat a nutritious meal prior to the appointment and be well-rested.

You and your child will meet with a nurse. Your nurse will spend approximately 20 minutes with you obtaining pertinent medical and behavioral history. Both you and your child will then meet with the doctor who will perform a thorough assessment and develop a behavioral health management plan for your child. Our providers may recommend additional counseling to best serve your child. 


If the doctor prescribes medication, he/she will want to follow up with your child within 28 days to assess your child's progress and to determine if the medication can be refilled. A patient coordinator will schedule this appointment with you before you leave the office.

What to Expect

At least one week prior to your appointment, complete assigned assessments noted above. On the day of your child's behavioral evaluation, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Ideally, your child should eat a nutritious meal prior to the appointment and be well-rested.

You and your child will meet with a nurse. Your nurse will spend approximately 20 minutes with you obtaining pertinent medical and behavioral history. Both you and your child will then meet with the doctor who will perform a thorough assessment and develop a behavioral health management plan for your child. Our providers may recommend additional counseling to best serve your child. 


If the doctor prescribes medication, he/she will want to follow up with your child within 28 days to assess your child's progress and to determine if the medication can be refilled. A patient coordinator will schedule this appointment with you before you leave the office.

Ongoing Medication Management

After your child's initial evaluation, if medication is started, your child must be seen within 28 days in order to continue the medication. If your child is doing well with his/her medication, subsequent appointments will be scheduled every 3 months. If a medication or dosage change is needed, your child must be seen within 1 month to assess your child's progress and to determine if the medication can be refilled.

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