An adolescent and teen psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the mental health of children and teens. They typically work with clients from birth to young adulthood. They offer a comprehensive approach to care, considering a teen’s biological, psychological and social factors. A teen psychiatrist can:

• Conduct thorough evaluations
• Diagnose mental health conditions
• Develop treatment plans
• Provide medication management
• Offer therapy
• Work with families
• Consult with schools and other professionals

An adolescent psychiatrist plays a crucial role in helping young people overcome mental health challenges and reach their full potential.

Conditions treated by adolescent psychiatrists

It’s estimated that 7.7 million American teens have at least one mental health condition, with many experiencing more than one condition. This highlights the importance of identification and intervention for mental health issues in teens. An adolescent psychiatrist can treat a wide range of teen mental health conditions, including but not limited to:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

This is just a sample of what a psychiatrist who specializes in teens can help manage. They can also help cases involving multiple diagnoses or underlying medical conditions.

Signs that your teen may need to see a psychiatrist

While it’s natural for teenagers to experience mood swings and challenges, there are certain signs that may show a more serious underlying issue. If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it’s essential to get them professional help:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness or emptiness
• Extreme mood swings or irritability
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Academic struggles
• Relationship challenges
• Increased risk-taking behaviors
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

It’s important to remember that these are just some general signs, and every teenager is unique in their own way. If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, trust your instincts and seek professional help. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Preparing your teen for a psychiatrist appointment

Helping your teen prepare for a psychiatrist appointment can help reduce anxiety and ensure a productive session. Here are some tips to help you prepare them:

• Clearly communicate that the psychiatrist is there to help them feel better and understand what’s going on.
• Encourage your teen to be honest and that the psychiatrist will listen without judgment.
• Answer any questions your teen may have about the appointment.
• Explain that what they share with the psychiatrist is confidential, with some exceptions, for example, if there’s a risk of harm to themselves or others.
• Encourage your teen to write down any concerns or questions they want to discuss with the psychiatrist.
• Remind them that you’ll be there for them every step of the way.

Open communication and support are key to helping your teen navigate this process. Use the approach you feel will best support your teen and help them feel more comfortable and prepared for their appointment with their psychiatrist.

What to expect during a psychiatrist appointment for teens

A psychiatrist appointment typically starts with a comprehensive evaluation to help them understand your teen’s mental health. Here’s what you and your teen can expect:

• Initial assessment — You may be asked to sit in on the initial assessment, or your teen may do this on their own with the psychiatrist. During the initial assessment you can expect:
  • Information gathering — The psychiatrist will ask about your teen’s symptoms, medical history, family history and current life circumstances.
  • Mental status exam — This involves assessing your teen’s mood, thinking, behavior and overall functioning.
  • Medication inquiry — The psychiatrist will ask about any medications your teen is currently taking.
• Relationship building — The beginning appointments will help set the foundation for the relationship between your teen and their psychiatrist. This will be done by the psychiatrist creating a comfortable and trusting environment intended to foster open communication. They will practice active listening and pay close attention to what your teen and you have to say.
• Treatment plan development — This may come during the first appointment or after a few appointments, once the psychiatrist has an understanding of what brings your teen to them. This development can include:
  • Diagnosis discussion
  • Treatment plan creation (may include medication, therapy or a combination approach)
  • Family involvement
• Follow-up appointments scheduled — Your teen’s psychiatrist will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Each appointment is a unique experience, created to meet each individual’s needs. The process may vary depending on the psychiatrist or your teen’s needs. It’s essential to be patient and open minded throughout the process.

Lightfully Teen provides whole-person care for young minds

At Lightfully Teen, we understand that every teen is unique, and so are their mental health needs. Our deeply compassionate and expert psychiatrists take a whole-person-centered care approach to helping our teenage clients.

Here’s how our psychiatrists can help in our different levels of care:

• Understanding the whole picture — We believe in looking at the entire person, not just their diagnosis. Our psychiatrists will work to understand your teen’s life, including their relationships, school and activities and how their symptoms are impacting their ability to enjoy daily life.
• Creating tailored treatment plans — We create personalized treatment plans using components of effective, evidence-based techniques that create the framework of our unique approach. This therapeutic framework can be combined with medication management to provide your teen with the best of both worlds: medical care and therapeutic support.
• Maintaining medication management — When appropriate, our psychiatrists will carefully prescribe and monitor medication to help manage your teen’s symptoms. It’s crucial for your teen to take their medication as directed and monitor closely for any adverse effects.
• Encouraging family involvement — We believe that a teen’s family plays a crucial role in their mental health, and we offer support and guidance to parents and caregivers.

Our goal at Lightfully Teen is to empower young people to thrive. We believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where teens can heal and grow.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to help your teen take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of your teen.