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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Is your child struggling emotionally?

Dr. Heidi Erickson offers pediatric psychiatric therapy offers young patients specialized care tailored to their unique needs. With a foundation in pediatrics, Dr. Erickson brings a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and developmental challenges that children and adolescents face. Her expertise allows her to offer compassionate, comprehensive mental health care that supports not just the child, but the entire family.

Dr. Erickson’s approach to pediatric psychiatry combines her pediatric knowledge with advanced psychiatric treatments to address a wide range of issues, from ADHD and autism spectrum disorders to anxiety and depression. By integrating behavioral strategies, therapeutic interventions, and medication management where appropriate, she crafts individualized plans that promote healthy development and emotional well-being.

Most common youth disorders

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Behavior Disorders (e.g., Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
  • Mood Disorders (e.g., Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Eating Disorders (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa)
  • Tic Disorders (e.g., Tourette Syndrome)

Trust an Expert

Explore how Dr. Erickson’s specialized pediatric background can provide the precise support your child needs to thrive emotionally and psychologically.
Call the office today

Psychiatry Q&A

What is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry?

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and their families. It considers the biological, psychological, and social factors affecting children and adolescents’ mental health.

Mental health is crucial at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. For children and adolescents, good mental health is essential for:

  • Developing healthy coping skills
  • Building strong relationships with peers and family members
  • Achieving success in school
  • Maintaining overall well-being and quality of life

Common mental health issues that can affect children and adolescents include:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and
  • Conduct Disorders

Dr. Erickson uses a combination of evidence-based treatments tailored to the individual needs of each child and adolescent, including:

  • Psychotherapy: Individual therapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help young patients understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Medication: When necessary, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms effectively.
  • Support and Education: Providing support and education to families to help them understand their child’s condition and how best to support their mental health and development.

Need Immediate Help?

If you are in crisis or you know of a person that may be in danger, call 911 immediately or contact one of these services for immediate assistance.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Crisis Text Line: Text “DESERVE” TO 741-741

Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online live messaging):
https://988lifeline.org/chat

Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)

Essential local and community services: 211
https://www.211.org/

American Association of Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222

National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line: 
1-800-622-2255

National Crisis Line – Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357

LGBT Hotline: 1-888-843-4564

TREVOR Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386

AIDS Crisis Line: 1-800-221-7044

Veterans Crisis Line:
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net

TransLifeline: 877-565-8860
https://www.translifeline.org