When you have concerns about your child or adolescent because of emotional problems or behavioral problems, an evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist may be an appropriate choice. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is the first step toward addressing the problems your son or daughter may be facing.
What to Expect
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations usually require more than one office visit. The child and the parents may be needed for these visits, and the evaluation may take several hours. With the parents’ permission, other people who might be important in the child’s life may be contacted for additional information. This may include the family physician, school personnel, or other relatives.
The comprehensive evaluation may include the following:
- Description of your child’s present problems, symptoms, and health
- Treatment history (both physical and psychiatric), including current medications
- Parent and family health and psychiatric histories
- Overview of child’s development
- Your child’s relationships with family members, friends and at school
- Interview of the child or adolescent
- Interview of parents/guardians
- If needed, laboratory studies such as blood tests, x-rays, or special assessments (for example, psychological, educational, speech and language evaluation)
This information has been provided by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Visit their site to view a resource guide for families on different issues your child may face.
Appointments
NWA Psychiatry is accepting new patients. To request an appointment, call our office at (479) 571-6363.
Our psychiatrists accept most insurance plans. Please see our insurance guide for more information. We do not require a referral from your primary care provider unless required by your insurance.
We offer telemedicine visits for existing patients for medication management and refills.