How to Choose a Child Psychiatrist

Little girl on sitting on stairs.

We have recently discussed how and when to find mental health care for your child

(Click Here) for this article). We have also discussed the difference between a

psychologist and a psychiatrist (Click Here) and which may be a better fit for your child.

If, after reading the other articles in this series, you feel that you would like your

child to see a psychiatrist, this article is for you. 

Just like any relationship, fit is important.

Finding a psychiatrist best qualified to meet your child's unique needs can be

challenging. The first thing you should do is ask around. The best referrals often

come from people you trust and who know you and your child. These individuals

might include:

• Your child's school psychologist, guidance counselor, or social

worker. Schools usually have a list of local psychiatrists with good

reputations.

• Your child's Pediatrician. Pediatricians also have the names of Psychiatrists

they know and trust. If your Pediatrician has become familiar with your child

over the years, they are in a position to advise you on which Psychiatrist

might be the best fit.

• Good friends. If you have a trusted friend who you know has had a positive

experience with a child psychiatrist, talk to them about what they liked. If it

appears that the psychiatrist might also be suited to your child's issues, ask

for the psychiatrist's contact information.

•  Local parenting or other community groups. Whether in-person or online,

local support groups can be the source of a wealth of information.

•  Your therapist (if you have one) - ask for referrals.

•  Google search Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com). Go to

psychologytoday.com and use the "find a therapist" tool. Look for someone

with an MD or DO degree from an (ACGME-accredited institution) and a

board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a

division of the American Board of Medical Specialties. 

•  The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

(AACAP). Their website has an online tool - the Child and Adolescent

Psychiatrist Finder - designed to assist those looking for psychiatric care for

children click here for more.

• Your health insurance company. Ask for a list of psychiatrists that are

covered by your insurance.

What to Look for in a Psychiatrist:

A qualified psychiatrist should have:

• A medical degree (MD/DO). Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe and

monitor any psychiatric medication your child might need.

• Completed a Psychiatry Residency program. General Psychiatry residency is four

years of intensive full-time training and supervision by faculty at the

residency program.

• Completed Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship. Fellowship is additional training specifically for working with children and adolescents and is a two-year full-time training

program usually completed immediately after residency.

• Board certification. This ensures that after completing training, the

psychiatrist has passed a board certification exam. It also ensures that they

are meeting the board’s standards of maintain their ongoing education. To

maintain a board certification, a psychiatrist must complete additional

continuing medical education credits - beyond that which is required for

their medical license. They must also complete feedback and practice

improvement requirements. You can find more about the database of board-certified physicians at the American Board of Medical Specialties

 https://www.abms.org/verify-certification/. You can also search for a specific doctor at https://www.certificationmatters.org/.   

Some other things to consider when making your decision:

Most of this information can will be found on any psychiatrist’s website. If you

can’t find something, calling the office may help get any remaining questions

answered.



• What Practice Setting Would Suit You Best? Large academic center? Group

practice or a solo practice?

• In person appointments, virtual appointments or a hybrid practice that offers

both?

• Out of pocket cost or insurance coverage?

  
  

• Specific focus or experience working with families with your specific

concerns?

Next Steps

Once you have found who you believe is the right psychiatrist for your child, you

should use your child's first few sessions to confirm that they are a good fit for

your family. If you want to read more about how to prepare for the initial

appointment with your psychiatrist, see our post here. If you want to more about

what is included in a psychiatric evaluation of a child, read our post here.

The relationship between family members and the psychiatrist is an important part

of treatment. The right psychiatrist will make both the parents and child feel heard

and supported. The right psychiatrist will be your partner in helping your child

grow into the best version of themselves.