What Parents Should Know About Pediatric Psychiatry In NYC

By Tanisha Berg


Pediatric psychiatrists are professionals who study and treat mental illnesses in children. In most cases, family members of the sick child are included in mental health treatment programs because they are also affected by the illness of the child. Just like other doctors, professionals who concentrate on pediatric psychiatry in NYC undergo medical training. Their duties include counseling patients, prescribing medicines, ordering laboratory tests and carrying out physical examinations among other duties.

Basically, psychiatrists have the skills required to treat children who are suffering from mental problems or developmental conditions like retardation, learning disabilities or Tourette syndrome. They may perform their duties in different settings. They can treat patients in their own offices or treat those who are hospitalized.

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.

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 is able to offer therapy alongside medicine prescriptions, the observation process becomes more extensive. If this professional prescribes medicine only, he or she can work mental health experts like clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and psychologists who provide therapy. Psychiatrists can also provide a testimony about the mental stability of a minor in court.

A child psychiatry specialist can also evaluate and write recommendations as to which parent should get custody of a child who has suffered domestic abuse from a parent or guardian. Some psychiatrists perform research or work alongside other healthcare professionals to come up with new treatments for children. When searching for a pediatric psychiatrist, the inhabitants of New York City should consider the experience, educational qualifications and reputation of the professionals they speak to before deciding to hire one of them.




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