General Psychiatry Services for Children and Adolescents

At Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP), we understand that children and teenagers have unique mental health needs. Our general psychiatry services for children and adolescents in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) areas provide compassionate, comprehensive care for young people under the age of 18. Based on your child’s needs, your clinician will recommend whether in-person or virtual psychiatric appointments are the best option, ensuring flexible and accessible care for families across the DMV area.

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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.

Conditions We Treat for Children & Adolescents

We offer expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions affecting those under the age of 18, including:
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Our Approach to Pediatric Psychiatric Care

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 WIP, we emphasize a child-centered, family-inclusive care model to ensure our clinicians create the most effective mental health treatment and therapy plan. 

Comprehensive Evaluation

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.

Child-Centered Care

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.

Developmentally Appropriate Communication

Our Child and Adolescent psychiatrists are trained to ask questions that elicit meaningful responses from children without causing confusion or distress.

Family Involvement

We believe in collaborative care. Parents and guardians are integral to the diagnostic and treatment process, and we provide extensive education and resources to support you. Schools can also be involved per guardian discretion.

Cautious Medication Management

When medications are considered, we proceed carefully, ensuring buy-in from both parents/guardians and the child. We understand the unique ways medications affect children and adolescents, and we adjust dosages gradually, always monitoring for effectiveness and side effects.

Ongoing Support

We schedule frequent follow-ups and provide direct contact information to ensure you have the support you need throughout your child’s treatment journey.

Your Child's Mental Health Journey: A Guided First Visit with WIP

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.

Here’s what you all can expect to experience:

1

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.

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Child Interview: Using age-appropriate techniques, we’ll talk with your child about their interests, strengths, challenges, and social relationships.

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Collaborative Diagnosis: If a diagnosis is made, we do so together, ensuring everyone understands and agrees with the assessment.

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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

At WIP, we’re committed to providing the highest-quality general psychiatric services for children and adolescents. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and begin your family’s journey toward improved mental well-being.

We can provide convenient access to in-person and virtual pediatric treatments and therapies for residents throughout the entire DMV area. Our D.C.-Office address is at 4325 49th Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20016.