Child psychiatrists, or pediatric psychiatrists, are behavioral health specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and adolescents. Seeing a psychiatrist specifically trained to work with children and adolescents is important. Doctors trained in pediatric psychiatry know how to modify treatments and medication for youth.
What is a Child Psychiatrist?
A child psychiatrist is someone who has completed medical school and done further training through a medical internship, general psychiatry residency, and finally a child and adolescent fellowship. The total training AFTER medical school ranges from 5-6 years. They are licensed medical and mental health professionals. A child psychiatrist is therefore trained to evaluate the interplay of medical and psychological conditions that lead to issues in someone’s life. A child psychiatrist can then treat that individual with prescription medications, therapy (depending on their experience and training with therapy), and lifestyle modifications.
What Ages a Child Psychiatrist Treats
A child psychiatrist can treat the full age range from birth to old age. For under the ages of five, the focus is primarily on interviewing the parents and developing parenting strategies.
Child Psychologist vs Child Psychiatrist – What’s the Difference?
A child psychiatrist has been to medical school and can prescribe medications. In most states, a psychologist cannot prescribe medications but due to a shortage of psychiatrists and the high demand for pediatric mental health care, Colorado passed a law that allows psychologists to prescribe medication with appropriate supervision and training.
When to work with a Child Psychiatrist
A good guide for when to seek out a child psychiatrist is when a mental health condition is causing some level of dysfunction in that child’s life. These could include struggling at school, difficulties with friendships/relationships, problems at home, sadness, anxiety, focus issues, etc.
Conditions Treated
Conditions treated include depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, substance use, reactive attachment disorder, oppositional defiance disorder, separation anxiety, and many more.
The Importance of a Multi-Faceted Mental Health Approach
Although a multi-faceted approach is important for any age, it is particularly important for children and adolescents struggling with mental health issues. Given their extensive training, a child psychiatrist will often suggest and help steer a team that could individual therapists, family therapists, social workers, school counselors and administrators, pediatricians, legal representatives, dieticians, etc. regarding mental health concerns. Child psychiatrists also rely heavily on family and caretakers to gather information and come up with a treatment plan that is achievable and aligns with their values. Coordination with parents and care takers is also essential given the ability for an individual to consent to therapy does not start until the age of 12 and for medications at 15 in Colorado. Beyond the wide range of people helping the child, the psychiatrist then will consider aspects including medical issues, family dynamics, socialization, activity levels, nutrition, sleep, developmental levels to come up with a treatment plan.
At a Better Day Psychiatry when treating children and adolescents with medications, we focus first on providing thorough education to the child as well as parents and if prescribing using low doses, slow titrations, and re-evaluating when a medication can be stopped. By addressing mental health issues at an early age, you can lay the foundation for much greater success through life.
Child Psychiatrist Near Me
Visit our clinic in Golden, CO or schedule a telehealth appointment to discuss how our psychiatrists can help your child.