A Parent’s Guide to Child Psychiatry in the Triangle

The Research Triangle Park has some of the most advanced psychiatric care in the country. Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and throughout this area are renowned for healthcare and mental health is no exception. With a young population, the Triangle is an excellent place for families. In an area booming with medical innovation, we still can see a stigma around seeking help for children in the form of child psychiatry. 

According to new research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15% of children in the United States were recently treated for mental health disorders in 2021. The most common disorders include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Further, 3 out of 5 teenage girls report feelings of persistent sadness. As mental health professionals and parents, and as a society, we have a duty to address this mental health crisis especially where we have treatments that can alleviate symptoms and help children experience more normal childhoods. 

Many theories around this preponderance exist that are simply untrue including that it is related to diet, or is related to screens, or mother’s choice in utero. There are many behavioral conditions that are inherited and while environmental factors play a role, there is no definitive correlation between these things. There is a lot of shame surrounding making the choice to get help as parents and as professionals who specialize in child behavioral psychiatry, we would like to raise awareness and reduce shame in seeking psychiatric help for children. 

What is Child Psychiatry? 

Child psychiatry or pediatric psychiatry is a branch of medicine, composed of medically trained doctors and providers, who are focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. They are trained to perform assessments that determine whether a child requires medical intervention. These clinicians do not work alone. They usually work in concert with counselors, often from schools, and therapists to determine the proper treatment for each child. 

Apogee Behavioral Medicine has its own approach to child psychiatry which begins with an assessment. Assessment includes a physical exam to rule out vitamin deficiencies or other medical issues that may affect emotions or behavior. The assessment also includes empathetic and gentle interviews with therapists and our specialists, depending on the symptoms, and then led by families and the team, to determine a treatment plan. Apogee Behavioral Medicine utilizes cognitive testing with the Creyos ADHD Assessment, which evaluates 14 key cognitive performance markers linked to ADHD diagnosis. This assessment can be customized with age-appropriate questionnaires for both children and adults, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation tailored to each individual’s needs.

What symptoms may benefit from a psychiatric intervention? 

Nearly every parent worries that their child is hitting developmental milestones. This goes from infancy to adulthood. Arguably, you never stop worrying! However, during periods of physiological change and changes at home, they may exhibit symptoms that are worrying and can signal emotional and mental problems. These symptoms range from: 

• Persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability
• Extreme changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social activities or aggression
• Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, or poor academic performance
• Sleep disturbances or eating disorders
• Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
• Developmental delays or social difficulties
• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors or phobias

Every individual is different. Every experience is different. We have compassionate, professionally trained therapists and psychiatrists who are patient-centered and who take a holistic view of each person who comes through our doors. If there are any questions, we encourage a family or individual to contact us to discuss unique cases confidentially. 

What to expect at the first appointment? 

At your first appointment, our staff will greet you and fill out intake forms. We will discuss initial assessments in a comfortable and familiar setting and ask for interviews with those close to your child, including educators, caretakers, and those who know them well. Our top priority for parents and children is to make you feel safe, protected, and that we are professional and focused on our patients. 

When does my child need medication? 

Your child may or may not need medication. It is important to understand the context of medication and how much medication has changed in recent years. Whether you are medicating ADHD, anxiety, or depression, there have been remarkable advances in neurological medications, especially the understanding of how they affect young adults and children. There is almost always a period after the decision to implement medication during which we closely monitor the patient to make necessary adjustments.

We commonly work with pediatricians in the Triangle to offer collaborative care. If your child’s symptoms are mild or moderate, starting with your pediatrician for an initial evaluation can be a helpful first step. We are often referred by pediatricians. 

Once Referred What Does a Child Psychiatrist Do?

Child psychiatrists can prescribe medications when necessary to help manage conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, and is often in combination with therapy. Therapy helps children develop coping behaviors that help with the conditions. Apogee Behavioral Medicine focuses on a holistic approach that includes families. Every child psychiatrist has a different approach, we make sure the psychiatrist’s philosophy aligns with your goals for treatment. 

Parents who are considering seeking the support of a child psychiatrist should reach out. Apogee Behavioral Medicine specializes in child psychiatry in a modern, intimate setting. We offer treatment and assessments in areas such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. We offer consultations and specialize in child psychiatry at Apogee Behavioral Medicine and have offices in Raleigh and Durham.