Empowering Parents Part 1: Understanding Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists Training and Experience

At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, some our top psychiatrists have additional training and experience working with children and adolescents. As child and adolescent psychiatrists, our psychiatrists understand the importance of finding the right mental health care for your child. 

In this article, we hope to help parents understand the training of board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists and how they diagnose and treat mental health conditions in young individuals. 

Training of Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists:

Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who have completed specialized training in adult psychiatry, before completing additional training in child and adolescent psychiatry. 

The training of a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist includes:

1) Medical School: Child and adolescent psychiatrists begin their journey by completing medical school, where they acquire a strong foundation in general medicine and gain an understanding of the human body, diseases, and treatments.

2) General Psychiatry Residency: After medical school, aspiring child and adolescent psychiatrists complete a residency program in general psychiatry. This training typically lasts three to four years and provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in individuals of all ages.

3) Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship: Following their general psychiatry residency, doctors pursue additional specialized training in child and adolescent psychiatry. This fellowship program is often two years and focuses on the unique aspects of mental health in children and adolescents, including developmental considerations, specific diagnoses, and evidence-based treatments.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions in Children and Adolescents:

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in young individuals. They use a comprehensive approach that takes into account various factors, including:

A) Diagnostic Evaluation: Child and adolescent psychiatrists conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the child's symptoms, behaviors, and emotional well-being. This may involve interviews with the child, parents, and teachers, as well as psychological testing when necessary.

B) Treatment Planning: Based on the diagnostic evaluation, the psychiatrist develops an individualized treatment plan. This may include a combination of therapy, medication management, and other interventions tailored to the child's specific needs.

C) Psychotherapy: Child and adolescent psychiatrists employ various evidence-based psychotherapies to help children and adolescents manage their mental health conditions. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, family therapy, and others.

D) Medication Management: When appropriate, child and adolescent psychiatrists may prescribe medications to help manage mental health symptoms. They carefully consider the child's unique circumstances, potential side effects, and monitor their response to medication.

Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and adolescents. By understanding their training, diagnostic process, and treatment approaches, parents can make informed decisions when seeking the best care for their child. 

If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.

References:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (n.d.). For Families. Retrieved from https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Families.aspx.

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/child-adolescent-psychiatry.

MedlinePlus. (2021). Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001540.htm.