Psychiatric Consultation & Evaluation for Children Westfield & Wall Township
Helping Kids Get on the Right Path
Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 7 kids around the globe between the ages of 10 – 19 has a mental health disorder? In the U.S., close to 1 in 3 adolescents had a mental or behavioral issue arise in 2022-2023. Yes, mental health among young people deserves serious attention! If you are concerned about your child or teen, our team in Westfield and Wall Township is here to help. We will begin their journey with a psychiatric consultation and evaluation.
What Is Involved in a Children’s Psychiatric Consultation?
We tailor each consultation to the unique patient we are striving to help. Your child’s evaluation might involve the following:
- Interviews/questionnaires for you and your child that help us understand any behaviors or feelings of concern.
- An evaluation of test results from school or records from teachers who brought up concerns.
- A complete medical history, including any psychiatric disorders that run in the family which might have a genetic component.
- Lab tests to determine if an underlying medical condition might be contributing to your child’s symptoms.
Often, a full psychiatric evaluation and consultation for kids requires a few visits to our office.
What Happens After My Child’s Psychiatric Consultation?
After your child’s evaluation, our team will use the information we gather to develop a diagnosis that fits what is happening with them. Then, we can talk about next steps. Many kids do well with forms of talk therapy, such as CBT. In some cases, medications are also used. If you have questions about the risks/benefits or other aspects of our recommended treatment plan, we will be happy to share all appropriate information with you. (Laws may restrict the sharing of certain information for teens.)
Should My Child Get a Psychiatric Consultation?
If you notice signs that your child is struggling with their mental health, a consultation with our team can be a great starting point toward improvement. Here are some specific signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Sudden or violent mood changes
- Withdrawal from social situations
- Difficulty concentrating or poor performance in school
- Unexplained memory loss
- Loss of motivation
- Increased sensitivity to visual or auditory input
- Bursts of anger
- Persistent sadness
- Heightened anxiety levels
- Paranoia
- Feelings of disconnection
- Other uncharacteristic behaviors
It is especially important to seek help for your child right away if you believe they are at risk of self-harm, or if their symptoms are impeding their ability to carry out basic daily tasks. The team at Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center is ready to take a compassionate and thorough approach to your precious child’s care! Reach out to us today if you would like to book an appointment for them.
