Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology

Dr. Cueva is a highly trained psychiatrist and therapist experienced at working with children and adolescents who are exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems. Her areas of expertise include Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders, all of which may express themselves through such symptoms as behavioral disturbances, emotional lability, irritability, social withdrawal, anxiety and poor home and/or school functioning.

While parents rely on their pediatrician to monitor their child’s physical health, many are hesitant about conferring with a psychiatrist when they observe behavioral or emotional problems. An astute observer and skillful diagnostician, Dr. Cueva believes firmly in the benefits of mental health checks—especially for youngsters with a family history of mental illness and those who are demonstrating difficulties at home and/or at school. It is wise for parents to recognize the value in psychological preventative wellness.

Working in close collaboration with a child’s referring pediatrician, internist, social worker and/or psychologist ensures that a treatment plan is developed that is cohesive and complementary. Her understanding of each child’s social-cultural environment is crucial to interpreting, and addressing his/her symptom presentation. This involves addressing issues intrinsic to the child, along with external factors such as family, friends and school that may contribute to the child’s difficulties. Thus, when she receives a referral from a specialist or from another patient, Dr. Cueva schedules a series of three interviews for the purposes of making a comprehensive evaluation.

If the child is aged five through 12 years, Dr. Cueva meets initially with the parent/s. This is followed by a session with the child exclusively, and, then, a final meeting with the parents. Occasionally the doctor invites the child to attend this last session if she feels the child’s presence will be advantageous. In the case of teenagers, Dr. Cueva’s evaluation once again involves three meetings, but the teenager is asked to decide whether he/she wants to attend the first meeting—allowing the teenager some control.

As a result of the evaluation process, Dr. Cueva makes a determination on the need for psychotherapy based upon her findings, including her assessment of the child’s current problems, history, level of development, ability to cooperate in treatment, and what interventions are most likely to help with the presenting concerns.

Psychotherapy is often used in combination with medication. After conferring with the child’s referring clinician, Dr. Cueva will determine the appropriateness of prescription medication and monitor its efficacy throughout the period of treatment. Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment (whether therapy alone or medication) involves frequent contact with the family and, when appropriate, the school. Dr. Cueva therefore makes herself available as much as is required to help the child learn how to manage his/her emotions and behaviors in a pro-social and healthy manner.

Dr. Cueva is skilled at providing an environment in which youngsters can express disturbing thoughts and feelings, and be guided to understand and find more adaptive ways to deal with them. Playing, drawing, building, pretending and talking are the varied communication techniques used by the doctor to establish a setting where the youngster can feel safe, comfortable and understood, leading to a happier, more curious, open life with the ability to reach his or her full potential.

To contact Dr. Cueva: drcueva@drcueva.com.

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