Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist - Outpatient - job 1 of 2

As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at LifeStance Health, your primary responsibilities include performing comprehensive evaluations, creating individualized treatment plans, and providing medication management as well as therapeutic support. You'll work exclusively in an outpatient setting, collaborating with a dedicated team to ensure that children receive the best possible mental health care. Your role will involve fostering positive relationships with patients and families, conducting follow-up assessments, and adjusting treatment protocols based on progress.

To apply for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist position at LifeStance Health, you will need to be fully licensed in Utah, board eligible or board certified, and have an unencumbered DEA license. Additionally, experience in medication management and therapy is required, ensuring that you can provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents. A passion for patient-centered care and an innovative mindset will be beneficial in this role.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists at LifeStance Health enjoy a generous compensation structure with a competitive salary ranging from $296K to $393K. Moreover, our compensation model offers unlimited earning potential, enabling you to maximize your income based on your clinical excellence and patient care. We also provide a robust benefits package and signing bonuses to further enhance your overall compensation.

Absolutely! LifeStance Health is committed to ensuring that our Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists enjoy a healthy work-life balance. This position offers a 100% outpatient work schedule with no nights, hospital calls, or weekend shifts, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones and pursue personal interests outside of work.

LifeStance Health stands out as an excellent workplace for Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists due to its team-oriented approach, commitment to clinical excellence, and the ability to focus solely on outpatient care. Our culture emphasizes belonging, empathy, courage, and teamwork, ensuring that every employee feels valued and included. With a strong administrative support system and modern office facilities, you will have the resources and environment to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families.

Building rapport with children and adolescents is crucial for effective therapy. I typically start by creating a safe and welcoming environment where the patient feels comfortable expressing themselves. Utilizing age-appropriate language and showing genuine interest in their interests and feelings helps establish trust. I also ensure to actively listen and validate their experiences, paving the way for more effective treatment.

In my previous roles, I have managed medication for a diverse range of pediatric patients, evaluating their needs through comprehensive assessments. I prioritize evidence-based practices and tailor treatment plans according to individual needs, ensuring ongoing communication with the family about dosage, side effects, and therapeutic goals to achieve optimal results.

I find cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) highly effective in addressing various mental health issues in children and adolescents. It empowers patients to challenge and modify negative thought patterns. Additionally, I incorporate play therapy techniques for younger children to facilitate expression in an engaging manner. Integrating mindfulness practices has also proven beneficial for both emotional regulation and overall mental health.

When faced with difficult behavioral challenges, I take a calm, patient approach. I focus on understanding the underlying triggers and aim to de-escalate the situation. By employing positive reinforcement strategies and establishing clear boundaries, I ensure that my patients feel a sense of safety and structure. Collaboration with parents and educators also plays a key role in addressing ongoing behavioral issues.

Staying current in child psychiatry is essential for providing the best care. I regularly attend relevant workshops and conferences, subscribe to leading psychiatric journals, and participate in professional networks. Continuous education is crucial, and I actively seek learning opportunities that broaden my understanding of innovative treatment modalities and evidence-based practices.

For a child with complex needs, I begin with a comprehensive evaluation that includes information from caregivers and schools. I engage in collaborative discussions with other healthcare professionals to formulate a holistic treatment plan that addresses all dimensions of the child's care. Regular follow-ups and adjustments are essential to monitor progress and adapt the plan as necessary.

I believe that including the family in treatment is vital to the success of child psychiatric care. My experience with family therapy involves conducting sessions that educate family members about the child’s issues, promote open communication, and develop coping strategies as a unit. It helps to align family dynamics with therapeutic goals, contributing positively to the child’s overall improvement.

Addressing stigma around mental health involves education and open dialogue. I work on community outreach initiatives to promote awareness and understanding and encourage discussions during sessions about mental health perceptions. Empowering families to share their experiences can help normalize seeking help, ultimately reducing stigma associated with child mental health issues.

My approach to collaborating with schools focuses on creating a strong partnership to ensure tailored support for the child. I initiate conversations with educators to share insights into the child’s mental health needs and strategies for addressing them in the classroom. Maintaining ongoing communication helps to adjust interventions based on the child’s progress and experiences in the school environment.

I am drawn to LifeStance Health due to its commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care and a collaborative work culture. The focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance while providing high-quality outpatient services aligns with my professional values. I admire LifeStance's dedication to inclusivity and continuous growth in the mental health field and see a significant opportunity to contribute to its mission.