Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

When Your Child Needs Help ​

When Your Child Needs Help

You know your child best. When emotional, behavioral, or school challenges affect daily life, Blue Sky Psychiatry can help. Through comprehensive evaluations, we create personalized treatment plans that meet the unique developmental and mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families, helping them thrive and achieve happier lives.

Our practice is led by Mindy Werner-Crohn, MD a board-certified psychiatrist, fellowship- trained in child and adolescent psychiatry.”

Common Conditions Treated

We have expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide array of conditions, including:

  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression and Mood Disorders
  • Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders
  • Impulse Control and Tic Disorders – including Skin Picking and Hair Pulling
  • School Problems: academic and behavioral
  • Video Game and Social Media addictions

When is Medication for children and adolescents helpful?

Parents often have understandable concerns about the use of psychiatric medication for their children. But when individual therapy, family counseling, school accommodation, and tutoring have not been successful in dealing with significant behavioral or academic issues, it may be time to consider the use of medication prescribed by a knowledgeable and highly experienced specialist.

girl alone being looked at by group
child with book over face

Essential Educational Principles for Parents

  • Treatment as a Partnership: Your input is crucial for finding the right treatment approach and dosage. Collaboration between parents, the child, and the mental health team is vital.
  • Age-Appropriate Communication: We clearly explain how medication works at a level appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage.
  • Managing Expectations: We educate you about what to expect when taking or switching medications. For example, some stimulants for ADHD work quickly, while antidepressants may take several weeks.
  • Involving the Child: We work to empower children or adolescents in the decision-making process. That can foster a sense of ownership over their treatment, improving cooperation and adherence.
  • Modern Science: We use genetic testing to provide detailed insights into which medications may work best for your child. Testing involves a simple, non-invasive cheek swab.
  • Openness about Concerns: Parents often have fears about addiction or the long-term effects of medication. We address these concerns directly and respectfully, distinguishing between scientific facts and common misconceptions.
  • Integrated Care: Psychiatric medication works best when combined with other evidence-based interventions like individual or family psychotherapy or parent training in behavior management. If our team can’t provide the therapy your child needs, we’ll help you find other resources.
  • Better Care Through Collaboration:  We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach with outside providers and schools to have a more thorough understanding of your child’s situations and needs.

Patient Testimonials

Dr Mindy I have known for over a decade and her continuous care and professionalism is outstanding. Many times I came to see her feeling like I am at the end of my rope and she ALWAYS has an answer of how we can make things work with a different medication, a different solution and never gives up. I owe her so much for without these medications and her confidence and care I wouldn't be able to function and I am functioning very well now. Even though she moved out of town I still see her through Telehealth as she truly is the BEST!

JZ

Dr Mindy was a life saver for my son and our family. She was so attentive and compaSsionate. I felt like she put her heart and sole into treating my son. She is so up to date on the newest medications and techniques in psychiatry. She carefully listens and gained my sons trust and ours. I have sent several other friends and family members to her and they all had the same experience. A++++

SF

Dr. Mindy Werner-Crohn was a lifesaver. Not only is she most knowledgeable about the latest advances in psychopharmaceuticals and medical advances in psychiatry and psychology, she is also up to date on other treatments to help in a variety of situations. I found her honest, straightforward, and accessible as well as very friendly and helpful. She even went to bat for me when I had an issue with my insurance company. Her staff is professional and goes above and beyond what would be required to make any patient feel welcomed and well taken care of. I cannot recommend Dr. Werner-Crohn highly enough!

LR

Dr. Mindy has been tremendously helpful to our son first, and then to me, as I became a patient as well. Yes, she is expensive, but there are few things that are worth more than getting the best advice you can from an expert in the mental health field who is truly brilliant in so many ways. After seeing other psychiatrists, and getting a variety of diagnoses and mediocre advice, Dr. Mindy was able to very quickly help our son by seeing what his issues were and getting him on the proper medication which has actually helped him to feel better and function better in school and in general. She cares about her patients, listens to them, and advises them not only on mental health but also has given us advice about other areas such as when and where to get tutoring help and deciding when he is ready for independence like staying home alone and going to summer camp. She has even given us referrals regarding concerns about his nutrition and growth. If you are trying to navigate any mental health issues and getting overwhelmed by a lot of questionable advice, I highly recommend you go to see Dr. Mindy!

BR

Dr Mindy Werner-Crohn is the most magnificent, spectacular, caring psychiatrist I have ever had the pleasure to work with. 10 years ago I was diagnosed bipolar. I will now be 63 this Saturday. It's been a 10 years of up-and-down of different medications and therapy. She never gave up. She was always my cheerleader. She is brilliant. She now practices up in Oakland, but I have worked with her for the last 7 years or so,since Covid via Zoom. I could have my dates askew; but the important thing is I am doing well and I owe it all to her. In addition, she set me up with a wonderful therapist Dr. Tracy Rosberg. Together they have really helped turn my life around. God bless them both.

LL