Key Takeaways
- Child & adolescent psychiatry is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children, tweens, and teens.
- A child psychiatrist near me who is board-certified brings specialized training in developmental stages, how conditions present differently in youth, and evidence-based treatment for young people.
- Common conditions in children and adolescents include ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and trauma responses.
- The evaluation process follows American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) guidelines and involves comprehensive assessment of your child's developmental history, family dynamics, and current symptoms.
- Medication is sometimes part of treatment but is always carefully prescribed, monitored, and combined with behavioral and therapeutic support.
- Dr. Monika Thangada provides child & adolescent psychiatry services at KwikPsych in Austin, TX, with a family-centered, collaborative approach.
What Is Child & Adolescent Psychiatry?
Child & adolescent psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating mental health and behavioral conditions in individuals from infancy through young adulthood. A child psychiatrist is a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) who has completed 4 years of medical school plus at least 4 additional years of specialty training in psychiatry, with a focus on developmental considerations unique to youth.
Unlike a pediatrician (who focuses on physical health), a child psychiatrist specializes in understanding how the developing brain works, how psychiatric conditions present differently at various ages, and how to treat them effectively with evidence-based medicine while considering the child's family system and developmental stage.
A pediatric psychiatrist and a child psychiatrist are the same thing — different terms for the same specialty. Some use "child psychiatry," others "pediatric psychiatry" or "child and adolescent psychiatry."
Common Conditions We Treat
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) — Difficulty focusing, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or executive functioning challenges. Often emerges by ages 6-8 but can present differently in girls and older teens.
- Anxiety Disorders — Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, or school refusal driven by anxiety
- Depression — Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, sleep changes, irritability (especially in boys), or withdrawal
- Behavioral/Disruptive Disorders — Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, or persistent defiance, aggression, or difficulty following rules
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — Social communication differences, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and support needs
- Eating Disorders — Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge-eating, restrictive eating, or food avoidance
- Trauma and PTSD — Responses to abuse, accident, loss, violence, or other frightening experiences
- Mood Disorders — Bipolar disorder, depression, or mood instability
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) — Intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors
Signs Your Child May Need a Psychiatrist
Every child has bad days, tantrums, or moments of worry. When should you actually seek psychiatric evaluation?
In General, Consider Evaluation If:
- Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks
- Symptoms interfere with school, friendships, family relationships, sleep, or eating
- You notice a significant change from your child's baseline (unusual behavior for them)
- Multiple adults (parent, teacher, coach) notice concerning patterns
- Your child expresses hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm urges
- Behaviors are affecting your family's functioning
For more detailed red flags by age group, see When to See a Child Psychiatrist: Signs Every Parent Should Know.
The Evaluation Process
A comprehensive child psychiatry evaluation follows American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) clinical practice guidelines:
Before the Appointment
You'll complete intake forms covering:
- Your child's developmental history (milestones, major illnesses, injuries)
- Family psychiatric history (mental health conditions, treatments)
- Current concerns and when they started
- School performance and teacher observations
- Sleep, appetite, and behavioral patterns
- Trauma history or significant life events
At the Appointment (45–60 minutes)
Parent/Guardian Interview (15–20 min): Dr. Thangada asks detailed questions about your child's history, current symptoms, what makes symptoms better or worse, family dynamics, school functioning, and any trauma or significant stressors.
Individual Time with Your Child (25–35 min): Dr. Thangada spends time with your child, observing how they present, their mood, communication, behavior, ability to focus, and responses to questions. This is not a "test" — it's an assessment of how your child functions and communicates.
Family Discussion (5–10 min): Dr. Thangada discusses initial impressions, possible diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.
After the Evaluation
Dr. Thangada will provide:
- Diagnostic impressions (what conditions may be present)
- Explanation of findings in parent-friendly language
- Treatment plan (medication if appropriate, therapy referrals, behavioral strategies)
- School accommodation suggestions if needed (IEP, 504 plan, etc.)
- Schedule for follow-up appointments and monitoring
Medication in Children
When Is Medication Considered?
Medication is considered when:
- Symptoms are significantly impairing functioning
- Behavioral or non-medication strategies alone are insufficient
- Research supports medication for the specific diagnosis
- Potential benefits outweigh risks
- Families and providers agree it's a reasonable next step
FDA-Approved Medications for Children
Stimulants for ADHD: Methylphenidate and amphetamine medications are FDA-approved and first-line for ADHD in children ages 6+. These help with focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Fluoxetine is FDA-approved for depression in children ages 8 and older. Sertraline and fluvoxamine are FDA-approved for pediatric OCD. Other SSRIs may be used off-label for pediatric anxiety and depression based on clinical evidence.
Antipsychotics (selected): Approved for schizophrenia in adolescents, bipolar disorder in youth, and severe behavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Our Medication Philosophy
At KwikPsych, we approach medication thoughtfully:
- Start low, go slow: Begin at the lowest effective dose; adjust gradually based on response
- Regular monitoring: Frequent follow-ups (every 2-4 weeks initially) to assess effectiveness and watch for side effects
- Avoid polypharmacy: We minimize the number of medications; typically start with one agent and assess before adding more
- Combination approach: Medication + behavioral support + therapy usually works better than medication alone
- Family involvement: Parents are partners in medication decisions; we discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives thoroughly
Therapy and Behavioral Support
Psychiatry alone is usually not enough. Most children benefit from therapy, behavioral coaching, or school support alongside psychiatric care.
Types of Support We Recommend
- Individual therapy: CBT, behavioral therapy, or trauma-focused approaches depending on the condition
- Family therapy: Addressing family dynamics, communication, and behavioral support
- School accommodations: IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 plan to support learning
- Behavioral coaching: Concrete skills and strategies for managing symptoms at home and school
Dr. Thangada will provide referrals to qualified therapists, school counselors, and other specialists as needed. We coordinate care to ensure everyone is working toward the same treatment goals.
Telehealth for Children
KwikPsych provides telehealth psychiatric services for children and adolescents in Texas. Video visits work well for:
- Follow-up appointments after in-person evaluation
- Medication management visits
- Check-ins on symptom progress
- Behavioral coaching and family discussions
Best practices for telehealth with children:
- Ensure a quiet, private space without distractions
- Parent/guardian should be nearby (children feel safer; we may need parent input)
- Reliable internet and functioning camera/microphone
- For younger children (under 8), expect more parent involvement than in-person visits
Note: Initial comprehensive evaluations typically require in-person assessment, though follow-up visits can be via video.
How KwikPsych Helps
Dr. Monika Thangada, MD, is a board-certified MD psychiatrist with experience evaluating and treating children and adolescents. Here's what we provide:
Comprehensive Evaluation
We spend time understanding your child's complete history, developmental trajectory, family context, and current concerns. This thorough evaluation is the foundation for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
If appropriate, we provide diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication, behavioral strategies, therapy referrals, and school accommodations.
Medication Management
If medication is recommended, Dr. Thangada prescribes, monitors effectiveness, adjusts doses, and watches for side effects. Regular follow-ups ensure your child is getting the best possible treatment.
Coordination of Care
We communicate with your child's therapist, school, and other providers (with your permission) to ensure coordinated, integrated care.
Family-Centered Approach
Parents and guardians are partners in treatment. We explain findings clearly, discuss options, and welcome your questions and concerns.
To schedule an evaluation, request an appointment online or call 737-367-1230.
Insurance and Cost
We accept Aetna, BCBSTX, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Superior HealthPlan/Ambetter, Baylor Scott & White, Oscar, First Health Network, Optum, Medicare, and self-pay.
Self-Pay Rates:
- Initial psychiatric evaluation (45–60 min): $299
- Follow-up visit (15–30 min): $179
Insurance coverage varies. Many plans cover psychiatric evaluation and treatment when medically necessary. We recommend calling your insurance to verify coverage before scheduling.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Schedule an Evaluation
Request an appointment online or call 737-367-1230 to schedule with Dr. Thangada.
Step 2: Complete Intake Forms
Before your appointment, we'll ask you to fill out detailed intake forms about your child's history, current concerns, and medical information.
Step 3: The Evaluation Visit
Dr. Thangada will meet with you and your child (separately and together) to understand your child's needs and provide recommendations.
Step 4: Follow-Up and Treatment
Based on findings, we'll discuss next steps: medication if appropriate, therapy referrals, and ongoing psychiatric follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a child psychiatrist and a child psychologist?
A child psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO) trained in psychiatry and specialized in children. They can prescribe medication, diagnose conditions, and provide treatment. A child psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and specializes in testing, assessment, and therapy — but cannot prescribe medication (in most states). Most children benefit from both: psychiatry for diagnosis and medication management, therapy for skills and coping.
Will medication change my child's personality?
No. Well-prescribed medication for the right condition improves functioning without changing personality. A child with ADHD on medication becomes more able to focus and control impulses — they're still themselves, just more capable. A child with depression on an appropriate antidepressant feels less sad and hopeless — not emotionally flat or changed. If medication seems to cause personality changes, that's important feedback for your psychiatrist to hear.
Is medication the only treatment option?
No. Treatment plans are individualized and may include therapy, behavioral strategies, school support, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. For some conditions, therapy or behavioral intervention alone is sufficient. For others, medication makes therapy more effective. Dr. Thangada will discuss all options with you.
How long does my child need to take medication?
This varies by condition and individual response. Some children take medication short-term while working on skills in therapy. Others take medication longer-term to maintain stability. Some conditions require ongoing medication (like ADHD). The plan is always individualized, and we revisit it periodically to assess whether continuing, adjusting, or discontinuing medication is appropriate.
Is it normal for kids to be anxious or sad?
Yes. Some anxiety and sadness are part of normal development. The question is whether symptoms are persistent, intense, and interfering with functioning. If your child's mood or anxiety lasts weeks, affects school or friendships, keeps them from doing activities they enjoy, or disrupts sleep and eating, that's when evaluation makes sense. A psychiatrist can help determine what's normal development versus something that would benefit from treatment.
What if my child refuses to see a psychiatrist?
This is common, especially in adolescents. We recommend being honest: "I've noticed you've been struggling with [anxiety, mood, behavior]. Talking to a doctor might help us understand what's going on and find solutions." Often, kids are more willing once they understand you're not saying something is "wrong with them" but rather getting help for something hard they're dealing with. Sometimes a first visit is just a conversation, not a full evaluation.
Is telehealth okay for children, or should it be in-person?
Both can work. Initial comprehensive evaluations benefit from in-person assessment. Follow-up visits for medication management, check-ins, and behavioral coaching work well via video. Telehealth removes commute barriers and is sometimes more comfortable for anxious kids. We'll discuss which format makes sense for your child's needs.
How can I help my child feel less anxious about the first appointment?
Keep it simple and positive: "We're going to talk to a doctor who helps kids feel better when they're struggling. They're going to listen and ask questions to understand what's hard for you, and then we'll figure out together what might help." Let them know they're not in trouble. Be honest about what to expect. Answer their questions. Let Dr. Thangada know if your child is anxious so we can pace things appropriately.
Insurance & Pricing
We accept most major insurance plans, including:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Superior HealthPlan / Ambetter
- Baylor Scott & White
- Oscar
- Optum
- Medicare
Plus others. See full list of accepted insurance plans →
Self-pay: Call us at 737-367-1230 to find out latest rates.