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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry services in Sydney

Paediatric Psychiatric services in Hills District and Sydney, NSW

Inclusive evidence-based expert care for young minds and families

At Dolphin Tribe, we understand that growing up can be challenging — especially when emotional, behavioural, or developmental difficulties start affecting daily life. Our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry service provides comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment for young people aged 3–18 years, in a warm and supportive environment.

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Our Holistic Approach

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Mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, which is why we consider the full picture to create a tailor-made treatment plan. Our holistic approach includes a range of psychotherapy (talk therapy) styles and encourages family involvement. 

 

An integrated approach to treatment may involve:

 

  • Individual, group or family psychotherapy

  • Medication

  • Consultation with other medical or allied health professionals

  • School engagement

  • Other Agencies

  • Other community organisations.

 

Early Intervention

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The early years of a child’s life are a critical window for brain development, emotional regulation, and learning. When mental health or developmental issues are identified and addressed early, children have a much better chance of building resilience, forming healthy relationships, and succeeding at school and at home.

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Child-Friendly Treatment Rooms

 

Parents are often surprised to find our clinic rooms more homely and child-friendly than a formal office. These rooms are designed for infants, children and adolescent psychotherapy – open spaces, toys and books are all part of our holistic approach. 

 

Medication Only When Warranted

 

We understand that many parents are fearful of starting their children on medication. Our Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist prescribes medication only when necessary and appropriate. It is very rarely used for children under six, and our focus is on psychotherapy that includes the entire family.​​​​

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What is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist?

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."​

Our Integrated approach

 

Given our team of neurodiversity-informed expert psychologists and psychiatrists, we can offer fully integrated services for children. We can often fully assess, diagnose, and treat a very wide spectrum of conditions.

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The Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists at Dolphin Tribe specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of:

 

  • Academic Anxiety (including HSC stress)

  • Anxiety

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Borderline Personality Disorder

  • Complex Trauma

  • Gender Dysphoria

  • Depression

  • Giftedness-related mental health issues

  • Mood Disorders

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

  • Parent-child relationship difficulties

  • Personality Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Psychosis

  • School refusal

  • Many more

Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

 

Some children and adolescents will benefit from a child psychologist, while others require the specialist medical training of a child psychiatrist. Find out which approach is best for you or your child on this page. 

Book an Appointment

If you are looking for a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Sydney or the Hills District, please request an appointment below.

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