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Child and adolescent psychiatry is a specialized field that caters to the needs of children, young people under 18, and their parents who are facing challenges related to mental health or parenting. At Lavendla, we offer a diverse range of child and adolescent services. If you are uncertain about what child and adolescent psychiatry involves or what kind of assistance you can receive, we are here to provide a clear understanding. So, feel free to seek our support and guidance with confidence.

What is child and adolescent psychiatry?

Child and adolescent psychiatry is a specialized field of psychology that provides care and treatment for children and adolescents up to the age of 18.

Child and adolescent psychiatry works with a range of mental health problems and disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, behavioural issues, ADHD, and autism. They provide services such as assessment, diagnosis, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and, if necessary, medical treatment. The field aims to support children and adolescents in their mental health, promote their development and well-being, and provide support to families.

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What can child and adolescent psychiatry help with?

At the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, children and adolescents up to 18 years old can get help with a range of mental health problems and disorders, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, behavioural issues and trauma. They offer assessment, support and treatment through individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and, in some cases, medication, all tailored to the child’s or adolescent’s specific needs. The team comprises psychologists, psychotherapists, doctors, nurses and other specialists who provide comprehensive support.


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Do psychologists have to keep sessions confidential?

Yes, psychologists have a duty of confidentiality. This means they must keep the information they receive in their professional work with clients, patients or 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 psychologist is legally obliged to report certain information, such as in cases of suspected child abuse. Confidentiality is fundamental to maintaining trust between psychologist and client and is a central part of the professional ethics of psychology.


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Treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry

Seeking help from a child psychologist is a crucial step when a child is experiencing mental health difficulties. Treatment usually begins with an assessment phase in which the child or young person’s needs are carefully mapped through interviews, observations, and sometimes 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, medical treatment.

Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are standard. The aim is to provide the child or adolescent and their families with tools and strategies to deal with specific psychological challenges. A psychologist focuses on creating a safe environment where the child or adolescent can feel understood and supported through their treatment process. Collaboration between therapists, parents, schools and other relevant stakeholders is often essential to treatment to ensure a holistic approach to the child or adolescent’s situation.


12 FAQs about Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

What is child and adolescent psychiatry?

Child and adolescent psychiatry is a specialized field of psychology that provides care and treatment for children and adolescents up to the age of 18.

What conditions are treated in child and adolescent psychiatry?

They work with a range of mental health problems and disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, behavioural issues, ADHD and autism. They provide services such as assessment, diagnosis, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and, if necessary, medical treatment.

Do you get to meet different professionals?

Yes, you will often work with psychologists, psychotherapists, doctors, nurses, and other specialists collaborating to provide comprehensive support. So, you may meet different professionals.

What is a child psychologist?

A child psychologist is a specialized professional with knowledge and experience working for child and parental well-being and mental health.

What does a child psychologist do?

A child psychologist offers therapy and counselling and works with families to provide parental support and support to the whole family when needed. They also collaborate with schools to create good conditions for the child.

Does a psychologist have a duty of confidentiality?

Psychologists are bound by professional secrecy, which means that they are not allowed to disclose information about their clients to third parties without consent, except in specific exceptional cases provided for by law, such as the risk of severe harm or suspected child abuse.

Can I see a child psychologist privately?

Yes, you can see a child psychologist privately. At Lavendla, all our psychologists work privately and have extensive experience working with children and young people.

What are the signs that a child is not well?

Several signs indicate that a child is unwell, which can manifest in behaviours and emotional expressions such as anxiety. It can also show up in social relationships or physical symptoms. It can affect school performance and lead to risky behaviours. It can also affect the child’s thoughts and feelings in different ways.

I am having difficulties with my parenting. How can I get help?

Child psychologists also work with parents to provide parental support. If you are having difficulties, you can seek professional help to get more support.

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 the treatment?

Treatment is tailored to the child’s or parent’s problems. It can range from a few sessions to more extended therapy over a few years.

Where can I go if I or my child needs help from a child psychologist?

At Lavendla, we have experienced child psychologists who can also help.

How can a treatment at a child and adolescent psychiatry clinic 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:

Initial consultation: The first step is an initial consultation, where the psychologist or other qualified health professional assesses the child’s and parents’ needs by talking to them.

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 behavioural therapy (CBT) for older children, which focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Other methods, such as family therapy, can also be helpful.

Parental counselling: Parents receive guidance and support to help their child at home better.

Monitoring and adjustment: The treatment plan is continuously evaluated to ensure the best possible outcome.

It is important to remember that each child is unique, and treatment time may vary. Working with a child psychologist can give you and your child the tools to manage their emotions and behaviours healthily. At Lavendla, we have child psychologists who can help make the hard stuff easier.


Written by Samantha Pieterse

Sr. Samantha Pieterse is a registered psychiatric nurse who is deeply committed to mental health and well-being. Samantha brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role as an editor for Lavendla South Africa. She has worked in Government and Private mental healthcare institutions in Gauteng and her expertise ensures that the articles on our website are accurate and accessible. Samantha is dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness and education in South Africa.