1. What is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry?
Child and adolescent psychiatry is a specialized branch of medicine focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in children and adolescents. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are medical doctors who have received additional training in child and adolescent mental health.
2. How can a Child Psychiatrist help?
A Child and adolescent Psychiatrist can assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions in children and adolescents. They develop personalized treatment plans, which may include therapy, medication management, and other interventions to support your mental well-being.
3. When should I consider seeking help from a Child and adolescent Psychiatrist?
You should consider seeking help if you notice significant changes in your behaviour, emotions, thoughts or functioning that persist for an extended period. This may include withdrawal, extreme mood swings, academic decline, or any other concerning signs.
4. What types of conditions can a Child and adolescent Psychiatrist address?
Child and adolescent Psychiatrists can address a wide range of conditions including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism-related mental health conditions, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders.
5. How do I schedule an appointment with a Child and adolescent Psychiatrist?
You can schedule an appointment by contacting our clinic using our contact form. Our administrative staff will be happy to assist you in finding a convenient appointment time.
6. What can I expect during the first appointment?
During the first appointment, the Child and adolescent Psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment which may include a clinical interview, observations, and possibly some standardized assessments. This helps in understanding your unique needs and formulating an appropriate treatment plan.
7. Does the Amber Tree offer therapy in addition to medication management?
Yes, our clinic provides a range of therapeutic interventions tailored to your specific needs. This may include cognitive-behavioral informed therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural informed therapy, family work, and more.
8. How long does treatment typically last?
The duration of treatment varies depending on your individual needs. Some conditions may require shorter-term interventions, while others may benefit from ongoing support.
9. Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is extremely important to us. Your information will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with CQC standards and legal requirements (see our Privacy Policy for details). We do ask that we keep your GP informed if you are going to start any medication.
10. Does the Amber Tree accept health insurance?
We recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding coverage for child and adolescent psychiatry services. Our clinic can provide you with the necessary documentation for reimbursement but cannot be paid directly by health insurance companies at this time.
11. Does the Amber Tree take part in research?
We are committed to providing you the best service possible; therefore we do actively encourage research and will sometimes invite you to take part in research projects (which have ethical approval and meet our own strict ethical criteria). We also improve our services with the help of young people, so may ask for your input into this. If you do not want to be invited to consider taking part in research or service improvement please let us know. This will not impact in anyway on your treatment.
12. I live outside of North Yorkshire, can I still be treated by the Amber Tree?
We are happy to accept people who live outside of North Yorkshire; however, please be aware that if a home or school visit is required there is a travel cost charged at £2.80 per mile of travel to and from our clinic and for those living more than 50 miles away there is an additional charge.
13. Do you offer a crisis or on call service?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer a crisis or 24 hour service at this time. Please refer to you crisis service treatment link for helpful contacts should you require urgent or crisis support.
14. I have specific communication needs, can these be catered for?
We will always try to find the best way to communicate effectively. If that requires use of an interpreter, using written language or even just pictures we are happy to adapt. Please let us know your needs when you book. If you require written information to be translated we will be happy to accommodate this.
15. Where can I have an appointment?
Anywhere you feel comfortable and gives you privacy to speak openly. As our appointments are often virtual we advise you are somewhere with a stable internet connection. If your appointment is in person we are happy to see you in a place of your choosing. If we are visiting your school we will liaise with them about a suitable place where you will not be disturbed.
16. Can you send paper copies of letters or reports?
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint therefore all reports and letters are sent through secure email. You are welcome to print this if required. If you do require a paper copy there will be an additional charge for this
17. What should I do if I have a complaint?
Please write to us at admin@theambertree.co.uk, or use the Feedback Form on the Contact Us page. The Clinic Manager and the Clinical Director will address your complaint and provide a response within 14 days.