Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric psychiatry is medical care focused on the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children and teens. It includes diagnosis, medication management when appropriate, and coordination with therapists, schools, and pediatricians.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. A therapist provides talk-based treatment like CBT. Many families work with both — a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication, a therapist for ongoing skills and support.

Not necessarily. Medication is one option among several, and it's never decided on the first visit. We'll walk through what we're seeing, what the options are, and make a decision together.

ADHD, anxiety and OCD, depression and DMDD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, trauma-related disorders, sleep disorders, tic disorders, and eating disorders.

A 60-minute session covering history, school, home life, and what's brought you in. You'll leave knowing what we think is going on and what the options are — medication or not.

If a teacher, pediatrician, or your own instincts have flagged that something's off, and it's been going on for a while or is affecting daily life, that's usually reason enough for a consultation. You don't need a diagnosis in hand to reach out.

Yes. For younger children, parents are typically present for most or all of the visit. For teens, we usually spend part of the session one-on-one, with time set aside to loop parents back in.

It depends on the child and the condition. Some families check in for a few months, others for longer-term management. We reassess regularly rather than committing to a fixed timeline upfront.

Yes, we accept major Idaho insurance plans. Private pay is also available for all services.

Yes. We offer both in-person and virtual visits — whichever fits your family better, and you can switch between the two as needed.