I <i>wish</i> my parents had taken me to a psychologist when I was having trouble in school. Instead, I was usually punished. I was raised by conservative, psychiatrophobic parents and I never got the help I needed until after college. I'm in my early 20's. I was lucky to have the meta-cognitive awareness needed to identify that something was wrong, and that it had gotten worse. After recently getting care from a professional my quality of life and productivity improved across the board. It almost breaks my heart how much it has helped me. I feel as if I could have been so much more successful in academia. I definitely would have led less of guilt-ridden academic life.<p>Even if you do not have anxiety, major depression, or other disorder - I think basic psychological therapy is something almost anyone can benefit from. We like to think friends and family are all we need for help during a rough time or troubling period, but, no matter how well intentioned they might be, they are usually the least qualified to help you. It's important to have a professional to talk to in these situations. With children this is even more so.<p>Psychiatrists can see the red-flags that others often ignore, or brush off as personality quirks. This was the case with me for long time. I would have had a better academic life if the "ADD is bullshit" meme never happened. For me, this prevalent mentality prevented me from receiving the health-care I needed, especially with regards to my very private (and personally shameful) crippling anxiety. I hope one day basic psychological check ups for children become as routine as a dentist visits. There are so many benefits to keeping tabs on your mental health and the only downside is the current social stigma.<p>If your child is acting up, consistently has trouble with areas such as organization, or is all over the place with grades - please don't assume he or she is lazy or doesn't want to succeed. Help them by taking them to someone who can see things you cannot, and possibly find an easily solvable underlying problem.