Our experienced pediatricians are dedicated to the prevention, early identification, and management of mental health disorders in children and youth.
Call 911 immediately if you have attempted a suicide
Having thoughts about suicide? Call a suicide hotline, 988,
NOW!
Our pediatric practice boasts providers with extensive knowledge, training, and experience dedicated to promoting the mental, physical, and emotional wellness of children. We specialize in screening for early identification and managing a wide range of mental and behavioral health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, and combinations thereof. With our years of experience, we are adept at diagnosing, treating, and supporting children through various therapeutic approaches. Should we identify concerns about more complex psychiatric disorders or if a child's condition does not respond to initial treatments, we collaborate closely with specialists for further evaluation and care.
Comprehensive Mental HealthCare at Young Pediatrics
Promotion and Prevention - by educating families on fostering healthy coping skills, building resilience, maintaining a supportive environment, helping their child manage stress and disappointment and encouraging strong family communication.
Screening at annual well visits for emotional/mental health concerns
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist for elementary-age kids completed by parents
-
PHQ-9 and ASQ Suicide Screening for youth middle-school age and older,
completed by the patient
- Why is my healthy child being screened for depression? (link this to a brochure we will send)
Early Identification is possible due to the experience and knowledge of our providers and the relationship and open communication we value with our patients and families.
Diagnosis – We are available to see patients for evaluation and will provide a diagnosis if indicated based on validated screening surveys and a thorough history.
Treatment – Our providers will discuss potential treatment options, including therapy and medication, and through shared decision-making will develop a plan.
- Therapy is a crucial and effective treatment for mental illness. Learn more about the importance of therapy in treatment.
Management and Follow Up – Dr. Young, Dr. Satterly, and Dr. Lorts are all experienced and available to manage common mental health disorders. Our providers will closely monitor for progress, side effects, co-occurring conditions, and/or worsening symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
Referral – Although our providers are very qualified and experienced to manage most mental health disorders, occasionally it is necessary to refer patients to a psychiatrist for more subspecialized evaluation and/or treatment. We are happy to provide a referral at any time if that is your preference.
Recognition of Mental Health Emergencies: Should we note a concern for your child’s immediate safety, we will discuss emergent evaluation by a qualified mental health professional in the Emergency Department. If we agree your child is safe to stay home, we will provide a safety plan and make recommendations for close monitoring and follow up.
In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat/. Services are free and confidential.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454.
If you are not experiencing an emergency:
- Call our office at 618-288-9312 to schedule an initial mental/behavioral health appointment if you (or your child) do not have a prior diagnosis of anxiety or depression.
- If one of our providers is currently treating you (or your child) for anxiety or depression and you are struggling or feel your medication needs to be adjusted, please call or utilize the portal to schedule a follow up visit.
Additional Resources
- Mental Health in Teen Athletes
- How Depression is Treated in Children and Teens
- How to Talk About Mental Health with your Child and Pediatrician
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Resources for Teens about their Mental Health
- Additional resources for Parents of Teens about their child’s mental health