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Child and adolescent psychiatry refers to the specialized field of medicine that treats mental health problems in younger individuals. Here we explain what child and adolescent psychiatry is and how it can help.
What is child and adolescent psychiatry?
Child and adolescent psychiatry refers to the specialized field of medicine that treats mental health problems in younger individuals. Child and adolescent psychiatrists work with a range of mental health problems and disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, behavioral problems, ADHD, and autism. They provide services such as assessment, diagnosis, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and, if necessary, medical treatment.
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What can child and adolescent psychiatry help with?
Child and adolescent psychiatrists are board-certified physicians who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. They are required to have obtained a medical degree followed by several years of specialized training in psychiatric care. Some psychiatrists also offer child and parent therapy, CBT, play therapy, and other services.
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Do psychiatrists have a duty of confidentiality?
Yes, psychiatrists are obliged to keep information they receive in their professional work with clients, patients or in research confidential. They may not disclose this information to third parties without the consent of the client or patient, except in certain exceptional cases regulated by law. These exceptions may include situations where there is a risk of serious harm to the client or others, or where the psychiatrist is legally obliged to report certain information, such as in cases of suspected child abuse. Confidentiality is fundamental to maintaining trust between psychiatrist and client.
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Treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry
Seeking help from a child psychiatrist is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health difficulties. Most psychiatrists accept self-referrals, and it’s relatively easy to research psychiatrists online. Your insurance company may also be able to give you referrals for psychiatrists in your area. Treatment with a psychiatrist usually begins with an assessment phase in which the child or young person’s needs are carefully mapped through interviews, observations and sometimes also psychological tests. Based on the assessment, an individual treatment plan is drawn up which may include various interventions such as individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and in some cases medication.
Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are common. The aim is to provide the child or adolescent and their families with tools and strategies to deal with specific mental health challenges. The psychiatrist focuses on creating a safe environment where the child or adolescent can feel understood and supported through the treatment process. Collaboration between therapists, parents, schools and other relevant stakeholders is often an important part of treatment to ensure a holistic approach to the child or adolescent’s situation.
12 common questions about child and adolescent psychiatry
What is child and adolescent psychiatry?
Child and adolescent psychiatry refers to the specialized field of medicine that treats mental health problems in younger individuals.
What can you get help with at child and adolescent psychiatry?
Child and adolescent psychiatrists work with a range of mental health problems and disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, behavioral problems, ADHD, and autism. They provide services such as assessment, diagnosis, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and, if necessary, medical treatment.
Do psychiatrists work with other professionals?
Yes, psychiatrists collaborate with other people working with the child such as therapists, school staff, pediatrician, and other providers.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A child psychologist is a licensed mental health professional with knowledge and experience in working with children and parents. A child psychiatrist also has specialized training in working with children, but is able to prescribe medications and uses a more medical perspective when thinking about cases.
What does a child psychiatrist do?
Child and adolescent psychiatrists are board-certified physicians who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. They are required to have obtained a medical degree followed by several years of specialized training in psychiatric care. Some psychiatrists also offer child and parent therapy, CBT, play therapy, and other services.
Do psychiatrists have a duty of confidentiality?
Yes, psychiatrists are obliged to keep information they receive in their professional work with clients, patients or in research confidential. They may not disclose this information to third parties without the consent of the client or patient, except in certain exceptional cases regulated by law. These exceptions may include situations where there is a risk of serious harm to the client or others, or where the psychiatrist is legally obliged to report certain information, such as in cases of suspected child abuse. Confidentiality is fundamental to maintaining trust between psychiatrist and client.
Can I see a child psychiatrist privately?
Yes, it is possible to see a child psychiatrist privately. You can contact your insurance company for a list of psychiatrists if you wish to use insurance benefits.
What are the signs that my child needs help?
There are several signs that a child is not doing well, such as frequent anxiety or irritability. Trouble with social relationships, a new onset of physical symptoms, decreased school performance, risky behaviors, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and many other signs may indicate that a child needs help managing their feelings.
I am having difficulties in my parenting, how can I get help?
It can be challenging and emotionally demanding for a parent when their child is struggling. It is important to approach the situation with understanding, patience and support. If necessary, you can seek professional help.
What does treatment through child and adolescent psychiatry involve?
Treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry usually begins with an assessment phase in which the child’s or adolescent’s needs are carefully identified through interviews, observations and sometimes psychological tests. Based on the assessment, an individual treatment plan is drawn up which may include different interventions such as individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and in some cases medical treatment.
How long is treatment?
Treatment is tailored to the nature of the child’s or parent’s problems. It can range from a few sessions to longer treatment over a couple of years.
Where can I go if I or my child needs help from a child psychiatrist?
Lavendla has numerous experienced child psychiatrists who can help. Go ahead and search the profiles online to find a match!
How can a treatment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist work?
Seeking medical help is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health difficulties or if you are having difficulties as a parent. Here is a brief overview of what treatment can look like:
First step: Initial consultation where the psychiatrist or other qualified health professional assesses needs by talking to the child and parents.
Treatment plan: An individualized plan is developed, based on the child’s specific situation and needs.
Types of therapy: Common approaches include play therapy for younger children, where play is used as a tool for expression and processing, and talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for older children, which focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Other methods such as family therapy can also be helpful.
Parental counseling: Parents receive guidance and support to better help their child at home.
Monitoring and adjustment: The treatment plan is continuously evaluated and adjusted as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
It is important to remember that each child is unique, and therefore treatment may vary. Working together with a child psychiatrist can give you and your child the tools they need to manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way. At Lavendla, we have child psychiatrists who can help make the hard stuff easier.
