Assessing Anxiety in Children Around Major Life Changes: Moving, Divorce, or Family Relocation

Major life changes - like moving to a new home, divorce, or a family relocation - can be stressful for children. At PBBHW, our team of licensed psychologists, including Dr. Jaimie St. Ama, Dr. Amber Snedden, Dr. Brandi Rials, and Dr. Gretchen Quattlebaum, provides specialized assessments to help parents understand and support their child’s emotional well-being during these transitions.

Why Assessments Matter

Behavioral and psychological assessments give insight into how a child processes stress and anxiety. By evaluating emotional, cognitive, and social responses, clinicians can identify areas where children may need support, coping strategies, or interventions. These assessments also help distinguish typical adjustment challenges from more significant anxiety disorders that may require therapy.

How Our Experts Help

At PBBHW, our licensed psychologists work closely with children and families throughout Palm Beach County to:

• Observe behavioral responses during everyday activities
• Conduct structured interviews and questionnaires
• Assess cognitive, social, and emotional functioning
• Develop a personalized plan to address anxiety and stress

Tips for Parents Preparing for an Assessment

• Gather observations from home, school, and extracurricular activities
• Note any significant changes in sleep, appetite, or behavior
• Encourage open conversation with your child about feelings and worries
• Bring previous evaluations or medical records if available

Moving Forward with Support

Understanding your child’s anxiety through a thorough assessment is the first step toward helping them navigate life’s changes with resilience. At PBBHW, Dr. St. Ama, Dr. Snedden, Dr. Rials, and Dr. Quattlebaum and the rest of our team provide compassionate guidance and actionable strategies for families across Palm Beach County, empowering children to thrive even in times of transition.

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