Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (8+)

What is Child & Adolescent Psychiatry?

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry is a highly specialised branch of psychiatry focused on diagnosing, treating, and supporting the mental health of young people from infancy to adolescence. Unlike adult psychiatry, this field recognises the unique developmental, psychological, and emotional needs of minors, ensuring treatment approaches are tailored to their evolving stages of growth.

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How It Differs from Adult Psychiatry?

The role of a child & adolescent psychiatrist caring for children involves a distinct set of professional and ethical responsibilities. In Ireland, psychiatrists treating minors have a legal duty of care that demands the highest standards of medical assessment, cautious intervention, thorough background investigation and strict adherence to child protection laws. Investigative obligations require clinicians to carefully assess environmental, familial, and social factors obliging psychiatrists to correspond with earlier clinicians in their patients past healthcare. These legal requirements add time and cost at the beginning of the psychiatric process for minors when compared to adult or general psychiatry. 

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A child psychiatrist must also work collaboratively with parents, guardians, schools, and other professionals while always prioritising the child’s best interests. Every decision must be made with due diligence, informed consent, and in compliance with Ireland’s child safeguarding policies and mental health legislation.

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Key Aspects of C&A Psychiatry at BetterCare™

• Expert Training: Specialists in child & adolescent psychiatry, addressing medical, psychiatric, and developmental concerns.

• Case Review: Thorough pre-consultation review of documents, referrals, and reports to assess each case.

• Diagnosis & Assessment: Using clinical interviews, psychological assessments, and medical tests to diagnose conditions such as:

  • Anxiety Disorders (social anxiety, panic disorders, school refusal)

  • OCD (managing intrusive thoughts & compulsions)

  • ADHD (assessment, diagnosis & medication management)

  • ASD (support for neurodiverse needs & coexisting mental health issues)

  • Eating Disorders (early intervention & management)

  • Psychopharmacology (medication management when appropriate)

• Holistic Care: Collaborative approach with psychologists, therapists, and medical professionals to provide seamless, cost-effective treatment. Coordination with GPs and schools when needed.

• Research & Innovation: Ongoing study of mental health disorders and treatment advancements.

• Specialised Care: Experience in inpatient, outpatient, and remote consultations, including private practice and CAMHS settings.

• Non-Emergency Service: BetterCare™ psychiatrists provide outpatient remote care only, not emergency crisis intervention.

• Ethical & Evidence-Based Practice: Treatment decisions are guided by medical history and best practices, not patient requests alone.

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What We Treat

Our expert child & adolescent psychiatrists provide assessment and treatment for a range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD)

• Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

• Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, ARFID)

• Behavioural Issues (Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder)

• Psychotic Disorders (Early-Onset Schizophrenia, Delusional Disorders)

• Trauma & Stress-Related Conditions

• Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation

Our approach is holistic, evidence-based, and focused on early intervention to prevent long-term difficulties.

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Why Choose BetterCare™?

• Award-Winning Expertise – Our psychiatrists are leaders in the field, recognised for clinical excellence and innovation in child mental health care.

• Child-Centred & Family-Focused – We believe in working with families, ensuring parents and guardians are supported throughout the journey.

• Comprehensive, Multi-Disciplinary Care – We collaborate with psychologists, therapists, educators, and medical professionals to provide a well-rounded approach to treatment.

• Strict Compliance & Ethical Standards – We adhere to the highest legal and professional standards in Ireland, ensuring safe, ethical, and effective care.

• Remote & In-Person Options – Accessible care tailored to suit individual needs, whether in-person at select locations including Dublin or through secure online consultations.

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At BetterCare™ Mental Health Services, we believe that every child deserves the highest standard of care, delivered with expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their well-being.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, don’t wait—contact us today to arrange a consultation with our expert team or simply click the button below for booking information and to make an appointment.

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To view our general Child Safety Statement click here