Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

A healthy adulthood begins with mental well-being during childhood and adolescence. Preventing psychological problems before they develop and providing accurate treatment when psychiatric conditions are present are essential for ensuring long-term health, self-confidence, and resilience. The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Medical Park plays a critical role in supporting young individuals through these formative years, helping to prevent more complex psychiatric conditions later in life.

In recent years, the scope and importance of child and adolescent psychiatry have expanded rapidly in Turkey and worldwide. This multidisciplinary field integrates biological, psychological, and sociological sciences, reflecting the unique needs of individuals in the 0–18 age group.

Mental Health in Childhood and Adolescence

Children and adolescents experience continuous physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Unlike adult psychiatry, their mental health requires specialized assessments, observations, and treatment approaches tailored to each stage of development. The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry focuses on understanding these developmental phases, family dynamics, and environmental factors to identify potential issues and provide timely interventions.

Conditions We Address

Child and adolescent psychiatry is defined by the European Union of Medical Specialists as the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems in individuals under the age of 18, guided by medical standards and expert care. Because this period involves the most rapid changes in both physiology and personality, early recognition and treatment are crucial for lifelong well-being.

Our Services

At Medical Park, we provide comprehensive mental health services for children and adolescents, including:

• Individual psychotherapy (psychoanalytic, supportive, cognitive-behavioral therapies, EMDR, autogenic relaxation therapy)

• Family therapy

• Medication management when necessary

• Psychometric and developmental evaluations

Our specialists collaborate closely with psychologists, who conduct standardized developmental, attention, and intelligence tests to support diagnosis and treatment planning. These include widely recognized assessments such as the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (AGTE), Denver II Developmental Screening Test, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Bender-Gestalt Test, and many others. These evaluations help measure cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development, providing valuable insights for tailored care.

Diagnostic Tests and Evaluations

Depending on each child’s needs, the following types of assessments may be used:

• Developmental tests (AGTE, Denver II, Peabody, Bender-Gestalt, Metropolitan School Readiness, Gesell Figures, etc.)

• Attention tests (Moxo d-CPT)

• Intelligence tests (R.B. Cattell 2A and 3A, Kent EGY, among others)

The results of these tests are carefully compared with clinical findings, enabling our specialists to design the most effective treatment plan.

When to Seek Help

If your child or adolescent shows emotional or behavioral signs that affect daily life, school performance, physical development, or social relationships, consulting a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist is recommended. Early evaluation and treatment not only address current concerns but also protect long-term mental health and quality of life.

The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Medical Park is committed to safeguarding the mental well-being of children and adolescents, supporting them to grow into healthy, confident adults.