What You Need To Know About Pediatric Psychiatry In NYC

By Tanisha Berg


The medical specialty that deals with the study and treatment of mental disorders that affect children is referred to as pediatric psychiatry. When children are mentally ill, their close family members also get affected. Therefore, close family members or guardians are usually included in the treatment programs for such children. In order to specialize in pediatric psychiatry in NYC, medical students have to complete training like other doctors. Child psychiatrists are able to counsel their patients, prescribe medications, examine patients and order laboratory tests among other tasks.

Pediatric psychiatrists are skilled enough to treat minors who have development conditions like retardation, learning disabilities, Tourette syndrome and various kinds of mental disorders. They usually work in various settings. They may have their own private clinic and see patients on an outpatient basis. They can also treat children who are admitted in a hospital.

Child psychiatrists may also work with state organizations such as Child Protective Services. They can evaluate children who are suspected of abuse or make decisions about the mental stability of children who are charged with committing a crime. In most cases, these professionals work with a team of mental health professionals.

Psychiatrists are also able to administer therapy even though it is not their primary duty. They work with counselors and psychologists as well as pediatricians. When treating a child, these professionals start with determining the exact nature of the mental illness the minor is suffering from. Afterwards, they develop a treatment plan, which usually includes prescribing the right medication.

After a treatment program is created and followed, it may need to be adjusted after some time. Child psychiatrists determine dosage or medication change based on the manner in which a patient is behaving. They may get this information from the guardians or parents of the child. Follow up treatment sessions help ensure that patients receive the right treatment.

Since children cannot articulate their issues or problems, establishing a rapport with watchful parents or guardians helps guide treatment. If parents or guardians are not available or are not a good resource, a child psychiatrist can personally observe the patient to see how he or she is responding to treatment. In hospital settings, other healthcare workers can make these observations.

If a child psychiatrist prescribes medications and offers therapy, observations during treatment may be more comprehensive. If he or she prescribes medicines only, this professional may work together with other professional like marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. These other professionals provide therapy. A child psychiatrist can also give a testimony of the mental fitness of his or her patient in a law court.

A child psychiatrist can also evaluate and write a recommendation or report about the custody placement of a child who has been abused by his or her parent or guardian. Some pediatric psychiatrists also perform research or work with other medical professionals to develop new treatments for children. When looking for child psychiatrists, New York City dwellers should consider a number of factors such as the educational background, reputation and experience of the professionals.




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