What is psychotherapy for children and adolescents?

   Child and adolescent psychiatrists are physicians specifically trained to treat children and adolescents. They help young people who may be feeling sad, acting disruptive or rebellious, not paying attention, not coping with things,  getting involved with drugs and alcohol, not eating or sleeping normally or not getting along with family, friends, and at school.

  The treatment psychiatrists use is called psychotherapy.  Through psychotherapy -- sharing feelings through playing, drawing, building, pretending and talking -- children learn to understand and change the feelings and behaviors that are causing them problems.

   Psychotherapy may involve an individual child, group or family.

   When a child or adolescent goes to see a mental health professional for the first time, they go through what is called an assessment.  The mental health professional will find out what the child's current problems are, what their history is, their level of development, ability to cooperate in treatment, and what they can do to help.

   Psychotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments (medication, behavior management, or work with the school).

   The relationship that develops between the therapist and the patient is very important. The child or adolescent must feel comfortable, safe and understood. This type of trusting environment makes it much easier for the child to express his thoughts and feelings and to use the therapy in a useful way.

   During psychotherapy, children and adolescents receive emotional support, resolve conflicts with people, understand feelings and problems, and try out new solutions to old problems.

   Goals for therapy may be specific (change in behavior, improved relations with friends), or more general (less anxiety, better self-esteem.)

   The length of psychotherapy depends on how   
complex and severe the problems are. Some children and adolescents respond to short-term treatment (for example, up to 12 sessions). When the disorder lasts for a long time or is complicated, a longer term of treatment may be needed.

How much does psychiatric treatment cost?

   Fees for mental health treatment vary in different parts of the country and depend upon the complexity of the treatment and the amount of time involved.

   At the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, fees for services are based on what is called a sliding scale.  In other words,  the amount of money a person is charged for services is based on that person's income and what they are able to pay.  The Department will not refuse treatment to anyone if they cannot pay.

   Most health insurance plans cover some portion of evaluations, consultation and treatment services. However, benefits and coverage for mental health treatments are frequently limited or restricted by insurance plans.

What about Confidentiality?
What training does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist have?

How do you find a child and adolescent psychiatrist?

   Child and adolescent psychiatrists can be found through community mental health centers, local medical and psychiatric societies, local mental health associations, local hospitals or medical centers, departments of psychiatry in medical schools, and national organizations like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, pediatricians, family physicians, school counselors, and Employee Assistance Programs can be helpful in identifying child and adolescent psychiatrists.