Pediatric Psychiatry

Pediatric Psychiatry at Golisano Children's Hospital

At Golisano Children's Hospital at University of Vermont Health, we believe that emotional and mental health are the foundation of all health. This is especially true for our youngest patients as they grow and develop. Our compassionate staff offers child and adolescent psychiatry evaluation and treatment using a team approach, placing the family at the center.

As a health system anchored by an academic medical center, we are at the forefront of advancements in child and adolescent psychiatry. Our researchers are internationally known for progressing mental health care for children and teens.

A pediatric patient plays in sand with a medical provider.

Why Choose Golisano Children's Hospital?

As one of the leading mental health providers in the region, we offer:

Vermont Family Based Approach: This innovative, nationally recognized mental health model places families at the center of children’s wellness. Families receive comprehensive support from a team of focused family coaches (therapists), psychiatrists, primary care providers and community partners.
Caring, skilled team of professionals: As a health system anchored by an academic medical center, many of our clinicians are experts in proven therapies and active researchers training the next generation of experts.
Prenatal wellness: Research shows that when pregnant people and their partners feel supported, their babies experience excellent health outcomes. We collaborate with our obstetrics colleagues to educate families about mindfulness, nutrition, healthy relationships and positive parenting. We also coordinate community resources to support parents’ wellness efforts.

Pediatric Psychiatry Services

We serve children and teens with every type of behavioral, developmental and emotional challenge. Depending on your child’s needs, they may receive care in the hospital (inpatient), a clinic (outpatient) or at home through telehealth. Our child psychiatrists may treat your child’s condition with psychotherapy (talk therapy) alone or in combination with medication.

Inpatient Care for Acute Mental Health Crises

We currently offer hospitalization at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for children and teens who are experiencing an emotional crisis that impacts their safety or the safety of others. Our professionals assess and stabilize patients aged 6-18 with psychiatric conditions such as:

Anxiety
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and major depression
Oppositional defiant disorder
Schizophrenia
Substance use disorder
Trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Support During Hospitalization

When kids are hospitalized for a physical condition, they might need emotional support, too. A pediatric psychiatrist, psychologist or clinician may be part of your child’s care team for medical conditions requiring hospitalization, including:

Cancer
Chronic pain
Trauma from illness or injury, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury

Outpatient Emotional and Mental Health Care

Children and families can access compassionate assessment and treatment in clinics located throughout Vermont and northern New York. We also offer follow-up care through our online telehealth portal. Our skilled clinicians provide care and support for:

ADHD
Anxiety
Developmental challenges
Eating disorders
Gender-related concerns, such as gender dysphoria
Mood disorders
Sleep problems
Substance abuse
Trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What to Expect From Pediatric Psychiatry

As a parent, your primary concern is your child’s health and well-being. That’s our primary concern, too.

When you arrive at a UVM Health location, we ask the right questions to understand your child’s situation. Then we customize your child’s emotional and behavioral health care according to their needs and the needs of your family.

Your child’s wellness is a collaboration between you, your child and your child’s care team. Together we plan a course for treatment, which may include therapy with or without medication.

Vermont Family Based Approach

The Vermont Family Based Approach (VFBA) is an innovative health care program that places families at the center of children’s emotional, mental and overall health. Health systems nationwide use VBFA, developed by University of Vermont physician-scientists, to promote health and well-being in their communities.

VFBA provides families with resources and coaches to help them develop skills and strategies that:

Build healthy brains with exercise, mindfulness, proper nutrition and interests such as music, arts and sports
Prevent emotional and behavioral problems
Quickly identify emotional and behavioral challenges for early intervention

Innovation & Impact

The Vermont Family Based Approach

A clinical and public health approach that applies evidence-based strategies for health promotion, prevention and intervention from the family perspective.