compassionate nurse comforting young girl

Pediatric Psychiatry

Our experienced pediatric psychiatrists provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for children and teens with emotional, behavioral and developmental disorders.

Our services cover everything from young children who refuse to go to school due to separation anxiety to substance abuse, eating disorders and self-harm in teens.

Caring for Children With Mental Health Problems

As one of the few hospitals in Virginia to offer outpatient services in pediatric psychiatry, we care for children and families affected by a wide range of mental health problems.

Family-Centered Care in a Clinic Setting

Our team of experienced specialists provide individual, family and group therapy services at our Child and Family Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic. We use the latest techniques and strategies in behavioral science, including:

  • Play therapy 
  • Behavioral management
  • Parent training
  • Medication
  • Neuropsychological testing
  • Psychotherapy

Virtual Care: Expertise That Extends Central Virginia

Our child and adolescent telepsychiatry service provides comprehensive child psychiatric care — including 24/7 emergency on-call services — to patients in regions with limited access to quality mental health services. Our clinicians evaluate and treat patients who live miles away using a television screen or computer monitor.

Learn how to request a virtual visit for your child.

In-Hospital Consultations

Our clinicians provide child psychiatric consultations to the UVA Medical Center’s pediatric units, offering diagnosis and treatment for children and families affected by a variety of mental health concerns, from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder to depression, anxiety or behavioral problems.

Active Learning & Research

As our patient, your child may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials that test the effectiveness of new drugs. This gives your child access to the latest treatments available.