Child and adolescent mental health care

At Talkiatry, we know that navigating mental health can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to make it easier—starting with information you can trust. As a national mental health practice with over 600 psychiatrists and other providers, we combine clinical excellence with real-world understanding to deliver incredible care and reliable information. This article has been medically reviewed by the same doctors who treat our patients every day, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Whether you’re seeking care now or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help.

When your child is struggling with their mental health, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The truth is that mental health challenges are more common in kids and teens than many people realize, and the right care can make a meaningful difference for your child.

What is child and adolescent psychiatry?

Mental health challenges affect people of all ages, and globally, 14% of 10-19-year-olds live with a mental health condition. Child and adolescent psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and supporting the mental health of young people. A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completes years of advanced training in both general and child-specific psychiatry, including how family dynamics, trauma, and development affect mental health. 

This specialized training prepares child psychiatrists to identify complex symptoms, recognize how mental health conditions present differently in kids, and build age-appropriate treatment plans. At Talkiatry, our psychiatrists provide quality online care that fits into your family’s life and makes a lasting difference for your child.

How does child and adolescent psychiatry differ from adult psychiatry?

One of the biggest differences between child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry is the level of involvement from caregivers. As a parent or guardian, you will be present during your child’s first appointment and stay closely involved in ongoing care. If your child’s psychiatrist recommends medication as part of their treatment plan, they’ll explain the risks and benefits and address any questions or concerns you may have. You must provide consent, and your child will provide assent, or their agreement to participate in treatment. 

Child and adolescent psychiatry is a team effort. A psychiatrist for kids may also recommend including other members of their care team in their treatment, including their pediatrician, school psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker, and/or any other therapists they may be working with. 

These sessions may also feel more informal and relaxed than other medical appointments. This is by design, so that your child feels more comfortable and at ease.

Common mental health disorders in children

Many mental health conditions begin during childhood or adolescence. Early diagnosis and treatment can help kids build the skills they need to feel better and succeed both socially and academically. These are some of the most common mental health disorders in children and teens.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders—which include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias—involve excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that interferes with daily life. While occasional fears are common, children with an anxiety disorder may experience persistent worry, clinginess, restlessness, or physical symptoms like stomachaches.

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD affects a child’s focus, impulse control, and activity levels. Symptoms typically appear before age 12 and can be present in children as young as three. Teachers are often the first to notice symptoms, which can show up as behavioral issues in the classroom. ADHD can present in several ways, including hyperactivity or inattention, and affects both boys and girls.

Depression

Depression in children goes beyond occasional sadness. It can involve persistent feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and, in some cases, suicidal ideation. Some children with depression may appear withdrawn or tearful, while others may exhibit anger, irritability, or defiance.

Insomnia

Insomnia is more than just the occasional restless night—it can significantly impact a child’s functioning. Symptoms may include difficulty falling asleep independently, frequent nightmares, night waking, or sleepwalking. During the day, children may show signs of fatigue, poor concentration, moodiness, academic struggles, or impulse control issues.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after a child experiences or witnesses trauma. Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbness, heightened fear or sadness, irritability, or avoidance of reminders of the trauma. In some children, symptoms like restlessness or trouble focusing may resemble ADHD, making it harder to recognize.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. Children may feel compelled to count, wash their hands repeatedly, check things over and over, or arrange objects in a specific order. These behaviors often interfere with school, social life, and daily routines.

Signs of mental health problems in children and adolescents

Every child is different, and there are no set rules for when to seek evaluation by a psychiatrist. But certain signs may indicate that your child could benefit from professional support. These include: 

• Behavioral issues at school or home
• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in hygiene or eating
• Withdrawal from favorite activities or isolation
• A recommendation from your child’s teacher
• A recommendation from your child’s pediatrician
• Excessive screen time (social media, video games, etc.)

How a psychiatrist can help

If your child is struggling with their mental health, seeing a psychiatrist is a positive and proactive step. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained not only to recognize symptoms but to understand the bigger picture, including how mental health affects your child’s relationships, school life, and emotional development. 

Treatment can make a meaningful difference. With the right support, many kids and teens see improvements in mood, behavior, and daily functioning. The earlier your child gets help, the more likely they are to feel better, and the less likely they are to face more serious challenges later on. 

At Talkiatry, your psychiatrist will take time to get to know your child and your family. They’ll create a care plan tailored to your child’s needs, which may include therapy referrals, medication, or strategies to support your child at home and in school. Just as importantly, they’ll continue to check in over time, adjusting the plan as needed and making sure your child feels safe and comfortable at every step.

Diagnosis for children’s and adolescent mental health disorders

In child and adolescent psychiatry, the diagnosis process typically begins with a screening consisting of short questionnaires or interviews that identify potential mental health concerns. The next step is a more in-depth evaluation of your child’s medical history, emotional development, and daily functioning. 

A psychiatrist will use standard diagnostic criteria and their specialized training to assess whether your child meets the criteria for a mental health condition, based on what they learned and observed from the screening and evaluation. This thorough process ensures that your child gets the care that best fits their needs. 

A diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it can also be a powerful turning point. For many families, it brings clarity and relief and allows their child to move forward and find effective treatment.

Psychiatry vs. Therapy

Psychiatry and therapy are both essential parts of treating children’s mental health, but they serve different purposes. 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can evaluate your child’s symptoms, make a diagnosis, and prescribe medication when appropriate. Their focus is on understanding how biology, brain chemistry, and life circumstances affect your child’s emotional and behavioral health. Therapists, on the other hand, help kids work through emotions, build coping skills, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. For many children and teens, therapy offers a safe space to process what they’re feeling. 

You don’t have to choose one or the other. Seeing both a therapist and a psychiatrist for kids often leads to the most meaningful progress, especially when the two providers are in communication and aligned on a child’s goals.

Confidentiality in child and adolescent psychiatry

Children and adolescents who may not be ready to share certain information with family members often benefit from having a safe and private space to discuss concerns with their psychiatrist. At the same time, it can be difficult as a parent to not have full visibility into the details discussed during your child’s psychiatry session. Your child’s providers are trained to navigate this balance, respecting your child's privacy while keeping their well-being at the center of their care.

Your child’s safety is always a top priority for child and adolescent psychiatrists, and there are certain exceptions to confidentiality: 

• If your child is at risk of harming themselves
• If your child is at risk of harming others
• If there are signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• If there is an immediate risk to your child’s well-being 

When any of these concerns arise, a psychiatrist has a responsibility to notify parents, authorities, or both. They will often encourage the child or teen to share the information with their parents themselves, with the psychiatrist present to support and guide the conversation. Many young patients feel relieved once a trusted adult understands what they’ve been going through and is ready to help.

Online children's mental health care: How Talkiatry can help

We make it easy for your child or teen to get high-quality mental health care from the comfort of home. Our licensed psychiatrists treat children ages 5 and older for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We thoughtfully involve parents and caregivers in the process to support effective, lasting outcomes. Here’s what to expect.

Getting started

At Talkiatry, getting care for your child is quick and stress-free. You’ll complete a short online form where you can share more about your family’s specific mental health concerns and what your child is experiencing. We’ll match you with a licensed child psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who’s a good fit for your child’s needs.

Your first visit 

Your first appointment is an hour long and includes both you and your child. Your provider will ask about their experiences at school and with friends and their overall emotional health, all at a pace that feels comfortable. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, part of the session may be one-on-one to help them build trust with their provider. 

During the evaluation process, your provider will also determine whether online care at Talkiatry is the right fit for your child. Some conditions, such as substance use or bipolar disorder in children, are better supported with in-person mental health care. If that’s the case, we’ll guide you through the appropriate next steps. 

Tailored treatment plans 

If your child receives a diagnosis, your provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that everyone in the family feels comfortable with. Starting medication is a big decision, especially for children, and our psychiatrists are specifically trained to recommend age-appropriate treatment options that consider your child’s developmental needs. They’ll walk you through the potential risks and benefits, answer your questions, and respect your decisions at every step. 

If talk therapy or additional care is recommended, your psychiatrist can connect your child with a trusted therapist or specialist for ongoing support.