Psychiatry

 

Assessments

A psychiatric evaluation includes the assessment of a child’s mental health needs and medical condition. It can be done by a psychiatrist, a licensed physician who evaluates mental health challenges, or by an Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber, who has an advanced nursing degree and is certified in psychiatric medication management and mental health treatment.

 

Medication management

Medication can often be helpful for emotional and behavioral conditions affecting a child, often in combination with mental health counseling.  The goal is to reduce significant emotional or mood symptoms and/or to stabilize behaviors.  Medication can be prescribed by a psychiatrist or Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber.  It is always the parent’s decision whether their child should do a trial of medication.