Psychiatric Evaluations
For Children & Adolescents
Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 6 children in the United States between ages 2 and 8 years has been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Additionally, an analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2019 found that 1 in 6 youth in the U.S. between ages 6 and 17 has a treatable mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD. What is most alarming is that the analysis also found that approximately half of these youth had not received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional within the past year.
The Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive and thorough process that serves as a gateway for children and adolescents to receive the mental health services they need. At North Star Psychiatry, Dr. Rogers typically spends between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete a child and adolescent evaluation. Usually, he will spend the first 30 to 45 minutes of the appointment talking with parents to collect background information and obtain a summary of current concerns. He will then meet with the patient, usually alone, to complete a diagnostic interview and assessment. Finally, he will spend the remaining 20 to 30 minutes of the appointment meeting with the patient and his or her parents. He will review his findings, provide education about the diagnoses and treatment options, and work collaboratively with the family to create a treatment plan.
