Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
at Optimal Mind Psychiatry in McDonough, GA
At Optimal Mind Psychiatry, the experts here are focused on taking care of the minds of young people. Our special doctors for children and teens are here to help kids, teenagers, and their families with feelings and thoughts that are part of growing up. They can also find and treat bigger mental health problems when needed.
What is a child psychiatrist?
Child psychiatrists and child psychologists are experts who help kids and teens with their feelings and behaviors. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with extra training in child mental health and can prescribe medicine. Psychologists are specialists in child behavior and learning but can't prescribe medicine. Both work together as a team with other experts to make plans for treatment.
At Optimal Mind Psychiatry, we provide mental health care for all ages, in person or online. Our goal is to help kids and teens be their best selves through comprehensive care.
Child psychiatrists are physicians who focus on understanding and helping with mental and behavior problems in kids and teens. They use the newest treatments based on research to assist young ones in reaching their best selves. These treatments might include talking therapy, medicine, or using both together.
Is a child psychiatrist the same as a child psychologist?
What to expect from an appointment with a child psychiatrist
When you visit a child and adolescent psychiatrist, your Optimal Mind Psychiatry provider will listen to your concerns and evaluate your child’s symptoms.
They may use questionnaires, diagnostic tests, medical exams, or other assessment tools to form a diagnosis.
Once the diagnosis is made, your provider will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that best suits the needs of your child.
Your treatment plan may involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, or other services. During regular follow-up visits with the psychiatrist, your provider will monitor progress and adjust the treatment as necessary.
Conditions a child psychiatrist can treat
The benefits of seeing a child psychiatrist include:
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Improved communication between parents and children
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A better understanding and appreciation of your child’s behavior
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Increased support for school performance and social interaction
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Improved relationships with family, friends, and peers
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A greater sense of self-esteem and independence
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Better coping skills to manage stress and anxiety
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Increased ability to handle difficult emotions
Child psychiatrists at Optimal Mind Psychiatry can diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Anxiety disorders
Depression
Bipolar disorderEating disorders
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
Autism spectrum disorder
Substance use disorders
Psychotic disorders
Trauma and abuse
Adjustment issues
No matter what type of condition or concern your child is facing, our providers are here to help. We strive to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that is tailored to each individual patient.