Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

About Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Program clinical team provides evaluation and treatment to help youth and their families address and overcome emotional and behavioral problems.

Under the direction of section chief Louis Kraus, MD, traditional and innovative treatments for children and adolescents are provided at Rush by psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed clinical social workers with specialized training in child and adolescent psychiatry and various therapeutic modalities. When a patient's psychiatric problems are complicated by a neurological condition, learning disability, substance abuse or other medical conditions, additional specialists at Rush are available to lend their expertise for consultation.

Research conducted during the past 15 years has added greatly to our understanding of behavioral problems, making it possible to diagnose and medically treat these conditions, even in very young children. This early intervention can prevent more serious problems later in life.

The following are some of the evidence-based services we provide for children and adolescents, and their families: 

• Psychiatric evaluations and treatment for children and adolescents with psychiatric mood and behavioral disorders, including depression, bipolar, affective dysregulation, anxiety, psychosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and disruptive behaviors.
• Comprehensive behavioral, developmental and psychiatric assessments and treatment services at the Toddlers Infants Preschoolers (TIPS) Clinic for children ages 6 and under.
• Individualized treatment options matched to each child's intellectual and emotional maturity level.
• Psychopharmacotherapy for all childhood disorders.
• Evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression and anxiety. Combined therapy and medication treatments are also available.
• Psychodynamic-oriented therapy provided by clinicians with expertise in multiple therapy modalities.
• Family therapy, parent Training and behavioral therapy.
• Group therapy for children and adolescents.
• Research opportunities for children with autism spectrum disorders.