Adolescent psychiatric consultation
Adolescence is a time of intense change — emotional, social and developmental. Teenagers face growing demands, pressure from their environment, the building of identity and relationships with peers. During this period, difficulties may arise that are very burdensome for the young person, even if not always easy to put into words.
A psychiatric consultation for adolescents allows for a closer look at what is happening in the teenager's life, an understanding of their emotions and way of functioning, and the planning of appropriate support.
At Równoważni MED we work with adolescents in a way that is grounded in relationship, respect and attentiveness. It is important to us that the young person feels heard and taken seriously.
When is it worth taking an adolescent to see a psychiatrist?
A consultation may be helpful when an adolescent presents with:
- prolonged low mood, sadness or a sense of emptiness
- withdrawal from relationships, isolation from peers
- heightened anxiety, tension or panic attacks
- difficulties managing emotions (anger, impulsivity)
- sleep problems (insomnia, reversed sleep-wake cycle)
- loss of motivation and difficulties at school
- self-harming behaviours or thoughts of giving up
- excessive use of a phone or the internet
- sudden changes in behaviour or functioning
A psychiatric consultation may also be part of assessment for:
- depression
- anxiety disorders
- ADHD
- autism spectrum
- eating disorders
- autism spectrum disorders
- behavioural or chemical addictions
If something in the adolescent's behaviour is causing concern — it is worth checking before the difficulties deepen.
What does the first appointment with an adolescent psychiatrist look like?
The first consultation is diagnostic in nature and is tailored to the adolescent's age and readiness.
Conversation with the parent
In the first part of the appointment, the doctor speaks with the parent to understand the context of the child's development, their history and the difficulties that have been observed.
Meeting with the adolescent
A key element of the appointment is a conversation with the young person. The psychiatrist aims to create a safe space in which the adolescent can speak freely about their experiences.
The conversation covers, among other things:
wellbeing and emotions
peer relationships
the school situation
ways of managing stress
We respect the boundaries of the young person — the pace and scope of the conversation are adapted to their readiness.
Conclusions and next steps
At the end of the appointment, the doctor discusses their observations with the parent and adolescent and proposes further steps.
The recommendation may include:
further assessment and a psychiatric treatment process
psychotherapeutic support if the situation requires it
recommendations regarding everyday functioning
in justified cases — pharmacological treatment
The specific nature of working with adolescents
Working with teenagers requires particular attentiveness. Young people are often reluctant to attend a consultation and need time to trust a specialist.
At Równoważni MED:
we build a relationship based on respect and a sense of safety
we take the adolescent's perspective into account, not only that of the adults
we maintain a balance between conversation with the parent and work with the young person
we adapt our way of working to individual needs
Cost of appointments
Psychiatric consultation: 750 PLN
Follow-up consultation during treatment: 550 PLN
Duration of appointment
The first consultation typically lasts 50–75 minutes.
Follow-up consultation during treatment: 45 min
Post-appointment summary
After the consultation, parents receive a written summary which includes:
- conclusions from the appointment
- recommendations regarding further steps
- an individual treatment or support plan
Booking an appointment
An appointment can be booked through the online booking system or by contacting the clinic reception.
How to prepare for the appointment?
For the first consultation it is worth bringing:
medical documentation
reports from school or a guidance centre (if available)
previous diagnoses or consultations
It is also worth talking to the adolescent about the fact that the appointment is aimed at helping them and better understanding their situation.
Adolescent psychiatric consultation Warsaw
Consultations take place at Równoważni MED in Warsaw, in a calm and discreet space that encourages conversation and a sense of safety.
Book a psychiatric consultation for your adolescent
If you notice that your adolescent is struggling with emotional difficulties or their functioning has changed, a psychiatric consultation can be the first step towards understanding the situation and finding the right support.
Book an appointment and consult your adolescent with a specialist.
Does the adolescent have to want to come for appointment?
It is helpful if the adolescent understands the purpose of the appointment and feels ready for it, but this is not always possible. Young people often come to the first meeting at a parent's initiative. During the consultation, the doctor builds a relationship and gives the adolescent space to speak, without pressure or judgement.
For those over 16: the adolescent may attend the doctor independently, but so-called dual consent is required: from both the parent (legal guardian) and the young person themselves. In practice, this means the adolescent should bring written authorisation from a parent for the appointment and treatment. A patient of this age has the right to object to an examination or to the parent's presence in the consulting room.
Does the adolescent psychiatrist always prescribe medication?
No. A psychiatric consultation does not automatically mean the introduction of pharmacological treatment. In many cases, support recommendations, psychotherapy or further assessment are sufficient. Any treatment decision is always discussed with both the parent and the adolescent.
Is the parent present during the appointment?
The first part of the appointment typically takes place with the parent present, in order to gather a history. The doctor then speaks with the adolescent either with the parent present or individually (depending on the situation and the patient's wishes). This allows the young person to speak freely about their experiences and emotions.
How can I tell whether an adolescent needs psychiatric help?
It is worth paying attention to prolonged changes in mood, withdrawal, sleep problems, loss of motivation, difficulties at school or heightened anxiety. If something is causing concern — a consultation can help to better understand the situation.
Have a question?
Changes in mood, withdrawal or difficulties at school can have various causes. Find out what to look out for.