Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Child and adolescent psychiatry is about the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behaviour affecting children, adolescents, and their families.

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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have additionally undergone a rigorous specialist training programme in Psychiatry before becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP). This means Psychiatrists are able to use a wide range of treatment methods.

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A child and adolescent psychiatrist (also referred to as a Child Psychiatrist or Paediatric Psychiatrist) uses the knowledge of biological, psychological, and social factors in working with patients. Initially, a comprehensive diagnostic examination is performed to evaluate the current problem with attention to its physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family, peer, and social components. The child and adolescent psychiatrist arrives at a diagnosis and diagnostic formulation that are shared with the patient and family. The child and adolescent psychiatrist then designs a treatment plan which considers all the components and discusses these recommendations with the child or adolescent and family."

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An integrated approach to treatment may involve individual, group or family psychotherapy; medication; and/or consultation with other medical professionals, other allied health professionals, or professionals from schools, juvenile courts, social agencies or other community organisations.

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What Training and qualifications do Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists have?​

 

Child and adolescent psychiatrists have at least 11 years of training (most have more than 13 years). They first complete a medical degree at a University (5-6 years). Then they spend at least 1 or 2 years doing general medical training in hospitals.

 

Next, to become a psychiatrist, they must do at least 5 years of psychiatry training under the supervision of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). Specialist psychiatrist training is typically completed in the public sector, dealing with complex and acute cases of mental health.

 

To become specialised in Child and Adolescents, they must complete at least 2 years of specialised advanced training in psychiatric work with children, adolescents, and their families in an accredited specialist training programme in child and adolescent psychiatry. This is also typically completed in public hospitals.

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