Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Connect with the right provider
What is child psychiatry?
Child psychiatry is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and providing support for the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. Child psychiatrists are trained to address a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and emotional issues that may affect a child's daily functioning and overall quality of life.
When should I consider seeking child psychiatry services?
If you notice significant changes in your child's behavior, emotions, or social interactions that are causing distress or impacting their daily functioning, it may be beneficial to consult with a child psychiatrist. Some common signs that indicate the need for child psychiatry evaluation include persistent anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, disruptive behavior, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulties with social interactions.
What can I expect during a child psychiatry evaluation?
New Evaluation Appointments: 90 minutes
During a new evaluation appointment, our child psychiatrist dedicates ample time to gather essential information, understand the child's concerns, and perform a comprehensive assessment. This thorough evaluation helps us gain a holistic understanding of the child's mental health, allowing us to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan. By scheduling 90-minute appointments, we ensure that we have sufficient time to address all aspects of the child's well-being and thoroughly answer any questions or concerns that parents or caregivers may have.
Follow-up Appointments: 30 minutes
Follow-up appointments are an integral part of our approach to child psychiatry. These appointments typically last for 30 minutes and allow us to monitor the child's progress, assess treatment effectiveness, and make any necessary adjustments to the care plan. Regular follow-up appointments enable us to maintain open lines of communication with the child and their family, address any emerging concerns, and provide ongoing support throughout the treatment process.
The most common child psychiatry diagnoses include:
Our team of highly skilled child psychiatrists is dedicated to the mental well-being of children and adolescents. With extensive experience and expertise in child psychiatry, our psychiatrists are committed to providing compassionate care and evidence-based interventions to support your child's unique needs.
We understand the importance of building a trusting and collaborative relationship between the child, their family, and the psychiatrist. Our child psychiatrists create a safe and welcoming environment where children and their families feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working together towards optimal mental health.
When you choose Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy, you can expect a child psychiatry practice that is committed to your child's well-being, offering comprehensive evaluations and personalized follow-up appointments. Our team is dedicated to supporting your child's mental health journey every step of the way.
Hello
My name is Dr. Christy Vadakkan
Hey there, my name is Dr. Christy Vadakkan. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Miami (“Go Canes”) and medical school at Nova Southeastern University, Psychiatry residency training at Palm Beach Consortium of Graduate Medical Education. Later I completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. I have worked with a wide variety of patients with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. The hands-on care, education, and service needed behind treating the emotional, physical, and mental states of my patients have fueled my passion for psychiatry.
Hello
My name is Dr. Lucia Ricardo, MD
Dr. Ricardo is a proficient bilingual physician, who has undergone training in both adult and pediatric psychiatry. She completed her Adult Psychiatry Residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Elmhurst, NY, where she acquired the skills to manage diverse and high-risk populations. Later, she returned to her hometown and pursued her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.