Does My Child Need a Psychiatrist? Signs to Watch For and How to Start
Does my child need a psychiatrist? Learn the signs that point to more than a phase, common childhood conditions, and what a first evaluation looks like.
Booking your first psychiatry appointment is a big step, and it's completely normal to feel nervous. Knowing what to expect can make the visit feel much more manageable.
Before your appointment
Most practices will ask you to complete intake paperwork ahead of time, often through a secure patient portal. These forms typically cover your medical history, current medications, and questionnaires about your mood, anxiety, sleep, and focus. Filling them out before your visit gives your provider more time to focus on you.
Helpful things to have ready:
- A list of current medications and supplements, with doses
- Medications you've tried in the past and how they worked
- Recent lab results or records from other providers
- Your insurance card and photo ID
- A few notes about what you'd like help with
During your first visit
Your first psychiatric evaluation is usually longer than follow-up visits. Your provider will ask about:
- What brings you in and how long you've been experiencing symptoms
- Your mental health history, including past diagnoses and treatment
- Your medical history, since physical health can affect mental health
- Family history of mental health conditions
- Daily life: sleep, appetite, activity, work or school, relationships, stress, and substance use
- Safety, including any thoughts of self-harm. These questions are routine and asked of everyone.
There are no wrong answers. The more openly you can share, the better your provider can help.
What happens next?
At the end of your visit, your provider will talk with you about their impressions and possible next steps. These might include:
- A working diagnosis, or a plan to gather more information first
- Lab work to rule out medical causes of your symptoms
- A medication recommendation, if appropriate, including what to expect and possible side effects
- Lifestyle strategies for sleep, nutrition, and stress
Treatment planning is a process. Your provider will schedule follow-up visits to see how you're doing and adjust the plan together.
Tips for telehealth appointments
If your appointment is by video, find a private, quiet space, test your camera and microphone in advance, and make sure you have a stable internet connection. Keep your medication list nearby.
Ready to take the first step?
Our practice offers in-person appointments in Chicago, IL and secure telehealth visits for patients ages 4 and up. Register as a new patient or contact us with any questions.
