Child and adolescent mental health care
When your child is facing mental health challenges, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next. Many parents don’t realize just how common these struggles are among children and teens. The good news is that with the right support and care, your child can overcome these challenges and thrive. At Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy, we’re here to guide your family every step of the way.
What is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry?
Mental health challenges can affect individuals at any age, and research shows that 14% of young people between the ages of 10 and 19 experience a mental health condition globally. Child and adolescent psychiatry is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating the unique mental health needs of children and teenagers.
A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive training in both general psychiatry and the specific challenges faced by young people. This includes understanding how factors like family dynamics, trauma, and developmental milestones influence mental health. This expertise allows child psychiatrists to identify complex symptoms, recognize how mental health conditions manifest differently in children, and create personalized, age-appropriate treatment plans.
At Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy, our skilled child psychiatrists are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our goal is to support your family and help your child thrive.
How Does Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Differ from Adult Psychiatry?
One major difference between child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry is the active involvement of parents or caregivers in the process. As a parent or guardian, you’ll play a key role in your child’s care. You’ll be present during the initial appointment to provide important insights into your child’s experiences and remain closely involved as treatment progresses.
If medication is recommended as part of your child’s treatment plan, the psychiatrist will thoroughly explain the potential benefits and risks, ensuring all your questions and concerns are addressed. Your consent will be required to move forward, and your child will also provide their assent, signifying their willingness to participate in the treatment process.
Child and adolescent psychiatry takes a collaborative approach to care. Your child’s psychiatrist may recommend involving other professionals in their support network, such as their pediatrician, school counselor, psychologist, or therapist. Together, this team works to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your child’s well-being.
To help children feel more at ease, sessions are often designed to be less formal than traditional medical appointments. This relaxed approach fosters trust and ensures your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions.
At Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy, we understand that every child is unique. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive, collaborative environment where young people and their families can feel heard, understood, and empowered on their journey toward mental wellness.
Common Mental Health Disorders in Children
Mental health conditions often begin during childhood or adolescence, and early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference. With the right support, children can develop the tools they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Below are some of the most common mental health disorders affecting kids and teens.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in children and include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. While occasional fears or worries are normal, children with anxiety disorders experience excessive fear or nervousness that disrupts their daily lives. Symptoms may include:
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Persistent worry or fear
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Clinginess or difficulty separating from caregivers
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Restlessness or irritability
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Physical symptoms, such as stomachaches or headaches
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD impacts a child’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. Symptoms usually appear before age 12, with some signs noticeable as early as age three. Teachers are often the first to observe behaviors such as difficulty sitting still, inattention, or impulsivity in the classroom. ADHD can present in different ways:
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Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Excessive energy, difficulty staying seated, interrupting others
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Inattentive Type: Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, disorganization
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Combined Type: A mix of hyperactivity and inattention
Both boys and girls can be affected, though symptoms may look different between genders.
Depression
Childhood depression is more than just feeling sad—it’s a persistent condition that can affect every aspect of a child’s life. Symptoms may include:
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Feelings of hopelessness or sadness
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Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
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Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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Irritability, anger, or defiance
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In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Children with depression may withdraw from friends and family or express their emotions through irritability and outbursts.
Insomnia
Sleep difficulties can severely impact a child’s emotional and physical well-being. Insomnia in children may involve:
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Trouble falling asleep without assistance
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Frequent night waking or nightmares
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Sleepwalking or other disruptions during the night
During the day, these children may struggle with fatigue, poor focus, mood swings, behavioral issues, or academic challenges. Addressing sleep problems early can improve both mental and physical health.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after a child experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as abuse, an accident, or a natural disaster. Symptoms may include:
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Nightmares or vivid flashbacks
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Emotional numbness or detachment
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Heightened fear, sadness, or irritability
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Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
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Difficulty concentrating or hypervigilance
In some cases, PTSD symptoms can resemble ADHD, making it harder to identify without a thorough evaluation.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. Common symptoms include:
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Repeated handwashing, counting, or checking
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Arranging objects in a specific order
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Difficulty stopping rituals, even when they interfere with daily life
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Significant distress when routines are disrupted
These behaviors can impact a child’s ability to focus at school, maintain friendships, and complete everyday tasks.
Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Concerns in Children and Teens
Every child is unique, and there’s no universal guideline for when to seek help from a psychiatrist. However, certain signs may indicate that professional support could benefit your child. These include:
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Behavioral challenges at home or school
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Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
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Changes in hygiene or eating habits
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Loss of interest in favorite activities or social withdrawal
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Concerns raised by a teacher or school counselor
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Recommendations from your child’s pediatrician
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Excessive time spent on screens, such as social media or video games
If you notice these signs, early intervention can help your child navigate their challenges and develop the tools they need to thrive.
How a Psychiatrist Can Help Your Child
Seeking help from a psychiatrist is a proactive step toward improving your child’s mental health. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are experts in understanding how mental health impacts all aspects of a young person’s life, including their relationships, school performance, and emotional growth.
With the right care, many children and teens experience significant improvements in their mood, behavior, and overall well-being. Early treatment is key—it can reduce the likelihood of more serious challenges later on and set your child on a path to long-term success.
At Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy, our child psychiatrists take the time to build trust with your child and family. We create personalized care plans tailored to your child’s specific needs. These plans may include therapy referrals, medication, or strategies to support your child both at home and in school. We also provide ongoing support, regularly checking in to adjust the treatment plan and ensure that your child feels safe and supported every step of the way.
Diagnosing Mental Health Disorders in Children and Adolescents
The process of diagnosing mental health conditions in children and teens typically begins with a screening. This involves short questionnaires or interviews designed to identify potential concerns. If needed, a more detailed evaluation follows, which includes reviewing your child’s medical history, emotional development, and daily behaviors.
Using standardized diagnostic criteria and specialized training, the psychiatrist will determine whether your child meets the criteria for a specific mental health condition. This thorough process ensures that your child receives the most effective and appropriate care for their unique needs.
While receiving a diagnosis may feel overwhelming, it can also provide clarity and relief for your family. A diagnosis opens the door to targeted treatment, offering your child the opportunity to move forward with the right support.
Psychiatry and Therapy: How They Work Together
Both psychiatry and therapy are essential components of effective mental health care for children, though they serve different purposes:
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Psychiatrists: As medical doctors, psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medication when necessary. They focus on understanding how biological, neurological, and environmental factors influence your child’s mental health.
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Therapists: Therapists provide a safe and supportive space for children to express their emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges. They help kids build healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
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These two approaches are not mutually exclusive. In fact, combining therapy and psychiatry often yields the best results, especially when both providers collaborate to align on your child’s goals.
Confidentiality in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
For children and teens, having a private and safe space to share their thoughts and feelings is essential for building trust with their psychiatrist. However, as a parent, it can be challenging to not have full access to what your child discusses during their sessions.
Child psychiatrists are trained to balance your child’s need for privacy with their overall well-being. While confidentiality is a key part of creating a safe therapeutic space, your child’s safety remains the top priority. In certain situations, psychiatrists are required to break confidentiality, such as when:
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Your child is at risk of self-harm or suicide
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Your child may harm someone else
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There are signs of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
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Your child’s immediate safety is at risk
In these cases, the psychiatrist will take appropriate steps to notify parents, authorities, or both. Whenever possible, they’ll encourage your child to share the information with you directly, offering support and guidance during the conversation. Many children feel a sense of relief when they realize a trusted adult understands their struggles and is ready to help.
Online Mental Health Care for Children: How Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy Can Help
At Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy, we make it simple and convenient for your child or teen to access high-quality mental health care from the comfort of home. Our licensed psychiatrists specialize in treating children ages 5 and up for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, and OCD. We take a collaborative approach, involving parents and caregivers in the process to ensure effective and lasting results. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy for your child’s care.
A Stress-Free Start
Getting started with us is quick and easy. You’ll begin by filling out a brief online form where you can share details about your child’s mental health concerns and the challenges they’re facing. Once we receive your information, we’ll carefully match your child with a licensed child psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who is best suited to meet their needs.
The First Appointment
Your child’s first session with us is a comprehensive one-hour visit that includes both you and your child. During this time, the provider will take the opportunity to learn about your child’s emotional well-being, experiences at school, relationships with friends, and any other relevant factors.
Our providers are skilled at creating a safe and comfortable environment for children, adjusting the pace of the session to fit their needs. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, part of the session may be spent one-on-one with the provider to help build trust and encourage open communication.
During this initial evaluation, we’ll also determine whether online care is the best fit for your child’s needs. In some cases—such as when a child is dealing with substance use or bipolar disorder—an in-person approach may be more appropriate. If that’s the case, we’ll guide you toward the right resources and next steps.
Personalized Treatment Plans
If your child is diagnosed with a mental health condition, we’ll work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your family’s needs and goals. We understand that starting medication for your child is a significant decision, and our psychiatrists are highly trained to recommend age-appropriate, developmentally informed options.
We’ll take the time to explain the potential benefits and risks of any recommended treatments, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel confident and empowered in making decisions for your child’s care.
If additional care, such as talk therapy, is recommended, we can connect your child with trusted therapists or specialists for ongoing support.
