N ot all children grow from infancy through their adolescent years without experiencing some bumps along the way. While every child is unique and special, sometimes they encounter problems with feelings or behaviors that cause disruption in their lives and the lives of those around them. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists are physicians specifically trained to treat children and adolescents with these problems. Parents and families often worry when their child or teenager seems to have a problem which causes them to be sad, disruptive, rebellious, inattentive, unable to cope with things, or to get involved with drugs and alcohol.
Many families first discuss their concerns with a family physician, school counselor, or clergy.
Following this, the family may be referred to or seek out a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is uniquely qualified to understand the full range of factors associated with emotional difficulties and mental disorders that can affect children and adolescents. Parents and families often have this worry. Some families even delay seeking help for their child for fear that they will be blamed. Feeling responsible for the child's problems or distress is a normal sign of caring and attachment.