Child psychiatry
A child psychiatrist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. The specialist evaluates a child's developmental milestones, emotional well-being, behavior, and cognitive functioning, helping identify the underlying causes of difficulties and determine the most appropriate treatment or ongoing care plan. Early consultation enables timely intervention and supports the child's healthy emotional, psychological, and developmental growth.
What is the difference between a child psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, and neurologist?
Parents often find it difficult to decide which specialist their child should see, as many emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns can present with similar symptoms. However, these professionals have different qualifications, areas of expertise, and approaches to assessment and treatment. In some cases, a child may only need one specialist, while in others, the best outcomes are achieved through a multidisciplinary approach.
Child Psychiatrist
A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. They perform a comprehensive clinical assessment, establish a diagnosis according to current international guidelines, prescribe medication when necessary, monitor treatment effectiveness, and adjust the care plan as needed. A child psychiatrist should be consulted if there is a concern about ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, psychotic conditions, or other mental health disorders.
Child Psychologist
A child psychologist is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe medication. They help children cope with emotional challenges, stress, adjustment difficulties, family or school-related issues, bullying, grief, and age-related developmental challenges. If a psychologist identifies signs of a mental health disorder during the assessment, they may recommend a consultation with a child psychiatrist for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
Child Psychotherapist
A child psychotherapist provides evidence-based psychotherapy to help children and adolescents manage emotional, behavioral, and psychological difficulties. Psychotherapy may be the primary form of treatment or may be combined with medication when prescribed by a child psychiatrist. The therapeutic approach and duration of treatment are tailored to the child's age, diagnosis, and individual needs.
Pediatric Neurologist
A pediatric neurologist specializes in disorders of the nervous system. They evaluate and treat conditions such as headaches, seizures, movement disorders, developmental delays affecting motor skills, coordination problems, certain types of tics, and other neurological conditions. Because some neurological and psychiatric disorders can present with similar symptoms, child psychiatrists and pediatric neurologists often work together to establish an accurate diagnosis and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
How to prepare your child for a consultation
No special preparation is required before a consultation with a child psychiatrist. The most important thing is to create a calm and supportive environment and explain to your child that the visit is meant to help the doctor better understand their feelings, emotions, and concerns.
Before the appointment, we recommend that you:
- Explain to your child, in an honest and age-appropriate way, where you are going and why.
- Avoid using the words "doctor" or "psychiatrist" as a threat or a form of punishment.
- Do not ask your child to hide their emotions or "behave perfectly" during the consultation.
- Make a note of the symptoms or behavioral changes you have observed, including when they first appeared and how they have changed over time.
- Be prepared to discuss your child's pregnancy and birth history, early development, school performance, and previous medical conditions.
- Bring any previous medical records, test results, or reports from other healthcare professionals, if available.
- Inform the psychiatrist about any medications or dietary supplements your child is currently taking.
- Allow your child to behave naturally, as their usual behavior provides valuable information for an accurate clinical assessment.
If your child has previously been evaluated by a child psychologist, pediatric neurologist, pediatrician, or another healthcare professional, it is helpful to bring their reports to the appointment. This allows the child psychiatrist to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your child's condition and, if necessary, develop a coordinated treatment or follow-up plan.
Information for parents regarding a child psychiatrist consultation
To ensure that a child psychiatrist consultation is conducted in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, parents or legal guardians should be aware of the following requirements.
Children under 14 years of age
- A consultation requires the consent of both parents.
- If one parent is unavailable or does not provide consent, it is necessary to obtain a decision (consent) from the Guardianship and Custody Authority, which can be arranged through a CNAP (Administrative Services Center). Exception: If the child is being raised by a legally recognized single mother or single father, a decision from the CNAP is not required. In this case, please bring an official document confirming your legal status.
Children aged 14 and older For children 14 years of age and older, the presence of both parents during the consultation is not required.
Obtaining consent through the CNAP
- Service Name – Decision (Consent) for Conducting a Psychiatric Examination or Providing Psychiatric Care to a Child Under 14 Years of Age in the Event of One Parent's Disagreement or the Absence of Parents.
- Service ID: 01265
- Application Method: In person.
- Processing Time: Up to 1 business day.
- Where to Apply: At the CNAP corresponding to the child's registered place of residence. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) may apply at the CNAP based on their current place of residence.
Required Documents
- Application submitted by one parent or legal guardian.
- Copy of the applicant's passport (pages 1–2 and the page showing the registered place of residence).
- Copy of the child's birth certificate.
- Copy of the marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or court decision regarding divorce (if applicable).
- A document confirming the need for a psychiatric examination or psychiatric treatment for the child (if available).
Legal Basis
- Articles 272, 273, 283, and 284 of the Civil Code of Ukraine.
- Law of Ukraine "On Psychiatric Care."
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 866 dated September 27, 2008, "Issues Related to the Activities of Guardianship and Custody Authorities Concerning the Protection of Children's Rights."
- Law of Ukraine "On Personal Data Protection."
- Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 970 dated September 15, 2016, regarding the forms of informed consent for psychiatric examination.
When should you consult a child psychiatrist?
- Persistent anxiety, fears, enuresis, or panic attacks.
- Frequent tantrums, aggression, or uncontrollable emotional outbursts.
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior without an obvious cause.
- Social withdrawal or loss of interest in school, friends, or favorite activities.
- Persistent low mood, apathy, or emotional exhaustion.
- Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other self-destructive behaviors.
- Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or repetitive rituals.
- Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, or marked impulsivity.
- Suspected ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, night terrors, frequent awakenings, or nightmares.
- Significant difficulties adapting to kindergarten or school.
- Ongoing conflicts with peers or adults related to behavioral or emotional difficulties.
- Lasting emotional or behavioral changes following stress, bullying, trauma, or the loss of a loved one.
- A noticeable decline in academic performance, memory, or learning abilities.
- Tics, repetitive movements, or other behavioral changes that cause concern.
- Any changes in a child’s emotional state or behavior that persist over time, worsen, or affect their daily life, as well as stuttering that develops for the first time, especially following a stressful situation.
FAQ
What age does a child psychiatrist see patients?
A child psychiatrist provides care for children and adolescents of all ages, from early childhood through 18 years of age. A consultation may be recommended when the first concerning symptoms appear, to clarify a diagnosis, assess a child's development, or monitor ongoing treatment.
For young children, the psychiatrist evaluates emotional and cognitive development, speech and language development, social interaction, and behavior. During the preschool and school years, consultations are commonly sought for adjustment difficulties, attention and concentration problems, behavioral concerns, suspected ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as anxiety and other emotional disorders.
Adolescents may benefit from a child psychiatrist consultation for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, eating disorders, significant mood changes, difficulties in social relationships, or other mental health concerns that affect their education, daily functioning, and overall well-being.
When appropriate, the child psychiatrist may recommend additional consultations with a pediatrician, child psychologist, or pediatric neurologist to obtain a comprehensive clinical assessment and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
Book a child psychiatrist consultation
You can schedule a child psychiatrist consultation by calling +380 97 312 92 91 or by using the online appointment form on our website. Doctor Sam Medical Center is conveniently located at: Kyiv, Kiltseva Road 1(«Respublika Park» Mall).
If needed, our administrators will help you choose a convenient appointment time and, when appropriate, arrange consultations with a child psychologist, pediatric neurologist, pediatrician, or another specialist to ensure your child receives comprehensive, coordinated care.
