The services of a Board-certified child psychiatrist are available
for DFCS clients who have already begun work with a staff therapist. A
psychiatric evaluation can be sought to (1) further clarify the
diagnosis, (2) to determine the possible usefulness of medication, and
(3) determine the need for hospitalization or referral to a more
intensive program.
The psychiatrist is also available to consult with parents/families
and staff regarding the nature and effects of psychotropic medication,
possible interactions of other conditions (neurological, medical, etc.)
with psychological symptoms, and the resources available for more
intensive treatment (hospitalization, residential placement, day
programs, etc.).
When the psychiatrist determines medication would be helpful and the
family agrees to proceed, the psychiatrist can prescribe the appropriate
medication or work with the family physician to get it prescribed. If
DFCS' psychiatrist prescribes medication for a child, a monthly
monitoring session is required in which the psychiatrist will determine
if the medication is being helpful or whether there is a need to change
the medication regimen.
Psychiatric appointments are scheduled through one's family therapist,
and are not offered as the sole service for clients who are not being
seen in treatment at DFCS.