A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in children and young people, from early childhood through to late adolescence. Their role is to support young people and their families through periods of emotional, behavioural and developmental difficulty, helping them achieve the best possible mental health, wellbeing and day-to-day functioning at home, school and in the wider community.
Access to a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist typically requires a referral from a GP. The GP plays an important role in assessing initial concerns, coordinating referrals, and supporting ongoing care in collaboration with the broader healthcare team.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. This includes close collaboration with general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, paediatricians, school counsellors and other allied health professionals involved in a young person’s care. This coordinated approach helps ensure that care is comprehensive, well-integrated and tailored to the individual needs of each child and family.
As medical doctors with specialist training in mental health, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists bring a medical and developmental perspective to assessment and treatment. They are skilled in evaluating complex presentations, considering biological, psychological and social factors, and determining when medication may be helpful alongside psychological therapies, family-based interventions and practical supports. They also assist with diagnostic clarification where symptoms overlap across conditions, and support families to better understand what is happening, what treatment options are available, and what to expect over time.
