At Penn State Children's Hospital, the staff is concerned with the emotional and physical well-being of children from infancy to young adulthood. Skilled mental health professionals in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provide diagnostic and therapeutic services for children whose problems range from mild behavioral difficulties to severe psychiatric illnesses. In addition, patients and parents have the support of the hospital's many pediatric specialists for the complete range of acute and chronic illnesses and ongoing healthcare. Special programs are available to provide guidance to parents when they have questions about their children's development.

In addition, the Division has a nationally renowned training program for mental health professionals, including a Residency Program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, an internship program in Child Psychology and postdoctoral fellowships combining clinical and research training.

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry staff provide therapy for psychiatric behavior and development disorders in children and adolescents.  Our approach includes a thorough diagnostic evaluation as well as a treatment plan. Treatment plans are based on current scientific research and reflect the values, needs, and resources of the child and family. They often include the following therapeutic approaches: individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, behavioral therapy, parent counseling and medication therapy. Coordination with the child's school is often recommended.