Family Psychiatry
Family Psychiatry

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Bellevue & Seattle

As parents, we want nothing more than for our children to lead happy, healthy lives. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, their mental health prevents them from doing so and warrants professional attention and support. That’s where child and adolescent psychiatry come in. It can improve your child’s mental health, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. It can even help to strengthen the relationship and improve the dynamic between you and your child. Here at Family Psychiatry, we’re pleased to offer child and adolescent psychiatry in Bellevue, Seattle, and the surrounding areas. Schedule your appointment today.

 

What Does a Child Psychiatrist Do?

A child psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the mental health of children and adolescents up to the age of 18. Their primary focus is to identify and treat mental health conditions that affect how children think, feel, and act. They often perform psychiatric exams, order laboratory, and diagnostic imaging tests, evaluate all tests and exams, and prescribe medications when necessary. If you take your child to a child psychiatrist at Family Psychiatry, you can expect them to work with your entire family to improve their emotional, behavioral, and mental well-being.

 

Reasons to See a Child Psychiatrist

If any of the following apply to your child, they may benefit from psychiatry services.

 

  • Frequent temper tantrums

  • Severe mood swings

  • Sudden and unexplained changes in eating habits

  • Sleep issues or persistent nightmares

  • A significant decline in school performance

  • The inability to sit quietly or still

  • The inability to focus

  • Substance abuse

  • Inappropriate sexual behavior

  • Threats of suicide

  • Gender questioning

  • Difficulty with life transitions and changes

  • Grief

  • Self-esteem and self-confidence issues

  • Socialization Issues

 

In addition to those list of signs and systems, it is also a good idea to seek out help from a psychiatrist in the following situations:

  • A recommendation from their pediatrician

  • A lack of progress in traditional talk therapy

  • A desire to inquire about what your options are in regard to medication

 

What Can Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Treat

 
 

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is common in children and can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult for your child to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Anxiety

Anxiety refers to when your child has constant feelings of worry and feels uneasy in everyday situations.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings in your child.

Depression

Depression can cause your child to experience persistent feelings of sadness as well as loss of pleasure and interest in daily activities.

While these mental health conditions are our specialties, our team of Psychiatrists can help treat any mental health issue your child is experiencing. Please reach out to us to schedule an appointment to see whether your family will be a good fit for our practice.

How to Prepare a Child for a Child Psychiatry Appointment

By properly preparing your child for their initial psychiatry appointment, you can increase the chances of a successful experience. We recommend that you’re honest with your child about where they’ll be going. Explain that this appointment will help them “feel better” and “talk about their feelings” rather than determining “what’s wrong” or “what their problems are.” If possible, you should spend some quality time with your child and do something fun before or after the appointment. Whatever you do, be sure to create positive associations with psychiatry.

 

Why Choose Family Psychiatry for Child Psychiatric Care

 
 

Holistic Approach

We take a holistic approach to mental health and focus on your child as a whole. This includes their mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being.

Extended Appointments

Our appointments range from 30 minutes to one hour. This allows us to get to know your child better, and provide them with the highest quality care.

Supportive, Collaborative Environment

We’ll work with your family to meet your child’s mental health needs in a welcoming, non-environmental environment. We truly believe improved mental health in children is a team effort and requires family support and involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Is medication always required for children?

While medication doesn’t make sense for every child, it can often help. At Family Psychiatry, we know that children are often sensitive to medication. As a result, we focus on finding the correct medication in the correct dose. Rest assured that we look at medication through a holistic lens, treating it as a piece of the puzzle and not a one size fits all solution.

What types of conditions can child and adolescent psychiatry treat?

Psychiatry can treat a variety of mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions in children and teens. These may include ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and bipolar disorder.

What kinds of medications can a psychiatrist prescribe for children?

Your provider will recommend medications that are ideal for your child’s unique condition and needs. Some of the most common medications our psychiatrists prescribe include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, and mood stabilizers.

Will my child have to take medication forever?

The length of time you may take medication will depend on your child’s unique situation. Some children take medication during certain periods of their life, while others benefit from more long-term use. Once you see an improvement in your child’s symptoms, our providers will adjust their medication dosage if needed.

 

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment at Family Psychiatry Today!

If you’re ready to make positive changes in your child’s life, go ahead and schedule an appointment at Family Psychiatry. Our psychiatry services in Bellevue & Seattle may be just what your child needs to improve their mental health and lead a better life today, tomorrow, and years down the road.