Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician | Bradley Hospital
Source: http://www.bradleyhospital.org/parents-guide/pediatrician
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician | Bradley Hospital
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Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
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Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Your child’s pediatrician is often the first person you will call if you think your child has a mental health issue.
Your child’s pediatrician is the main medical doctor you take your child to for healthcare. Pediatricians help to ensure that your child is healthy by providing advice and care around growth and development, illnesses, immunizations, nutrition, injuries, and physical fitness. Pediatricians will also monitor your child’s behavior and emotions, including issues around their social and family life, schooling, and learning abilities.
The guide uses the term “pediatrician” to refer to a child’s primary healthcare provider. This is true for most children. However, for some children, their primary healthcare provider may be a family practice doctor. The information provided about pediatricians in this section and throughout the guide applies to family practice doctors as well.
Follow your instincts. If you know in your heart something is wrong, don’t take “he’ll be fine” from anyone. If you're not comfortable with a mental healthcare provider, diagnosis, or treatment, get second (or third or fourth . . .) opinion. Find someone who will listen to you.
The Role of Pediatricians in the Mental Healthcare System
This section outlines the role of pediatricians in the mental healthcare system, including how they evaluate your child’s mental health and what services they offer, and provides resources for helping you find a pediatrician. The section also explains the limitations of pediatricians when it comes to mental healthcare for your child and the importance of getting referrals to mental health specialists.
Types of Professionals
Your child’s pediatrician provides general medical care and focuses on your child’s overall health. There are also pediatricians who have additional training in child development called developmental behavioral pediatricians.
Other medical doctors for children are specialists. Specialists focus on certain areas of the body, such as the brain, hearing, speech, or digestive system. Pediatricians refer children to specialists if they have specific conditions that require more focused evaluations and treatments. For example, a pediatrician may refer a child to a gastroenterologist if he or she has a feeding problem.
Learn more about mental health specialists
Evaluations
Pediatricians use different methods to evaluate your child’s mental health. Your child’s pediatrician may ask you or your child questions about their behavior and emotions to ensure that your child is reaching typical development milestones and is in overall good health. Sometimes the pediatrician will ask about your child’s interactions with family and friends or your child’s behavior at school to find out if there are any warning signs of mental health issues. The pediatrician may use screening checklists or forms with questions. These tests help to suggest or rule out possible mental health issues. The pediatrician can rule out medical conditions that sometimes have similar symptoms to mental health issues. If the pediatrician believes your child may have a mental health issue, the pediatrician will refer you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation.
Learn more about mental health evaluations
Services Offered
Some pediatricians evaluate and diagnose mental illnesses and can prescribe medications to treat them. However, most pediatricians are not trained to be the primary source for your child’s mental healthcare. After initially screening your child, most pediatricians will refer you to mental health specialists or community programs for evaluation, diagnosis, support, and treatment.
Learn more about mental health specialists, community programs, and other parts of the mental healthcare system
How Pediatricians Work Within the Mental Healthcare System
Your child’s pediatrician plays an ongoing role in your child’s mental healthcare. They can work with your child’s mental health specialists, the school system, and community programs to ensure that your child’s care and environment support overall health. If your child’s mental health specialist prescribes medication, your child’s pediatrician can make sure it does not interact with other medications your child may take for physical conditions. Mental health issues can also affect a child’s physical health. For example, a child who is depressed or anxious may lose or gain weight, have physical symptoms (headaches or stomachaches), or be losing sleep. Pediatricians can monitor these risks and treat physical conditions if needed.
Limitations
Although some pediatricians are well trained in mental health issues, some are less familiar with mental health diagnoses or treatment. Some pediatricians may not have a wide range of knowledge about available mental health specialists or programs for referral. Also, pediatricians usually have limited time during yearly appointments to fully evaluate children’s mental health issues. Despite these limitations, a pediatrician is an important first point of contact with the mental healthcare system because of their familiarity with your child and your child’s overall medical care. However, because of these limitations, it is important for parents to get referrals for mental health evaluations and treatment.
To find a pediatrician or family practice doctor, visit:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Website:
https://www.aap.org
American Academy of Family Physicians
Website:
https://www.aafp.org/home.html
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
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Skip to main content
Search for Resources & Information
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
URL COPIED!
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Your child’s pediatrician is often the first person you will call if you think your child has a mental health issue.
Your child’s pediatrician is the main medical doctor you take your child to for healthcare. Pediatricians help to ensure that your child is healthy by providing advice and care around growth and development, illnesses, immunizations, nutrition, injuries, and physical fitness. Pediatricians will also monitor your child’s behavior and emotions, including issues around their social and family life, schooling, and learning abilities.
The guide uses the term “pediatrician” to refer to a child’s primary healthcare provider. This is true for most children. However, for some children, their primary healthcare provider may be a family practice doctor. The information provided about pediatricians in this section and throughout the guide applies to family practice doctors as well.
Follow your instincts. If you know in your heart something is wrong, don’t take “he’ll be fine” from anyone. If you're not comfortable with a mental healthcare provider, diagnosis, or treatment, get second (or third or fourth . . .) opinion. Find someone who will listen to you.
The Role of Pediatricians in the Mental Healthcare System
This section outlines the role of pediatricians in the mental healthcare system, including how they evaluate your child’s mental health and what services they offer, and provides resources for helping you find a pediatrician. The section also explains the limitations of pediatricians when it comes to mental healthcare for your child and the importance of getting referrals to mental health specialists.
Types of Professionals
Your child’s pediatrician provides general medical care and focuses on your child’s overall health. There are also pediatricians who have additional training in child development called developmental behavioral pediatricians.
Other medical doctors for children are specialists. Specialists focus on certain areas of the body, such as the brain, hearing, speech, or digestive system. Pediatricians refer children to specialists if they have specific conditions that require more focused evaluations and treatments. For example, a pediatrician may refer a child to a gastroenterologist if he or she has a feeding problem.
Learn more about mental health specialists
Evaluations
Pediatricians use different methods to evaluate your child’s mental health. Your child’s pediatrician may ask you or your child questions about their behavior and emotions to ensure that your child is reaching typical development milestones and is in overall good health. Sometimes the pediatrician will ask about your child’s interactions with family and friends or your child’s behavior at school to find out if there are any warning signs of mental health issues. The pediatrician may use screening checklists or forms with questions. These tests help to suggest or rule out possible mental health issues. The pediatrician can rule out medical conditions that sometimes have similar symptoms to mental health issues. If the pediatrician believes your child may have a mental health issue, the pediatrician will refer you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation.
Learn more about mental health evaluations
Services Offered
Some pediatricians evaluate and diagnose mental illnesses and can prescribe medications to treat them. However, most pediatricians are not trained to be the primary source for your child’s mental healthcare. After initially screening your child, most pediatricians will refer you to mental health specialists or community programs for evaluation, diagnosis, support, and treatment.
Learn more about mental health specialists, community programs, and other parts of the mental healthcare system
How Pediatricians Work Within the Mental Healthcare System
Your child’s pediatrician plays an ongoing role in your child’s mental healthcare. They can work with your child’s mental health specialists, the school system, and community programs to ensure that your child’s care and environment support overall health. If your child’s mental health specialist prescribes medication, your child’s pediatrician can make sure it does not interact with other medications your child may take for physical conditions. Mental health issues can also affect a child’s physical health. For example, a child who is depressed or anxious may lose or gain weight, have physical symptoms (headaches or stomachaches), or be losing sleep. Pediatricians can monitor these risks and treat physical conditions if needed.
Limitations
Although some pediatricians are well trained in mental health issues, some are less familiar with mental health diagnoses or treatment. Some pediatricians may not have a wide range of knowledge about available mental health specialists or programs for referral. Also, pediatricians usually have limited time during yearly appointments to fully evaluate children’s mental health issues. Despite these limitations, a pediatrician is an important first point of contact with the mental healthcare system because of their familiarity with your child and your child’s overall medical care. However, because of these limitations, it is important for parents to get referrals for mental health evaluations and treatment.
To find a pediatrician or family practice doctor, visit:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Website:
https://www.aap.org
American Academy of Family Physicians
Website:
https://www.aafp.org/home.html
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA