Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Full-Time position in Folsom, California

As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at LifeStance Health, you will be responsible for providing personalized care to young patients, conducting assessments, diagnosing mental health conditions, and developing treatment plans that might include medication management and psychotherapy. You will also have the flexibility to decide your caseload and how much psychotherapy you wish to incorporate into your practice. Collaborating with our clinical team to ensure comprehensive patient care is essential in this role.

To qualify for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry position at LifeStance Health, candidates must be licensed in California and board-eligible or board-certified in psychiatry. Experience in treating both child and adolescent populations is crucial, as well as proficiency in medication management and therapy practices. This position is perfect for those looking to make an impact while enjoying a flexible work environment.

LifeStance Health provides a competitive compensation package with uncapped earning potential, a sign-on bonus, and comprehensive benefits, including a 401K with a 4% match, paid paternity leave, and an annual allowance for CME. Additionally, you will receive yearly funds to cover association dues or license fees, along with malpractice insurance, ensuring you can focus on providing the best care without financial concerns.

At LifeStance Health, our working environment is designed to promote both your professional and personal well-being. With beautifully designed offices and a flexible schedule, including the option to work from home, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance. Psychiatrists are empowered to create their own treatment practices, making each day more rewarding and tailored to their strengths, which enhances both job satisfaction and patient care.

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry role at LifeStance Health offers various opportunities for professional growth, including access to continued medical education funding and the ability to participate in specialized trainings or therapy workshops. Working alongside a diverse clinical team allows for collaborative learning and sharing of best practices. Additionally, opportunities to expand your practice and explore different treatment modalities are always available.

When assessing a child or adolescent patient, I utilize a comprehensive approach that includes gathering developmental history, conducting interviews with both the patient and guardians, and using standardized questionnaires when appropriate. During the interview, I ensure to create a safe and welcoming environment to build trust, encouraging honest communication. Being observant of non-verbal cues and emotional expressions is equally important.

My approach to treating children with various mental health conditions involves individualized care plans that consider their unique needs, family dynamics, and the specific challenges they face. I often incorporate both medication management and therapy, tailoring my treatment strategies to effectively engage the child and their support system in their healing process.

I have extensive experience in medication management for children and adolescents, where I closely monitor responses to medications and adjust dosages based on individual needs. I believe in maintaining open communication with both patients and their families regarding medication effects, side effects, and any concerns. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of a holistic approach and often integrate therapy or counseling alongside medical treatment.

Involving parents or guardians in the treatment process is critical for successful outcomes in pediatric care. I typically conduct family meetings to discuss the child's needs and treatment goals, while providing education on the child’s condition. I encourage parents to participate actively in sessions when appropriate, fostering a collaborative approach that empowers families to support their child effectively.

I once had a challenging case involving a teenager with severe anxiety who was resistant to treatment. I approached the situation by building rapport and establishing trust; we explored the root causes of their anxiety through open dialogue and utilized cognitive-behavioral techniques to help them cope with their feelings. This experience reinforced my commitment to patient-centered care and the importance of persistence in treatment.

I often utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy techniques when working with adolescents. CBT helps them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while play therapy can be beneficial in making them feel comfortable expressing their emotions. I adapt my techniques based on the individual’s age and developmental level, ensuring they are relatable and engaging.

I stay updated on the latest developments in child and adolescent psychiatry by attending relevant conferences, participating in workshops, and regularly reading industry publications and journals. Engaging with a network of professionals and being involved in continuing medical education (CME) opportunities also help me stay informed with emerging research and innovative treatment strategies.

My philosophy on conducting psychiatric evaluations for children is to create a comfortable atmosphere where they feel safe to express themselves. I focus on building rapport, using a developmental lens to understand their behavior, and incorporating input from parents and teachers to gather comprehensive information. Taking the time to engage with the child is crucial, as this approach augments the accuracy of my assessments.

In crisis situations, my primary focus is on ensuring the child's safety and stabilizing their emotional state. I assess the nature of the crisis and quickly communicate with families and integrated care teams. Utilizing de-escalation techniques, I try to create a calming environment while determining immediate interventions. Coordinating follow-up care is crucial to ensure ongoing support post-crisis.

I believe telemedicine plays a vital role in child and adolescent psychiatry as it expands access to care, especially for those in underserved areas. It allows flexibility in scheduling and helps minimize barriers to treatment. While in-person visits are important, telehealth can effectively support ongoing therapy sessions and medication management, ensuring that young patients receive consistent care regardless of their location.