Psychiatry Program
Outpatient psychiatry clinic
Our child psychiatrists are experts in finding the right balance of medications, therapy, support, healthy habits and programs tailored to your child’s needs. Our outpatient psychiatry team works closely with children and families to understand and manage symptoms in a way that supports each child’s full potential.
24/7 access to referrals, consults and admissions. Learn more.
Intended only for health care providers. Patients, please contact your doctor directly.
Our whole‑care approach for your child’s mental needs
We look at the whole child to understand what they need to feel and do better. Our team uses this information to guide your child’s care every step of the way.
Psychiatric evaluation: Before your child’s first visit, our intake specialist gathers important information by phone. This helps the child’s psychiatrist prepare. The first appointment is usually a 90‑minute visit, giving plenty of time to learn about your child and begin a care plan that fits their needs.
Medication management: Follow-up visits are usually about 30 minutes, though some may be longer depending on your child’s needs. Most children are seen every 1 to 6 months, based on how they are doing and if any changes are needed.
Why choose our psychiatry services
Part of a fully connected health system: As part of the Children’s Minnesota health system, we coordinate closely with your child’s full care team. When your child sees multiple specialists, we communicate across services to support safe, seamless care. This includes close connections with psychology, neuropsychology, integrated behavioral health, bridging clinic, eating disorders care, partial hospitalization and inpatient programs – in addition to seamless collaboration with primary care providers and subspecialists within Children’s Minnesota.
Flexible care options: We provide both in-person and telehealth visits. For telehealth, our providers are licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Expertise for complex needs: We have psychiatrists with a variety of backgrounds. Some specialize in parent-child interaction therapy, while others are also trained as pediatricians—giving them unique expertise in caring for children with medical complexity and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Whole‑child mental health integration: Mental health impacts how children heal, grow, and thrive. We work across clinics—including primary care, gender health, and specialty services, to support emotional well‑being as part of your child’s overall health.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about our psychiatry program
What is a pediatric psychiatrist?
A pediatric psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completes additional training to specialize in mental health care for children and teens. They are trained in adult psychiatry, then pursue extra education focused on child development, family systems and the unique ways mental health conditions appear in kids and adolescents.
What is parent-child interaction therapy?
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children with challenging or disruptive behaviors. In PCIT, caregivers learn skills to strengthen positive connections with their child and reduce behaviors such as aggression or frequent tantrums. At Children’s Minnesota, PCIT is offered by psychologists and one of our child psychiatrists.
Who should be seen in the psychiatry program?
Children are typically referred to child psychiatry when they need more specialized support than what primary care offers. This may include diagnostic clarification, guidance on medications, or help manage complex behavioral symptoms. While medication may be part of treatment, our visits focus on the whole child—not just prescriptions.
Do I need a referral to be seen in the psychiatry program?
Yes. We currently accept internal referrals for children who already receive ongoing care within Children’s Minnesota. Referral availability may change based on capacity.
Are services and evaluations covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Families should check directly with their insurance provider or contact our intake specialist for help understanding benefits and any out-of-pocket costs.
How long do the visits and evaluations take?
Visit length depends on your child’s needs. New evaluations typically take longer – about 90 minutes – to allow time for a thorough review.
Follow-up visits are generally shorter – about 30 minutes. Your care team will explain what to expect before your first appointment.
How often will our child need follow-up visits with the care team?
Follow-up frequency depends on your child’s treatment plan. Some children are seen more often during the beginning of care or when starting a new medication. Others may move to less frequent visits over time. Your provider will work with you to create a schedule that supports your child’s needs.
