Helping navigate mental health challenges
Children’s Psychologists and Psychiatrists
We Accept Insurance
Access child psychologists right from your home
Convenient and flexible sessions to fit your child’s schedule
Work through difficulties and develop coping mechanisms
What is a children’s psychologist?
A children’s psychologist specializes in understanding the behavior and mental processes of children. They use their knowledge to help children and their families understand and cope with developmental disorders, learning difficulties, and emotional problems. Child psychologists may work in schools, clinics, hospitals, or run a private practice. They often work with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians and social workers, to provide comprehensive care for children.
Children’s psychiatrist vs. psychologist
A children’s psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed a four-year medical degree and a four-year psychiatric residency. They are licensed to prescribe medications and can provide a medical diagnosis for mental health conditions. Psychiatrists use various types of psychotherapy and medication to help children with mental health problems.
On the other hand, a child psychologist has a graduate degree in psychology, typically a master’s or doctorate, and completed a clinical internship. They are trained to use psychological evaluations, assessments, and different forms of talk therapy to help children with mental health problems. The key difference is that unlike children’s psychiatrists, psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
The importance of mental health in children
Good mental health is essential in children because it affects their overall well-being and development. Unfortunately, an estimated 1 in 5 children in the United States has a mental health disorder. Without proper treatment, these disorders can cause problems in school, make it harder for children to make friends, or even lead to thoughts of suicide.
It’s important for parents, caregivers, and teachers to know the signs of mental health issues in children and get help when it’s needed. Early treatment can make a big difference in a child’s life and help them manage their symptoms.
We're here to helpWhy are child psychologists important?
A child psychologist can help your child understand and cope with any emotional, behavioral, or developmental issues they are facing. They use techniques and theories based on psychology to help children understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and learn how to manage them.
They can provide therapy, counseling, and assessment, and they can even diagnose a child’s mental health conditions. They also work closely with families and caregivers to help you understand your child and how to support them.
For example, if you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being or behavior, a children’s psychologist can help your child identify their difficulties and develop coping mechanisms to overcome them and lead a happier, healthier life.
We had [such a] fortunate experience with Modern Recovery that we can’t express the gratitude in words. Our son needed a different kind of support and had tried the various live-in session therapies. Modern Recovery was a method that spoke to us and our son, and we are thankful that it has worked so well for us. They were always available for questions and willing to work with us in our unique situations. Highly recommend if you are in need of this type of therapy.
NANCI B.
4 Months Ago
How do psychologists assess and diagnose mental health disorders?
A child psychologist is trained to assess and understand the kinds of mental health concerns that affect children.
They use various methods to gather information about a child’s symptoms, such as talking to the child, the parents, and other caregivers; observing the child’s behavior; and administering and interpreting tests. With this information, a child psychologist can determine whether the child has a specific mental health disorder, such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression. They will then create a plan to help the child manage their symptoms and improve their mental health. They also provide support and guidance to parents to help them understand their child’s condition and how best to support them.
Talk therapy
and other psychological techniques
Talk therapy, also referred to as psychotherapy or counseling, involves talking with a trained therapist to help individuals understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Children’s psychologists use talk therapy to help children and adolescents cope with various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Through talk therapy, children’s psychologists work with their young clients to identify and understand the underlying causes of their problems, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience. Depending on the child’s needs and preferences, they may use techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, family therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
We accept insurance
We work with most major insurance providers to minimize the cost of treatment. Let’s check whether your provider will cover your child’s treatment.
We’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield
How to find a children’s psychologist
When looking for a children’s psychologist for your child
- Ask for recommendations from your child’s pediatrician or primary care physician. They can provide you with the names of local child psychologists or refer you to a specialist.
- Check with your insurance provider. Many insurance companies have a list of in-network providers you can access on their website or by phone. Modern Recovery is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- Search online directories. Websites like Psychology Today, the American Psychological Association, and the National Register of Health Service Psychologists provide directories of mental health professionals, including child psychologists, by region.
- Contact your state psychological association, which can provide a list of child psychologists in your area.
- Ask other parents or educators. They may know local child psychologists.