Expert Mental Health Care for Children and Teens in Houston If you're searching for a pediatric psychiatrist in Houston, you're likely looking for someone who can help your child feel better, think more clearly, and thrive emotionally. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, attention problems, or mood changes, it’s important to know that help is available and effective.
A pediatric psychiatrist (also called a child psychiatrist or child & adolescent psychiatrist) is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in young people, typically between the ages of 3 and 17.
Pediatric psychiatrists understand how the brain develops and how mental health issues can look different in children and teens than in adults. They are specially trained to work with kids, parents, and schools to create treatment plans that are safe, effective, and age-appropriate.
Is a Pediatric Psychiatrist the Same as a Child Psychiatrist? Yes. The terms pediatric psychiatrist, child psychiatrist, and child & adolescent psychiatrist all refer to the same type of specialist. They are board-certified medical doctors who have completed advanced training in mental health care for children and teens.
At Your Family Psychiatrist in Houston, our team includes certified pediatric psychiatrists with the expertise to help children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Whether your child is a preschooler, pre-teen, or high school student, we offer personalized psychiatric care that’s designed to meet their unique needs.
What Conditions Does a Pediatric Psychiatrist Treat?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance after a trauma or abuse
Bipolar Disorder - Periods of extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression)
Sleep and Behavioral Problems - Difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, aggression, or tantrums
These conditions are treatable, and early intervention can lead to long-term improvement in school, relationships, and daily functioning.
Pediatric Mental Health: Important Facts Every Parent Should Know
1 in 5 children in the U.S. has a diagnosable mental health condition.
About 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14.
Only about half of children who need mental health treatment receive it.
Depression and anxiety have increased significantly in teens over the past decade, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children with untreated mental health conditions are more likely to struggle academically, socially, and are at higher risk for substance use and self-harm later in life.
Early diagnosis and treatment by a qualified pediatric psychiatrist in Houston can change a child’s life and a family’s future.
How Does a Pediatric Psychiatrist Help? A pediatric psychiatrist performs a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand your child’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns. This may include:
Interviews with the child and parents
Questionnaires or screening tools
Coordination with schools, therapists, or pediatricians (with your permission)
Review of developmental history and family mental health history
After the evaluation, the psychiatrist creates a personalized treatment plan. This may include:
Talk therapy (psychotherapy)
Medication management, when appropriate
Behavioral strategies for home and school
Parent coaching to support consistency and structure
Follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed
Our goal is to help your child feel understood, supported, and equipped to succeed into adulthood.
What Training Does a Pediatric Psychiatrist Have? Becoming a pediatric psychiatrist takes over a decade of education and training:
4 years of college
4 years of medical school
4 years of psychiatry residency
2 additional years of child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship
That’s a total of 14 years after high school.
During this time, pediatric psychiatrists learn how mental health disorders develop in children, how to treat them with both therapy and medication, and how to support families through the process. All pediatric psychiatrists are medical doctors, which means they can evaluate both emotional and physical health, prescribe medications, and provide therapy when appropriate.
If you’re in the Houston area and searching for trusted care, Your Family Psychiatrist is here to help. Our certified pediatric psychiatrists work with children as young as age 3, teens navigating the stress of growing up, and families trying to make sense of difficult behaviors.
We offer:
In-person and telepsychiatry appointments across Houston and Texas
Experienced care for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more
Personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s age and needs
Collaborative care with your child’s therapist, pediatrician, or school counselor
We believe early mental health support is one of the most important gifts you can give your child.
If you're ready to get help from a trusted pediatric psychiatrist in Houston, request your appointment online today. We're here to support your child and your family every step of the way.