Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Childhood and adolescents are critical times for growth and development. During this time, young people experience a tremendous amount of cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. According to The Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, nearly 20% of children under the age of seven will develop a psychiatric disorder. According to the World Health Organization, up to 50% of mental health conditions begin before the age of 14. 

Mental and behavioral health issues that begin during childhood or adolescence can negatively impact the child’s development and can increase their risk of developing more severe mental health issues into adulthood. However, research has shown that early detection and intervention by a trained child and adolescent psychiatrist can lead to significantly better mental health outcomes throughout the patient’s life.

What is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry?

Mental and behavioral health issues can be difficult to detect in children and adolescents. Parents and caregivers may find it hard to distinguish between normal developmental changes and true symptoms of mental health issues. Children, specifically, may find it hard to express their emotions or explain why they are behaving in certain ways. This is where a trained professional can help.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are mental health professionals that are specifically trained in assessing and treating mental health issues and behavioral issues in young people. They are trained to assess the child or adolescent’s behavior and mental state across multiple different settings, including home, school, and social situations. They are also trained to work with the young person’s parents, caregivers, school teachers, and primary care providers to gather information and provide treatment.

How Does Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Differ from Adult Psychiatry?

A personalized approach to healthcare often has better outcomes than a more generic approach. This is especially important when it comes to mental health issues in children and adolescents. There are many differences between the recognition and treatment of mental health in adults and children. 

Mental health issues and behavioral issues often present differently in children. According to an article by Remedy Psychiatry, “Because child psychiatrists are working with especially malleable and impressionable brains that are changing quickly, they have to consider how a condition may present in a child’s undeveloped mind. For example, while depression in adults is characterized by feelings of sadness and despair, depression in children is typically characterized by anger and irritability.”

Adults that present with symptoms of mental illness will often seek out treatment on their own. In contrast, parents or caregivers will likely be the ones to arrange psychiatric care for children and adolescents. Because young people are still dependent on their parents or caregivers, these people also play a critical role in the young person’s treatment. Certain psychiatric treatments for children, such as Parent, Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) directly involve parents or caregivers.

Because child psychiatrists are working with especially malleable and impressionable brains that are changing quickly, they have to consider how a condition may present in a child’s undeveloped mind.

When To Seek Treatment

Mental health issues and behavioral issues can be hard to recognize due to several barriers mentioned above. Symptoms of mental health issues can vary by age, and many parents and caregivers find it difficult to distinguish between normal cognitive development and true symptoms of mental health issues.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several clear warning signs that parents and caregivers can look for if they are concerned that their child or adolescent may be developing a mental health issue. These warning signs include:

• Sadness that lasts two or more weeks.
• Changes in being social or staying away from others.
• Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself.
• Talking about death or suicide.
• Having outbursts or being very moody or testy.
• Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful.
• Big changes in mood, behavior or personality.
• Changes in eating habits.
• Loss of weight.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Getting headaches or stomachaches often.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Doing poorly in school.
• Not going to school.

Treatment Options for Children and Adolescents

Once a mental health issue is suspected, it is important to seek out the appropriate psychiatric care from a trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. These licensed medical professionals can help to recognize and diagnose mental health issues and behavioral issues in young people. Treatments can vary based on the individual and their specific diagnosis. The most common treatments include:

• Psychotherapy: This treatment option, often referred to as “talk therapy” or “behavioral therapy” includes talking with a trained psychiatrist. For young children, this could also include play and games. These sessions help children and adolescents express their emotions. They also give young people the tools and strategies to manage and cope with their emotions, and to learn new behaviors and coping skills.
• ‍Medication: Child and adolescent psychiatrists may also prescribe medication to help manage mental health issues and to augment emotional and behavioral improvements. The psychiatrist should always talk with the child and their caregivers about the benefits and potential risks of a medication before giving a prescription.

Benefits of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

There are many benefits to child and adolescent psychiatry. These can include:

• Early Intervention and Prevention: Treating mental health issues early can prevent more severe, chronic problems in adulthood, as many adult disorders begin in childhood.
• Specialized Diagnostic Expertise: Child and adolescent psychiatrists have specific training to recognize complex mental health issues and behavioral issues in young people.
• Comprehensive Care: Care involves considerations for the child’s family, school, and social environment. They provide support, guidance, and treatment plans tailored to the child's developmental stage.
• Medication Management: Child and adolescent psychiatrists will work with patients and their caregivers to ensure proper medication use, monitor symptoms, and combine them with appropriate psychotherapies.‍
• Improved Quality of Life: Treatment helps children and adolescents improve their coping skills, communication, and social skills, ultimately enhancing their ability to succeed academically and emotionally.

Insurance and Access

Services are available in English and Spanish. We accept Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and most private insurance plans.

If you have questions about coverage or whether this service is right for you, our team can help talk it through.

Mental health care should be accessible and understandable.

Getting Started

Starting psychiatric care does not require a crisis or a dramatic change. It often starts with a question and a conversation.

If you are wondering whether child and adolescent psychiatry and medication management could help your young one, that curiosity alone is reason enough to reach out.

Support can begin simply. And you do not have to do it alone. Reach out and request an appointment today.