Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
Excellent, Evidence-Based Mental Health Care for Children and Teens
Seattle Children’s child and adolescent mental health providers offer a wide range of services — from prevention and early intervention programs to highly specialized treatments for chronic mental health and developmental challenges. Our researchers are developing new, more effective ways to prevent and treat pediatric mental health issues. We’re also training the next generation of clinicians so more kids will have quick, easy access to excellent care from more diverse providers across a greater variety of settings.
We’re committed to be of service to all, including families who prefer to receive care in a language other than English. At Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, you’ll find an open, supportive and respectful team dedicated to your child and family’s well-being.
Find What You Need in Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
Conditions We Treat
The Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine team sees children and teens with a range of conditions or concerns, including challenges with emotions, behavior or development of the nervous system. We treat anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, eating disorders and many other conditions.
Patient and Family Resources
There are many resources from Seattle Children’s or in the community to help you and your child learn more about their condition. We want you to have all the information you and your child need to understand how your child is affected and to participate in treatment. We have a list of links to handouts, websites, videos, podcasts and more to help you get started.
Research and Clinical Trials
To make important breakthroughs in preventing and treating mental health or behavioral concerns, our researchers conduct clinical trials. These studies help us discover the best options for improving kids’ quality of life. Depending on your child’s condition, your family may be able to take part in research even if you are waiting for an appointment in 1 of our clinics or programs.
Patient Success Stories
Reese's Story
Cyberbullying pushed Reese Patterson’s mental health to the breaking point, but then a change in perspective helped her discover a life worth living.
“Everyone at Seattle Children’s was amazing. They were kind, non-judgmental, and compassionate. … As a family we learned to communicate better, cope with small and large challenges, learned mindfulness techniques, and strategies to help ourselves and others.”
– Val, whose daughter Reese had dialectical behavior therapy at Seattle Children’s
Our Specialties
We specialize in caring for children and teens affected by:
- Anxiety and related disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other attention problems
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Disruptive behavior
- Depression, bipolar disorder and related mood disorders
- Eating disorders
- Exposure to alcohol or drugs before birth
- Gender concerns
- Mental health concerns along with another health problem, like cancer or heart defects
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia
- Sleep problems along with behavior issues or a mental health condition