The Psychiatric Evaluation: Finding a Doctor for Your Bipolar Child

Perhaps you're at the point where you've decided that you'd like to have a psychiatrist evaluate your child for a possible mood disorder. Maybe she's having trouble in school, sleep problems, bouts of sadness, or any number of other symptoms. Your first question will likely be: "How do I find a good psychiatrist?" It may take some time and sleuthing to locate a board-certified child psychiatrist. In many states where child psychiatrists are rare, adult psychiatrists, pediatricians, family practice physicians, psychologists, and social workers do most preliminary psychological assessments of children. But if you have a child under the age of twelve and if it's possible in your area, do try to find a child psychiatrist to conduct the evaluation. Your child is not a miniature adult, after all, and it's imperative to solicit the help of a doctor who is accustomed to working with children. Ideally, you will find a physician who also has working relationships with local therapists, support groups, and schools and one who is familiar with psychiatric medications and their use in children (should that become necessary).

Though the undertaking may seem overwhelming at first, a number of individuals and resources are available to guide you on your way. You might seek advice from the following:

• Your pediatrician
• A school counselor
• Friends whose children have been in treatment
• Other health professionals
• The American Psychiatric Association (your state branch)
• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (your state branch)
• Local branches of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD)
• County mental health organizations
• Local support groups for families of children with Bipolar Disorder
• The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF)

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