List of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Jobs

Child and adolescent mental health problems are often dismissed as "just a phase" or "typical teenage behavior" by parents and caregivers, educators and even doctors. But if left untreated, mental health problems in young people can have a devastating impact into adulthood. Besides the pain of continuing or escalating mental health problems, they may prevent a young person from reaching his full potential academically and emotionally.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

• A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of thinking, feelings and behavior that affect children and adolescents and their caregivers. He is able to treat every aspect of the patient's mental health needs, including prescribing medication where appropriate.

  A child and adolescent psychiatrist performs complex diagnostic examinations, looking at physical, genetic, social and family aspects, emotional, developmental and cognitive elements of the patient's life. With some patients, group or family psychotherapy is necessary.

  Child and adolescent psychiatrists are often called upon to consult in juvenile court and schools. They also act as advocates for patients in their care.

Child and Adolescent Psychologist

• A child and adolescent psychologist helps patients and their families to understand the issues with which a young person struggles. She can provide therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help change destructive behavior patterns. Psychologists counsel clients individually or with other family members.

  Many clients of a child and adolescent psychologist are victims of bullying, and bullies themselves may need intervention from a psychologist. A child and adolescent psychologist may work in a school, advising staff about measures to help young people overcome their issues and achieve their potential.

Support Worker

• Support workers often work in day services or with small groups and individuals, running therapy groups and activities. They also work in assisted-living facilities, often specializing in Asperger's and autism spectrum disorders. They sometimes defuse violent and dangerous situations.

  Because they spend more time with patients than other health professionals, support workers are often in a position to notice physical, emotional and behavioral changes.