Child Psychiatrist Sydney

Growing up is hard to do. As parents, you do your very best, and you can find great allies in teachers, coaches, and friends. However, some young people experience mental health issues that go beyond the remit of a parent or youth worker. In 2013-2014, almost 14% of children aged 4-11 around Australia said they experienced symptoms of a mental health disorder. 

 

During challenging times when things get overwhelming, seeking guidance from a paediatric or child psychiatrist is generally recommended. These specialists provide expert support and personalised therapies tailored to help children under 18 cope, grow, and thrive.

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A child and adolescent psychiatrist (paediatric psychiatrist) possesses specialised knowledge of mental health in young individuals aged 5 to 18. Collaboration with a specialist is crucial as mental illnesses manifest differently in children compared to adults. Additionally, children may lack the vocabulary and emotional maturity to express their inner feelings effectively through traditional talk therapy.

 

When treating young children, a child psychiatrist will work as a team with you as parents or caregivers, as well as the other members of the child’s care team. Once a child reaches their teens, the young person may work more directly with their psychiatrist.

 

What does a child psychiatrist do? Child psychiatrists are specialists in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Though they are also Adult psychiatrists, their practice differs from an adult psychiatrist. Because children and adolescents are also in a critical stage of their lives, a child psychiatrist places as much emphasis on the child’s mental health as they do the patient's emotional, social, and behavioural development. 

 

To help children navigate their inner emotional world and the world around them, child psychiatrists specialise in therapies created and tested among children and adolescents. Your child's psychiatrist will also take into account family relationships and provide assessments and management strategies for all members.

 

Some of the strategies used include:

• Psychotherapy, including Psychodynamic therapy

• Family therapy

• Cognitive behaviour therapy

• Medicinal therapies

 

At Dolphin Tribe, we offer psychotherapy for all age groups. Our child and adolescent psychiatrists see patients in Baulkham Hills in the Hills District and Sydney CBD, NSW. We also provide continuity of care and can continue providing care for our patients as they transition into adulthood. This includes those patients who have been under the care of a Paediatrician until the age of 17.   

 

Our Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr Sangeetha Makielan, provides complete psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment for children experiencing mental illness. Ask us to see how a child psychiatrist in Sydney can help your child and your family grow and thrive.

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