Child and adolescent psychiatric assessments are evaluations performed by mental health professionals to assess the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. Some examples of child and adolescent psychiatric assessments include:

Diagnostic assessments: This type of assessment is used to diagnose mental health conditions in children such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism and ADHD.

Behavioral assessments: These assessments are used to evaluate the adolescent’s behavior and functioning in various settings such as home, school, and social situations.

Neuropsychological assessments: This type of assessment is used to evaluate the child’s cognitive and neuropsychological functioning, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.

Psychosocial assessments: These assessments are used to evaluate the adolescent’s social and emotional functioning.

Promoting children’s and adolescents’ mental health and well-being is the primary goal of a child psychiatrist. Child psychiatrists are medical professionals who focus on identifying and treating mental health issues in children and adolescents. They work with kids and teenagers who may have a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or behavioral issues.

To create a customized treatment plan that effectively addresses the child’s mental health concerns, a child psychiatrist will determine the underlying cause of the issue. Depending on the needs of the child, treatment may involve a mix of therapy, medication, and other interventions.

Overall, the goal of a child psychiatrist is to help children and adolescents achieve their full potential by promoting their mental health and well-being. By addressing mental health concerns early on and providing appropriate treatment and support, child psychiatrists can help young people lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Growing up is often a challenging and stressful journey. This journey can also be further complicated by family stress and mental health conditions. Our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program offers support for a wide range of childhood struggles including depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, and autism. We provide the support needed for the entire family to help manage these difficult times.

Some signs that may suggest that your child is experiencing a psychological problem include:

Mood swings: Your child may be feeling depressed, anxious, or agitated. Their moods may change rapidly and without warning.

Physical symptoms: Your child may be experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained pain.

Academic or social task difficulty: Your child may have trouble focusing or finishing assignments, or they may be having trouble with relationships or in social situations.

Changes in behavior: Behavioral changes include abrupt adjustments to appetite, sleep schedules, or energy levels. Additionally, your child may become distant, agitated, or irritable.

Behavioral problems: Your child may be engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors, such as substance use, self-harm, or aggression.

Some of the most common mental illnesses that child psychiatrists deal with include:

ADHD: A condition called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a child’s capacity for focus and behavioral self-control.

Anxiety disorders: Overly anxious, fearful, or panicky behaviors are symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Depression: Chronic sadness and a sense of helplessness are hallmarks of the mental health condition known as depression.

Autism (ASD): Social interaction and behavior are both impacted by autism spectrum disorder.

Bipolar disorder: Extreme mood swings, such as episodes of mania and depression, characterize bipolar disorder.

Eating disorders: Anorexia and bulimia are two common eating disorders. These conditions are characterized by abnormal eating patterns.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): This is a mental illness characterized by compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or violent crime, can cause a condition known as PTSD.

Child psychiatrists may also work with children and adolescents who have other mental health concerns, such as substance use disorders, personality disorders, or developmental disorders. Our specialists provide individualized treatment plans and support children and adolescents in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 822 Montgomery Ave Suite 208, Narberth, PA 19072. We serve patients from Narberth PA, Philadelphia PA, Media PA, Plymouth Meeting PA, Wayne PA, Newtown Square PA, Ardmore PA, Villanova PA, Malvern PA, King of Prussia PA, Abington PA, and surrounding areas.