A child and adolescent psychiatrist is basically a Doctor of Medicine with a license to prescribe medications to their patients. They specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders which cause problems with feeling, thinking, and behavior. They are specially trained and qualified to treat infants, children, adolescents, and adults as individuals, couples, families, and groups. They offer these patients the advantages of a medical education and information, aswell as professional medical and emotional care. They use their knowledge of biological, psychological, and social factors in working with patients. They practice in a variety of settings, including independently in offices, on the staffs of hospitals, clinics, and in community programs. When diagnosing and treating a patient, the elements of physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family, peer, and social components are brought into consideration. In addition, the child psychiatrist is prepared and expected to act as an advocate for the best interests of children and adolescents.
Child and adolescent psychiatric training requires 4 years of medical school, at least 3 years of approved residency training in medicine, neurology, and general psychiatry with adults, and 2 years of training in psychiatric work with children, adolescents, and their families in an accredited residency in child and adolescent psychiatry. Practicing psychiatrist should also become a member of an accredited board of accountability, such as the Canadian Psychiatric Association. .
The fees of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist are based on both the complexity of the treatment and the amount of time involved. Fees vary in different parts of the country; most psychiatric fees are covered by O.H.I.P. in Ontario. Psychiatric treatment sessions may be scheduled on a regular basis and length of sessions can vary depending on the treatment plan.