Medication Management

Medication Management for Children and Teens in NYC

Deciding whether to start a psychiatric medication for your child is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions. When it’s the right fit, medication can make a meaningful difference in a child’s ability to learn, connect with others, and feel like themselves. Finding that fit requires careful attention, expertise in how medications work in growing bodies and brains, and close partnership with families.

I take time to explain how medications work, what to expect, what the alternatives are, and what the research shows for children and teens specifically, so you can make an informed decision for your family. Medication is never the only tool. It works best alongside therapy, parent support, school accommodations, and healthy routines. My approach is individualized, evidence-based, and attentive to the whole child, not just their symptoms.

What is Medication Management for Children?

Medication management involves the careful selection, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications to treat mental health concerns effectively while minimizing side effects. For children and adolescents, this also means paying close attention to growth, development, sleep, appetite, and how a child is doing at home and at school. It’s an ongoing, collaborative process between you, your child, and me.

What Concerns Can Be Treated With Medication?

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety, including social anxiety and separation anxiety

  • Depression and mood changes

  • OCD

  • Trauma-related symptoms

  • Sleep difficulties

  • Emotional and behavioral regulation difficulties

How I Approach Medication for Children and Teens

Thorough Evaluation First: I don’t prescribe without a full understanding of your child. Every child begins with a comprehensive evaluation so that any medication decision is grounded in a clear picture of what’s going on.

Start Low, Go Slow: Children and teens can be more sensitive to medications than adults. I typically begin at a low dose and adjust gradually, watching closely for both benefits and side effects.

Close Monitoring: Some medications call for extra attention in the early weeks of treatment or when a dose changes. I’ll explain what to watch for, check in regularly, and track things like growth, weight, sleep, appetite, and vital signs as appropriate. When needed, I’ll coordinate any lab work or tests with your child’s pediatrician.

Input From Home and School: How a child does in the classroom is often an important piece of the picture. With your permission, I may ask for teacher feedback or rating scales to help track how treatment is working.

Including Your Child’s Voice: Children and teens deserve to understand their own treatment. I’ll talk with your child about their medication in a way that fits their age, and I value their perspective on how they’re feeling and what’s helping.

Regular Reassessment: A medication that’s right at age eight may not be right at age fourteen. I periodically review whether each medication is still needed and at what dose, and when the time is right, I can help families safely reduce or stop medications through a thoughtful deprescribing process.

What to Expect

The intake for children and adolescents is completed in three parts:

Part 1: Parent Session (60 minutes)
We’ll meet without your child to talk through your concerns, your child’s developmental, medical, and school history, any past medication trials, and your family’s goals.

Part 2: Child Session (60 minutes)
I’ll meet with your child or teen to get to know them directly: how they see things, what feels hard, and what’s going well.

Part 3: Feedback Session (30 minutes)
About one week later, we’ll meet again to go over my impressions and talk through treatment options together, including whether medication makes sense and what the alternatives are.

Between sessions, I’ll review any records you share, such as report cards, prior testing, or treatment records, and, with your permission, speak with outside providers involved in your child’s care.

If we decide to begin medication, follow-up appointments will be more frequent at first while we find the right fit, then spaced out as your child stabilizes. Parents are typically part of these visits, and older teens may also have time to meet with me on their own.

Why Choose Grove Street Psychiatry for Your Child’s Medication Management?

  • Training in both child and adolescent and adult psychiatry

  • Thorough evaluation before any medication is prescribed

  • Careful, conservative prescribing with close monitoring

  • Clear explanations for parents and age-appropriate explanations for kids

  • Coordination with pediatricians, therapists, and schools

  • Openness to reducing or stopping medications when appropriate

Schedule a Medication Consultation for Your Child in NYC

If you’re considering medication for your child, have questions about a current medication, or are looking for a new psychiatrist to take over your child’s care, Grove Street Psychiatry is here to help.

Contact our office to schedule an evaluation and take the next step toward thoughtful, effective care for your child.

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