FAQ

Pediatric psychiatry focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Our specialists provide evaluations, therapy, and medication management to support your child’s mental health and overall well-being.

We provide care for children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 21 years old.

No, a referral is not always required. However, some insurance providers may require one. We recommend checking with your insurance company for specific requirements.

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office or submitting a request through our website. Our team will assist you in finding a convenient time for your visit. www.twinklepedspsych.com

Please bring the following:

• A list of current medications
• Any previous psychological evaluations or school reports
• Your child’s medical history
• Insurance information
• Any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss

Initial psychiatric evaluations typically last 60-90 minutes. Follow-up appointments range from 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of visit.

Our provider will assess your child’s medical and mental health history, review current concerns, and discuss symptoms. This may include structured interviews, standardized assessments, and observations. A diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed based on the evaluation.

Yes, we offer telehealth appointments for certain services, including follow-ups and medication management. Initial evaluations may require in-person visits.

If your child is in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support.

Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule or cancel an appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee.

We treat a variety of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Aggressive and disruptive behaviors
• Eating disorders
• Sleep disorders
• School-related stress and social difficulties

Signs that your child may need psychiatric care include:

• Persistent sadness or mood swings
• Frequent anxiety or excessive worry
• Difficulty focusing or hyperactivity
• Social withdrawal or trouble making friends
• Declining school performance
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Aggressive or destructive behaviors

If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking an evaluation can help determine the best course of action.

Common signs of anxiety include excessive worry, restlessness, stomachaches, difficulty sleeping, and avoidance of social situations. Depression may present as sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and changes in eating or sleeping habits.

ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation, including clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, and behavioral observations. Treatment may include behavioral therapy, school interventions, and medication if necessary.

ASD symptoms include difficulties with social interactions, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Yes, we offer comprehensive autism evaluations, including ADOS-2 assessments.

We provide various therapy options, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Play therapy
• Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
• Family therapy
• Trauma-focused therapy

If medication is recommended, our provider will discuss the benefits, potential side effects, and alternatives. We monitor progress closely and adjust medications as needed.

Not necessarily. Medication is only recommended when clinically appropriate. We explore therapy and behavioral interventions before considering medication.

It’s common for children to be hesitant at first. Our therapists use child-friendly approaches to engage them in a comfortable and supportive environment. Parental involvement can also help ease the transition.

The length of treatment varies based on the condition and individual needs. Some children benefit from short-term therapy, while others may require ongoing support.

If you’re not seeing progress, please discuss your concerns with our provider. We may adjust the treatment plan or explore alternative approaches.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Medicaid is still pending.

We offer private pay options and can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement if applicable.

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for families who need assistance. Please ask our billing department for details.

We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Missed appointments or late cancellations may incur a fee.

Yes, we offer comprehensive psychological assessments for ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and learning difficulties.

Yes, our psychiatric providers can prescribe and manage medications for these conditions if needed.

Yes, we can collaborate with schools, pediatricians, and therapists to ensure coordinated care.

You can request records by contacting our office. A signed release form may be required.

Yes, we provide resources, workshops, and support groups to help parents navigate their child’s mental health needs.

Seek immediate help by calling 911, taking your child to the nearest emergency room, or contacting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.