Psychiatry for Children

Compassionate and comprehensive pediatric psychiatric healthcare.

The Pediatric Psychiatry team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital uses a interdisciplinary and family-centered treatment approach for a variety of behavioral disorders and conditions.

teenage boy looking at sunset
teenage boy looking at sunset

Most children and adolescents pass through their different developmental stages without significant problems. However, for some young people, one or more phases of the transition to adulthood can be difficult, even painful. When this occurs, it can lead to behaviors that may disrupt or threaten the child’s and family’s stability, thus requiring the support of professionals. At times such as these, isn’t it good to know that the experts are close to home at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital offers comprehensive pediatric psychiatry services through collaborative care. Our unique therapeutic program reflects this philosophy by utilizing the team approach, involving professionals, child and family to resolve issues.

A confidential consultation with our professional staff of pediatric psychiatrists may be helpful if your child has experienced any of the following problems:

  • Divorce in the family
  • Depression
  • A sudden change in friends or activities
  • Family conflict and arguments
  • Childhood fears and anxiety
  • Low self-esteem or withdrawal from family and friends
  • Non-conforming gender
  • Sudden gain or loss in weight
  • Self-harm
  • Irritability and anger
  • Poor school performance or a sudden drop in grades

Your child may be admitted voluntarily requiring parent and child consent or involuntarily at the request of a healthcare professional or law enforcement officer (Baker Act). If admitted involuntarily the admission evaluation can take up to 72 hours by law. During this time you may be asked to sign voluntary admission forms.

Comprehensive Programs and Services

Evaluations and Treatments

Patients are assigned to either the children or adolescent behavior modification therapy. The emphasis is on providing positive reinforcement in the form of praise, group support and rewards for appropriate behaviors.

Conditions We Treat

The most frequent pediatric psychiatry diagnoses are mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and attention deficit disorders (ADD). We also offer treatment for a spectrum of disorders, including:

Admission and Visiting Hours

On admission you will meet the assigned nurse and behavioral health technician who will provide you with in-patient information, including guidelines and policies for the Hagerty Family Behavioral Health Unit.. You will be asked to provide information regarding your child and sign consent forms. A family therapy session will also be scheduled on admission.

Within 24 hours of admission the attending psychiatrist, psychiatric fellow/resident, nurse practitioner, and a therapist will evaluate your child and contact you.

 Hagerty Family Behavioral Health Unit Visitation Hours
Daily: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.


If you have special needs due to your work schedule, please inform your case coordinator or charge nurse so we may best accommodate your request. Visitors are limited to two at a time. Visiting minors need to be escorted by an adult while in the Hagerty Family Behavioral Health Unit. All visits are supervised by staff members.

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Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is designed to provide intensive treatment for adolescents and their families in a least-restrictive environment. This program is ideal for adolescents transitioning from an inpatient unit or a partial hospitalization program (PHP). IOP is also recommended when traditional outpatient treatment alone is insufficient to improve the patient’s emotional status.

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featured patient photo.
featured patient photo.

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