Complete Psychiatric Evaluations

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Evaluations in NYC

Sometimes a family needs clarity. Maybe your child’s teacher has raised concerns, your teen hasn’t seemed like themselves, or you’ve been noticing something for a while and can’t quite put your finger on it. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation offers a thorough understanding of what your child is experiencing, whether that’s changes in mood, worry, attention difficulties, struggles at school or with friends, or something harder to name.

During the evaluation, I take time to understand your child’s full story: their symptoms, development, school experience, relationships, family context, strengths, and your goals as a family. This isn’t a checklist or a quick appointment. It’s a collaborative process that honors the complexity of each child and the people around them. Together, we’ll decide on the best path forward, whether that includes therapy, medication management, parent guidance, school supports, or referral to a specialist who can best meet your child’s needs.

What is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Evaluation?

A child and adolescent psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a psychiatrist with training in child and adolescent psychiatry. It brings together information from parents, the child, and when helpful, schools and other providers, to understand your child’s concerns, history, and current functioning. The evaluation provides diagnostic clarity where possible and serves as the foundation for a thoughtful, individualized treatment plan.

How the Evaluation Works

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, family history, and your goals. This also gives you space to share sensitive information privately.

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. For younger children, this often includes play and drawing alongside conversation.

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.

Between sessions, I’ll review any records you share and, with your permission, speak with outside providers involved in your child’s care, such as pediatricians, therapists, or school staff.

What to Bring

Helpful materials may include:

  • Recent report cards and teacher comments

  • Prior psychological, educational, or neuropsychological testing

  • Current or past IEP or 504 plans

  • Records from previous psychiatric or therapy treatment

  • A list of current medications and any past medication trials

  • Completed rating scales, which I may send to you and your child’s teachers before we meet

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything. We’ll work with what’s available.

Concerns Assessed

Child and adolescent psychiatric evaluations can help clarify and guide treatment for:

  • ADHD and attention difficulties

  • Anxiety, including social anxiety and separation anxiety

  • Depression and mood changes

  • OCD

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Emotional and behavioral regulation difficulties

  • School avoidance or declining school performance

  • Questions about autism or learning differences, including referral for specialized testing when needed

  • Second opinions on a current diagnosis or treatment plan

  • Medication reviews, including whether current medications are still needed

Why Choose Grove Street Psychiatry for Your Child’s Evaluation?

  • Thorough, unhurried, three-part assessment

  • Training in both child and adolescent and adult psychiatry

  • A family-centered approach that values parents as partners

  • Coordination with schools, pediatricians, and therapists

  • Clear explanation of findings and all treatment options

  • A warm, supportive, non-judgmental environment for your child

Schedule a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Evaluation in NYC

If you’re seeking a psychiatric evaluation for your child or teen in New York, or simply want a clearer understanding of what’s going on, Grove Street Psychiatry is here to help.

Contact our office below to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward understanding and supporting your child.

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