Undiagnosed behavioral problems in my child now a teen.

I have a daughter who is now l2 years old. since the time she was 4, she has been talking about wanting to die, she has never been able to attend a public school so she at this time has about a grade 3 education, she refuses home schooling, becomes violent towards me and her sister. Has been on Haldol,  antidepressants, other antipsychotics and nothing
has improved her behavior, She strikes out mainly at family, then feels so bad after the fact that she curls up under the kitchen table in the fetal position for hours.  Certain things can trigger this behavior, but most of the time it comes out of no where, the last incident she was stabbing her sister's bedroom door with a butcher knife, the police were called and she was taken to youth detention, she is a darling child when she is good, but now is turning into a delinquent, because of the kids she has met in jail. I no longer know what to do she was in a behavioral program for schooling, which was a waste of time. she was assessed at a psychiatric facility, and then sent her home saying nothing was the matter with her.
what else can I do, before she ends up on the streets. I will try anything as I already have, but will always try something else.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Carol,

Sometimes the best place to start, even after all you've been through, is at the beginning.

It would make sense to obtain an evaluation by a pediatric outpatient mental health professional, and to go from there. There is no doubt that something is wrong - i.e., your daughter's behavior is not a version of normal. She is displaying the symptoms of an emotional disorder, though it would be irresponsible to suggest a diagnosis.

If you wish to let us know where you live, we can try to identify some resource in your area to check out.

[Carol]

Thankyou for responding to my letter, I live in Victoria, B.C. Canada
If you can let me know of any resources here I have yet to try or should try I would be grateful.
Thanking you in advance
Carol

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Carol,

Sources of possible help:

- Pacific Centre Family Services Association in Victoria

- University of Victoria (Departments of Psychology and Social Work)

- British Columbia Children's Hospital in Vancouver (General Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic)

- Riverview Hospital (Vancouver)