What Parents Should 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.

Essentially, child psychiatrists are specialized physicians who are skilled at treating children who are suffering from mental illnesses or developmental conditions such as Tourette syndrome, retardation or learning disabilities. Child psychiatrists may work in several settings. They can maintain an office and treat patients on an outpatient basis or treat patients who are in inpatient hospitals.

Pediatric psychiatrists may also work with a state organization like Child Protective Services. They are also able to examine a child who is suspected of suffering abuse or make a decision about the mental fitness of a child suspected of committing a misdemeanor or felony. These medical professionals often work with teams of other mental health professionals.

Even though child psychiatry specialists are able to administer therapy, this is not always their primary job. These specialists often work together with psychologists and counselors or take note of the observations that a pediatrician makes. When treating a patient, they first determine the exact nature of the mental health issue that the child is facing. They then come up with a treatment plan that usually includes prescribing the appropriate medications.

Once a patient starts a treatment program, a psychiatrist may find it necessary to adjust the medication. He or she can determine dosage or changes in medications depending on the behavior of the patient. The professional may speak to guardians or close family members of the child to get information about the behavior of the patient. With follow up sessions, the professional is able to make sure that the treatment he or she is administering is helping the child.

Most children are not able to speak fluently about what is troubling them. For this reason, psychiatrists find it necessary to create a harmonious relationship with the guardians or parents of their patient in order to treat him or her effectively. If guardians or parents are not a good resource or are unavailable, psychiatrists observe their patient closely to find out how they are responding to treatment. Other healthcare professionals can make these observations in hospital settings.

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.

Pediatric psychiatrists may also examine and write recommendations or reports about custody placement of children who have been abused by their guardians or parents. Some of these professionals also carry out research or work on developing new treatments for children. As they look for a child psychiatrist to treat their child, the residents of New York City should consider his or her education background, experience and reputation.




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