Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Diagnosing mental health issues in children can be challenging because many behaviors, such as shyness, anxiety or emotional outbursts, can occur as a normal part of a child's development. Behaviors become symptoms when they occur often, last a long time, occur at an unusual age or significantly disrupt the child's and/or family's ability to function.

A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to diagnose most emotional, behavioral or developmental disorders. This involves a complete medical history and physical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions or medication side effects. 

A mental health provider uses interview and assessment tools to evaluate a child for a mental health disorder. This interview includes gathering details about the type and duration of a child’s symptoms, observation of the child’s attitude and behavior, and reports from parents, teachers and other adults – a careful process that guides treatment decisions.

Outpatient Services

• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management
• Psychiatric consultation
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Telehealth psychiatry and therapy

Specialty Services

• Portland identification & early psychosis (PIER) Program for individuals 14-26 years old within one year of a psychotic episode
• Early childhood (0-5 yrs) evaluation, including autism and developmental disorders
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• OCD and tic disorder evaluation & treatment
• Co-management treatment for children with physical illnesses and associated behavioral difficulties

Inpatient Services

When patients are in crisis and hospitalization is required for psychiatric issues, inpatient treatment is provided through Barbara Bush Children's Hospital or Spring Harbor Hospital. Typically, admission is appropriate when young patients present an imminent risk to themselves or others, or are unable to function at a lower level of care due to their psychiatric symptoms. 

Our team of pediatric mental health professionals works closely with children, their families and other caregivers to achieve maximum treatment results. Services include:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management
• Individual and family therapy
• Educational and consultation services for parents
• On-site academic instruction

We also offer an array of patient and family support resources, including a support group for families of children with mental illness.

We take pride in assisting local primary care physicians and pediatricians in delivering safe and effective mental health treatment with the best possible outcomes. Consultation provides professional diagnostic expertise and recommendations for further evaluation and treatment.

As part of the Maine Pediatric Behavioral Health Partnership Program (MPBHP), primary care physicians and pediatricians can request consultation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist for:

• Medication management
• Diagnostic assessment
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Neurological or psychological testing
• Speech or OT/PT evaluation
• Substance abuse treatment

For more information about this service, please call 207-661-2771.

Conditions we typically include, but are not limited to:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder
• Disruptive behavior disorders
• Oppositional/defiant disorder
• Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) including autism
• Co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness
• Psychological complications from chronic or serious illness
• Eating disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychotic disorders including schizophrenia