What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in disorders of the brain, emotions, and behavior. Psychiatrists have gone to medical school just as a pediatrician or surgeon does. After medical school a psychiatrist completes a four year psychiatry residency. A child psychiatrist must then complete an additional one or two year fellowship. Psychiatrists supervise and coordinate mental health treatment of a patient,often working with therapists and psychologists who are not medically trained.
What can I expect at an appointment?
Psychiatric evaluation of a child requires the input of the child’s guardian. Please come prepared to provide background information on your child. You may bring school and/or medical records, samples of the child’s school work, or their writings/drawings, if desired. Be prepared to fully inform Dr. Balk about past medications, hospitalizations, and psychiatric treatment or counseling, if pertinent.
How does a psychiatrist different from a therapist or psychologist?
Psychologists often have doctorate level degrees in the science of psychology. Like psychologists, psychiatrists provide mental health counselling and education. Psychologists are more likely to perform testing to assess for mental health conditions, and psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication to treat these conditions. Dr. Balk often collaborates with a psychologists for full treatment of the patient’s condition.
How often should a patient be seen by the psychiatrist?
Dr. Balk will often see children every 2 – 4 weeks early in treatment. As the child responds to treatment, the appointments may become less frequent. Children who are behaviorally and emotionally stable are seen no less often than every three months.
Who should be present at my child’s appointment?
One or both parents must be present at the child’s appointments. Divorced parents must bring a copy of the custody agreement before treatment begins. When parents have joint custody, both parents must be aware of and in agreement regarding the child’s treatment. Whenever possible, please do not bring other children to the appointment, unless requested by the doctor or therapist. A guardian must accompany all minor children.
Does a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Medication may be a treatment option suggested by a psychiatrist. Other treatment options may include therapy, dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise, spiritual enhancement, group support programs, and educational accommodations.