Empowering Parents Part 2: Finding the Right Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

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 with guidance on how to find the best psychiatrist for their child's needs.

Finding a Good Child Psychiatrist for Your Child:

Finding the right child psychiatrist for your child is crucial for their well-being. Consider the following steps when seeking a suitable psychiatrist:

A) Referrals: Ask your child's pediatrician, school counselor, or trusted healthcare professionals for recommendations. They often have valuable insights and connections to qualified child psychiatrists.

B) Research Credentials and Experience: Ensure that the psychiatrist is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry. Review their training, experience, and expertise in treating your child's specific condition.

C) Compatibility and Trust: Schedule an initial consultation to assess the psychiatrist's rapport with your child and your comfort level. Effective communication and a strong therapeutic alliance are essential for successful treatment outcomes.

D) Collaboration: Look for a psychiatrist who values collaboration and actively involves you as a parent in the treatment process. They should be open to discussing treatment options, answering questions, and addressing your concerns.

E) Accessibility and Support: Consider the psychiatrist's availability, responsiveness to inquiries, and their ability to provide ongoing support for your child's mental health needs.

Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and adolescents. Remember to prioritize compatibility, trust, and collaboration in your search for a child psychiatrist who will support your child's mental well-being and overall development.

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.