When Might My Child Need a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation may be helpful when a child or adolescent is experiencing:

• Anxiety or excessive worry

• Depression or persistent sadness

• Mood changes or emotional outbursts

• Attention and concentration difficulties

• ADHD concerns

• Behavioral challenges

• School or academic difficulties

• Social or relationship challenges

• Trauma-related symptoms

• Sleep difficulties

• Changes in eating or appetite

• Self-esteem or body-image concerns

• Self-harm or other concerning behaviors

• Developmental or emotional concerns

• Symptoms that are difficult to understand or manage

A psychiatric evaluation can also be helpful when a child has already received a diagnosis but their symptoms have changed, treatment is no longer working as expected, or the family would like a second opinion.

What Happens During a Psychiatric Evaluation?

Our evaluations are individualized to your child's age, developmental stage, concerns, and circumstances. We gather information from parents or caregivers and, when appropriate, directly from the child or adolescent.

The evaluation may include:

• A detailed clinical history

• Review of emotional and behavioral symptoms

• Developmental and family history

• Assessment of mood, anxiety, attention, behavior, and functioning

• Review of school and social functioning

• Medication and medical history

• Consideration of co-occurring conditions

• Diagnostic assessment

• Treatment recommendations

Following the evaluation, we discuss our findings with the family and develop recommendations based on your child's individual needs.

A Clearer Understanding. A Path Forward.

Mental health symptoms can look different from child to child, and several conditions can sometimes present with similar symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify what may be contributing to your child's difficulties and determine which treatments and supports may be most appropriate.

When appropriate, recommendations may include psychotherapy, medication management, additional testing or evaluation, family-based support, school accommodations, or coordination with other healthcare professionals.

Specialized Evaluation for Complex Concerns

NYCP also offers specialized psychiatric care for children and adolescents with complex mental health needs, including eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

Our goal is to provide families with clarity, compassionate guidance, and an individualized treatment plan so that children can move toward healthier, happier future