Psychiatry

The Department of Pyschiatry Team of Specialists

When a child is faced with a mental health issue or illness, the entire family feels the impact. You and your child can rely upon the extensive experience and caring, solution-focused approach of your Boston Children’s Hospital team to help determine the best course of treatment.

Here at Boston Children’s, you and your child will have the support of experts in several disciplines, including:

• psychiatrists
• psychologists
• social workers
• neuroscience nurses
• Child Life specialists
• other professionals who are specially trained in practicing mental health care for children and adolescents

We realize that your child is—first and foremost—a child, and not merely a patient. Our clinicians address your child’s individual needs and circumstances, and we involve you and your family in the treatment process at every step of the way.

All of our physicians have faculty appointments at Children’s teaching affiliate, Harvard Medical School. Every year, we prepare the most promising young psychiatric professionals through our training programs, educating the next generation of pediatric mental health providers. At the same time, our clinicians are conducting important scientific research with real implications for better identifying, treating and curing psychiatric illnesses.

Our strength in all of the related subspecialties ensures that we are ready to address every aspect of your child’s mental health care, from the initial assessment to prescribing therapy and offering long-term support.

Here are some of the Department of Psychiatry caregivers you and your child are likely to meet here at Children’s:

• psychiatrists
  physicians who are specially trained and certified in treating mental disorders; in addition to diagnosing psychiatric conditions, they may also prescribe medications, conduct physical examinations, order diagnostic testing and interpret brain imaging studies, as well as conduct scientific research
   
• clinical psychologists
  trained mental health professionals who may provide psychotherapy to patients; administer psychological assessments and tests; develop prevention and treatment plans; and conduct scientific research
   
• counseling psychologists
  trained mental health professionals who use psychotherapy to help patients address emotional, social, educational, family and health-related issues and concerns
   
• neuropsychologists
  psychologists who are trained to assess cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social functions in children with neurological diseases and disorders
   
• neurophysiologists
  physicians who focus on understanding the nervous system’s many biological processes
   
• nurse practitioners
  registered nurses with advanced training in pediatrics and psychiatry; they oversee treatment plans, prescribe medications and consult with neurosurgeons and other clinicians to find the best course of care
   
• psychiatric nurses
  registered nurses who specialize in caring for children with psychiatric illnesses and disorders
   
• social workers
  licensed professionals who offer counseling to patients and their families, and help recommend other resources for emotional, educational and community support
   
• Child Life specialists
  specially trained professionals who teach patients to express their fears and concerns through play, and help them be more comfortable in the hospital environment
   
• administrators
  staff members who help coordinate all appointments and facilitate communication between families and caregivers