Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
What a harsh time to be growing up. In my thirty-five years of practice, I have never seen so much psychiatric illness in our children and teenagers. I see kids that feel all alone, scared or anxious, bored, depressed, irritable or angry. Problems sleeping, concentrating or regulating emotions are common. Kids often report, “itʼs like a switch in my brain just turns on or off on itʼs own when I lose it.” Teens frequently abuse drugs or alcohol to avoid unpleasant feelings. Suicidality and high risk behaviors are other ways of escaping from emotional pain. Even young children may suffer psychiatric symptoms like separation anxiety, hyperactivity, phobias, tics, moodiness and meltdowns. Learning disorders are typical.
It is a blessing to treat children and adolescents. Once they get better they are free to move through their lives building on their strengths. Emotionally healthy kids succeed in becoming more empathic while feeling enhanced self-esteem. Thus, early intervention is the most effective model of treatment. Then, when our kids have their own families, they will parent their children in a way that breaks the cycle that made a part of their lives so painful, overwhelming and frustrating.
My treatment techniques utilize both psychotherapy and medications. Family and individual therapy, support and education are all synergistic. Although I maintain a general practice in both adult and child psychiatry, my areas of specialization include treatment of mood disorders, Aspergerʼs syndrome and child custody or visitation. My practice is by intention small. My full-time office administrator is as kind as she is insightful and professional. With all of the hurdles of insurance and managed care, Irene is a godsend. Itʼs not uncommon for patientʼs to write a thank you note addressed to both myself and Irene.
If you have a child or adolescent in need of psychiatric care, please call the office closest to you.
Skaneateles: 315-685-0280
Ithaca: 607-257-5925