CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
TRAINING
You may be surprised to know that not all psychiatrists who see children/teens are trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. There are only 8,400 practicing Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists in the U.S. To become a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist requires 4 years of Medical School, and at least 5 additional years of additional training in psychiatry including a Residency in Adult Psychiatry and a Fellowship training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I successfully completed all required training (see education).
BOARD CERTIFICATION
Not all Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists are board certified. Board Certification requires that all training is completed at accredited programs, passing a specialty exam, yearly continuing medical education, and periodic re-examination. I am dual boarded, which means I have my board certification for both general (adult) psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. To verify board certification, you can visit the following website: https://application.abpn.com/verifycert/verifyCert.asp
PSYCHIATRY VS PSYCHOLOGY
The difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist confuses many. Both professionals have important skills in mental health treatment. A psychologist is trained in psychotherapy, and many times holds either a PhD or PsyD degree. In the state of Michigan, psychologists are not able to recommend or prescribe medications. A psychiatrist (like myself) is trained in general medicine before getting speciality training in psychiatry, which includes the needed training to prescribe medication as well as provide psychotherapy.
THE PRIVATE PRACTICE ADVANTAGE
-
More time. I make decisions about the care provided rather than this being dictated by insurance companies. I am able to set an appointment length that best meets the needs for your care, which is often more than provided by other psychiatrists.
-
Never overbooked. I reserve your appointment only for you.
-
Highest level of confidentiality. I have no office staff or assistant medical staff, and do not take insurance, therefore, I am the only person who knows you’ve seen me, unless you’ve asked, and given permission, for me to collaborate with others on your treatment.
-
Direct Contact. I am the only person my patients see and communicate with. Your appointment is with me and me alone, I develop your treatment plan and I’m the one you talk to in person, on the phone, or via secure messaging (patient portal)
-
Availability. As a private practice psychiatrist, I get to control how many patients I am seeing. This allows me to monitor the volume of my caseload in order to provide the right access for ongoing care for my established patients. Never will there be a time when I am so full that I can't see someone back for months.