The best way to get a detailed estimate of your cost is to contact your insurance company directly, since your cost will depend on the details of your coverage.
For some, it’s just a copay. If you have an unmet deductible, it could be more.
Call the number on your insurance card and ask about your plan’s coverage for outpatient psychiatric services.
If your child is struggling with mental health challenges, seeing a psychiatrist is a positive step. Psychiatric treatment is very effective with children and adolescents at reducing problems at home, in school, and in relationships. The earlier your child receives help, the sooner you’ll see improvements and the less likely your child will be to develop other mental health conditions down the road. It’s never too late, and it’s never too early to get help.
Every child is different, and there are no set “rules” for when an evaluation by a psychiatrist is appropriate. There are some general signs and symptoms that might indicate your child could benefit from professional support. These include:
If you’re unsure what your child needs, our psychiatrists can help you figure it out.
Part of the job of our highly trained child and adolescent psychiatrists is to evaluate whether children need professional psychiatric care, or whether another type of care—like play therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy—would be more appropriate.
Taking this critical first step and booking an appointment with a psychiatrist or another mental health care professional does not necessarily mean your child has a mental health condition or needs medication; rather, it’s a way to ensure they get exactly the right care—whatever that may be.
One main difference between child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry is the role you, as the parent or guardian, will play in your child’s care.
As a parent or guardian, you will be present during your child’s first appointment and must be available for all follow-up appointments. If your child’s psychiatrist recommends medication, both you and your child will provide consent to the treatment plan.
Your child’s psychiatrist may also recommend involving members of their care team or other medical providers in their treatment, including their pediatrician, school psychiatrist, and/or any other therapists they may be working with.
Many parents worry about this, especially if your child struggles in formal or structured settings. Rest assured that your child’s psychiatrist is specially trained to work with children with a range of behavioral and mental health challenges. You may find that sessions with your child’s psychiatrist feel more informal and relaxed than other medical appointments you’ve brought your child to. This is intentional; a way to make your child feel comfortable and at ease.