Packed with ready-to-use clinical tools, this book presents the first evidence-based psychosocial treatment for school-age children with bipolar disorder or depression. Leading clinician-researcher Mary Fristad and her colleagues show how to integrate psychoeducational strategies with cognitive-behavioral and family therapy techniques. They provide nuts-and-bolts information for implementing the approach with individual families or groups. Kids learn to identify and manage mood states while parents learn essential skills for problem solving, crisis management, improving family functioning, and collaborating with schools and mental health systems. In a large-size format with lay-flat binding for easy photocopying, the book features nearly 100 reproducible handouts and children's activities.

Every day can be an ordeal for families struggling with the difficult, moody, impossible behavior that may point to childhood depression or bipolar disorder. Effective help for kids does exist, but it often requires a customized combination of medication, therapy, coping skills, and support. From esteemed clinician and researcher Dr. Mary Fristad and fellow treatment expert Dr. Jill Goldberg Arnold, this indispensable book explains how treatment works and what additional steps parents can take at home to help children with mood disorders--and the family as a whole--improve the quality of their lives. Explained are why symptoms look so different (and can be so much harder to manage) in children and teens than in adults, how to find the right doctor or therapist, and how to help kids develop their own coping toolkits. Bursting with practical tools, FAQs, and examples, the book covers everything from dealing with medical crises to resolving school problems, sibling conflicts, and marital stress.