Adolescent and pediatric psychiatry deals with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in children and adolescents. A psychiatrist diagnoses and treats those with mental and emotional disorders such as behavioral disorders, child abuse, trauma, disaster and medication issues. After assessment, the psychiatrist can diagnose, treat and manage an illness or problem by medication or psychotherapy.

A adolescent & pediatric psychiatrist is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe medications, evaluate and treat psychological and interpersonal problems, and to intervene with families who are coping with stress, crises and other problems.