Question: I’m afraid to bring my daughter to a psychiatrist because he/she might only want to prescribe medication for her. She is a depressed teen, but I think she is going through some pretty normal things…peer pressure, boys, school, etc. Still, if she needs medication, I don’t want to stand in the way, either. I’m just afraid that “if the only tool you have is a hammer, all your problems look like nails.” What if something is really bothering her and she just needs to talk to someone?
Anne Fenton, MD: The process of evaluation may result in both identifying the issues or symptoms and recommending treatment. However, if treatment is recommended, only you can give consent. According to Massachusetts law, for a child under the age of 18, only the parent can legally consent or decline a treatment recommendation. By 17, both the child and the parent have to consent or decline treatment.
If you prefer to try a non medication treatment as a first approach, your daughter can see a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker. Your child’s pediatrician can refer you, or you can consult the list of treaters covered by your insurance. School guidance counselors may offer some recommendations as well.
If your child should need a medication, as indicated by lack of improvement or increase in symptoms, it would be wise to consult a child psychiatrist.