
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Services | LifeStance Health
Kids and teens experience big emotions and rapid changes. Most ups and downs are temporary, but when challenges begin to affect home, school, friendships, sleep, or health, a child & adolescent psychiatrist can help. At LifeStance Health, our child psychiatrists and PMHNPs provide evaluations, medication management, and coordinated care in person and via secure telehealth. We accept many major insurance plans.
Why Should a Child See a Psychiatrist?
A child may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist if they’re struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or disruptive life changes. Start with support from family, school, or your primary care doctor when concerns are mild. Consider specialized psychiatric care when issues are serious, persistent, or impacting daily life.
Common Reasons for Referral
- Struggles to complete ordinary tasks or no longer enjoys daily activities
- Expresses suicidal thoughts or has self-harmed
- Likely to need medication as part of treatment
- Requires hospital admission for safety/stabilization
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Complex needs that require a coordinated team
- Continued problems despite prior mental health care
Major life disruptions (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) can also affect a child’s mental health and may be a reason to seek care. Many parents report concerns like reduced socialization, increased anxiety or depression, and loss of interest in activities.
What We Do
- Comprehensive evaluation: symptoms, strengths, medical and family history, school context
- Diagnosis (when appropriate): clear explanations and next steps
- Medication management: benefits, risks, and monitoring discussed in plain language
- Therapy coordination: combine medication with CBT/skills training when helpful
- Collaboration: with your consent, we work with therapists, pediatricians, and schools
How Care Works (Step by Step)
- Request an appointment: choose online or in person; we confirm details and location.
- Intake & match: we review your goals and match you with the right clinician (child psychiatrist or PMHNP).
- First evaluation: discuss symptoms, history, school supports, and your top concerns.
- Shared plan: options may include lifestyle changes, therapy, school strategies, and—if appropriate—medication.
- Follow-ups: shorter check-ins to adjust treatment, monitor progress, and answer questions.
- Team approach: with permission, we coordinate with therapists, pediatricians, and schools.
Tip: Bring a list of current/past medications, school reports (IEP/504), and your top 2–3 goals.
Conditions We Help Treat
- Anxiety disorders (separation anxiety, panic, phobias)
- Depression and mood changes
- ADHD (evaluation & medication management)
- OCD, tic disorders
- Trauma-related symptoms and PTSD
- Autism-related concerns (behavior, mood, co-occurring symptoms)
- Sleep, school, and behavior challenges
- Eating and body-image concerns (medication support when appropriate)
Medication Management—Thoughtful & Transparent
- Evidence-based decisions: we recommend meds only when likely to help
- Education first: how it works, what to expect, and safety monitoring
- Safety checks: growth/sleep review; labs when clinically appropriate
- Whole-person care: medication often pairs best with therapy and routines
Why Families Choose LifeStance Health
- Pediatric expertise: clinicians focused on children and teens
- Flexible access: secure telehealth and in-person visits
- Insurance-friendly: many major plans accepted (varies by location)
- Coordinated care: we collaborate with therapists, pediatricians, and schools
- Clear communication: plain-language updates and shared decisions
- Care across 33 states: services vary by location—we’ll guide you to the right team
When to Seek Urgent Help
If your child may be at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department now. We can help with ongoing care afterward.
Get Started
Website: lifestancehealthy.com
Appointments: Book online or email us.
Email: lifestancehealthy@gmail.com