Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

  • Mental health services Atlanta

What Does A Child and Teen Psychiatrist Do?

Are you feeling worried or uncertain about your child’s emotional or behavioral well-being? It’s natural to feel this way when you have concerns about how your child is feeling or acting. Fortunately, at Winston Psychiatry, our psychiatrists specializing in children and teens are here to help.

Our child psychiatrists provide expert care to kids and adolescents. They are fully trained medical professionals with the ability to diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medication when needed.

While mental health issues are often associated with adults, they can affect individuals of any age, and they may show up differently in children and teens. Because of the unique stages of development in younger individuals, our child and teen psychiatrists are experts in recognizing how distress manifests in children and teens, enabling them to provide effective treatment tailored to each age group.

How Can I Tell if My Child Needs a Psychiatrist?

Children and teens often don’t have the same level of communication skills as adults, which can make it harder for them to express how they’re feeling. However, parents are usually the first to notice when something seems “off” with their child. If you’ve observed any of the following symptoms, a child psychiatrist at Winston Psychiatry in Georgia might be able to help:

  • Excessive sadness or tearfulness
  • Frequent angry outbursts
  • Drastic mood swings
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Alcohol, drug, or substance abuse
  • Speech or language delays
  • Developmental delays
  • Excessive grief or difficulty coping with loss
  • Refusing to eat or not eating enough
  • A loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • Attention deficits (such as symptoms of ADHD)
  • Acting out or disruptive behavior

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child, reaching out to a child psychiatrist can be an important step toward supporting their mental health.

What Conditions Can a Child and Teen Psychiatrist Treat?

Our child and teen psychiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions. After a thorough evaluation, they’ll create a customized treatment plan, which may include medications, therapy, or a combination of both.

Conditions we treat include:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • ADHD
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Insomnia
  • Mood disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Stress management

What Medications Do Child and Teen Psychiatrists Use?

Before prescribing any medication, our psychiatrists conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Based on your child’s needs, treatment may include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Mood stabilizers
  • Stimulants or other ADHD medications

If your child already has a prescription but needs a doctor to renew it, we can assist with that as well.

Do I Need a Therapist or a Psychiatrist?

  • Therapists: Focus on behavioral and emotional challenges, often using talk therapy to help children develop coping mechanisms. For younger kids, play therapy is commonly used to encourage self-expression.
  • Psychiatrists: Address mental health from a medical perspective, often prescribing medications to manage neurochemical imbalances contributing to conditions like anxiety or depression.

Sometimes, combining therapy and medication provides the most effective treatment. Medications can help stabilize brain function, making it easier for children to engage and benefit from therapy.

Not Sure What You Need? We’re Here to Help!

If you’re unsure whether your child needs therapy, medication, or both, Winston Psychiatry can guide you.

How Do I Find a Psychiatrist for My Child or Teen?

Finding the right psychiatrist for your child can feel overwhelming. At Winston Psychiatry in Dunwoody, Georgia, we simplify the process. After discussing your child’s symptoms and concerns, we’ll connect you with a psychiatrist best suited to their needs. Even better, our process is quick—no long waitlists.

Contact Us Today and Start Feeling Better
Winston Psychiatry is here to support families in Dunwoody and surrounding areas. Reach out to us today to get the help your child or teen needs.

Our Clients

Dr. Winston is always great about listening to me and what is going on in my life. I have been going to him for over 6 years and I will continue to go to him. His staff is also great to work with. I highly recommend this group.

Dr. Winston was very pleasant to talk to. He is very personable and actually cares about what’s going on with you rather than just pushing pills. He takes a holistic approach to treating depression and I feel confident he knows what he is talking about.

I have been going to Dr. Winston for many years. I have found him to be extremely compassionate with a real desire to help me. He is always willing to take the time to talk with not only me but my husband about my mental health. I am grateful for his sincere desire to help with my mental health.

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Locations

Winston Psychiatry offers two Atlanta locations to serve you.

Northern Atlanta:
Dunwoody, Georgia
4546 Barclay Dr
Dunwoody, 30338

Phone: (770) 457-7994
Fax: (770) 458-8656

Northwest Atlanta:
Marietta, Georgia
108 Margaret Ave
Marietta, GA 30060

Phone: (770) 457-7994
Fax: 770-458-8656

    Please contact our office by telephone if you prefer NOT to share Personal Health Information using non-secure methods.

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