At W.I.P., we understand that children and teenagers have unique mental health needs. Our specialized services provide compassionate, comprehensive care for young people under the age of 18 in Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area.
Our distinguished team of Child and Adolescent psychiatrists brings years of specialized training and experience to your child’s care. With additional fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry, our clinicians are uniquely equipped to address the complex mental health needs of young people.
Our Approach: Tailored Care for Young Minds
Child and adolescent psychiatric intake interviews are particularly special—one must have clinical training to conduct them. The difference between adults is that you’re not just interviewing the child. At W.I.P., our approach is carefully adapted to meet the unique needs of younger patients.
Our initial psychiatric interviews are thorough, lasting 90-120 minutes. We gather information from multiple sources, including parents, schools, and guidance counselors, to get a complete picture of your child’s needs.
We prioritize your child’s comfort and agency. Children are given the choice of speaking with us before or after their parents, and we use age-appropriate techniques to engage them in the process.
Our clinicians are trained to ask questions that elicit meaningful responses from children without causing confusion or distress.
We schedule frequent follow-ups and provide direct contact information to ensure you have the support you need throughout your child’s treatment journey.
We understand that a child’s first psychiatric visit can feel intimidating for both parents and young patients. That’s why we’ve designed our initial evaluation to be thorough, comfortable, and engaging for the whole family. Our child-friendly approach turns what could be a stressful experience into an opportunity for understanding and growth.
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Gathering Basic Information: We’ll collect demographic information and learn about your child’s family structure, educational status, and any special educational needs.
2
Developmental History: We’ll discuss your child’s developmental milestones, medical history, family history, and educational background.
3
Child Interview: Using age-appropriate techniques, we’ll talk with your child about their interests, strengths, challenges, and social relationships.
4
Collaborative Diagnosis: If a diagnosis is made, we do so together, ensuring everyone understands and agrees with the assessment.
5
Treatment Planning: We’ll discuss potential treatment options, including therapy and, if necessary, medication. We always proceed cautiously with medication, especially for younger patients.
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Education and Resources: We’ll provide you with educational materials and resources from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry to help you understand your child’s condition and treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Your Child’s Mental Health
