Child & Adolescent Services
We Can Help
Mental health problems are painful and the consequences are serious. Emotional, behavioral, or substance abuse problems can lead to school failure, family conflict, violence, legal difficulties, and even suicide.
Dartmouth's physicians have been recognized for their specialization and expertise. As educators and researchers, our clinical staff is knowledgeable in the latest advances in child and adolescent psychiatry. Through teaching and research, we are involved in the development of new treatments.
What are the Warning Signs?
When signs of trouble emerge, seek help early. This increases a child's chances for a safe and effective recovery. The behaviors below may indicate that your child is having difficulty:
- Sad, withdrawn, hopeless mood
- Anxious, worried, fearful behavior
- Inability to concentrate, or sit still, or focus attention
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Thoughts that race too fast to follow
- Hearing voices than cannot be explained
- Constant concern about physical problems, appearance, or weight
- Use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Loss of enjoyment in favorite activities or hobbies
- Difficulties with grades, attendance, or behavior at school
- Injuring self by hitting, banging, or cutting
If some of the above signs and symptoms persist for a period of weeks or months, contact the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry section at Dartmouth.
Whether Complicated or Simple
Mental health problems can occur at the same time as medical, developmental, or learning problems. It is not uncommon for children with a diagnosed mental health problem to actually have more than one condition. Changes in mood or behavior can also be connected to life events such as divorce, death, trauma, or abuse.
That is why the first step in treatment is a comprehensive evaluation. Afterwards, our specialists prepare a treatment plan tailored to each child and family. A treatment plan may prescribe one or more of the following interventions:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Behavior management
- Anger management
- Medication
- Divorce and blended family therapy
- Group therapy
- Parent effectiveness training
A Team of Child Specialists
Many of our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry staff members have advanced knowledge, skills and training in specific areas, such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, trauma and sexual abuse, the effects of divorce on children and families, developmental disabilities, and autism. As a result, we are uniquely equipped to handle medically complex situations.
There is Hope
Our goal is to relieve pain and restore health. We try to reduce conflict in families by helping members develop new ways of dealing with recurring problems. With new skills and techniques, individuals can learn to manage difficult feelings and disrupt destructive behaviors. By building on the strengths and successes of each family, we help people work toward positive growth, change, and renewal.
For Your Convenience
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Psychiatric Associates accepts a wide range of health plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Although our main office is located in Lebanon, New Hampshire at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, our specialists travel throughout the region to see patients at the offices of our many affiliates.
The Clinic is the main point of entry into Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. The Clinic is staffed by faculty psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and child psychiatry fellows supervised by attending child psychiatrists.
Currently, our Child Psychiatry program is only accepting referrals from physicians at DHMC and Dartmouth College. We unfortunately are unable to provide services to a wider region at this time. We are taking measures to increase our capacity and hope the present situation is only temporary.
In the meantime, we recommend the following alternatives:
- Contact your local community mental health center
- Request a more local referral from your primary care physician
- Ask your managed care provider for a list of providers closer to you
- Contact us for referrals closer to you
A staff member is always available in the event of an emergency; call (800) 556-6249 any time of day when a crisis occurs. We can provide consultation and, if necessary, arrange for a secure, clinically supervised environment for stabilization and treatment.
Advancing Care Through Research
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is committed to advancing our knowledge about psychiatric conditions affecting children and adolescents. We are actively engaged in a variety of research projects aimed at developing and testing the effectiveness of new treatments for such disorders as depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and autism.