Initial Evaluation for Adolescents (Teenagers)
Dr. Adair evaluates teenagers and encourages them to play a more active role in their care. She is is mindful that most teens are developmentally striving for independence and a personal identity apart from their family.
During your teen’s initial evaluation. Dr. Adair will conduct a thorough evaluation in three phases: assessment, diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
The initial evaluation is also an opportunity for both you and your teen to ask questions.
A few commonly asked questions by teens include:
- Will my parents be in charge of my treatment or do I have a say?
- If I take medication, will it change my personality?
- What will my friends think of me if I’m taking medication?
Parents seeking care for their teen often have questions such as:
- What type of treatment does my teenager need?
- How will I get my teenager to agree to treatment if he or she doesn’t want to?
- Are there alternatives to medication?
- How long will my teen have to take medication?
These questions, along with any other questions or concerns that you or your teen may have, will be addressed during the initial visit.
In order to thoroughly assess your teen, Dr. Adair will obtain information on biological, psychological, cultural and social factors that may be contributing to any current symptoms. This may require our office to request and review records from several sources. This additional information will assist her in the assessment process. Our office will discuss with you what is needed from you prior to your teen’s initial visit.
After the assessment, Dr. Adair will discuss her findings with you and provide a diagnosis, including an explanation of how the assessment supports the diagnosis. She will also help you understand what it means for your teen and for your family.
In the final phase of your teen’s initial evaluation, you will receive treatment recommendations. Dr. Adair will discuss with you what she recommends as the next best steps for you and your teen. Your teen’s participation in this part of the process will be strongly encouraged, and Dr. Adair will want him or her to address any thoughts, feelings or concerns about the diagnosis and treatment plan. It is also critical that parents share their thoughts, feelings and concerns to ensure you are part of this process.
It is also important to note that medication is not always part of the treatment recommendation; however, therapy almost always is. See more information about Dr. Adair’s therapy services below.
Medication Monitoring/Management
Dr. Adair provides medication monitoring, and if your teen is prescribed a medication, she will want to monitor it closely. This also will require both you and your teen to be present at future appointments. The frequency of appointments will vary. Dr. Adair is conservative in her medication treatment, meaning she will start your teen with low doses and slowly make changes and adjustments. Dr. Adair believes medication is only one part of the treatment process. If medication is warranted, Dr. Adair will be very intentional about making additional treatment recommendations. Dr. Adair will also want to collaborate and coordinate care with your teen’s therapist to ensure optimal treatment.
Dr. Adair offers DNA testing. This test can provide insight into how your body may respond to certain medications. Be aware that the test is only used as additional information to assist in guiding treatment with medications. For more information on GeneSight, click here.
Therapy
Dr. Adair provides therapy for teens who are primarily experiencing trouble with self- esteem, anxiety, depression or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD).
Combined Treatment (Medication and Therapy)
Dr. Adair also provides medication and therapy as a combined service. This can be useful for parents who are looking for one provider for both services. Before providing combined care, Dr. Adair will need to determine if your teen’s condition or symptoms would be better treated with only one provider. If necessary, she will refer you and your teen to a therapist who is skilled in providing appropriate therapy, and moving forward, she will provide the medication. She will collaborate with the therapist to ensure optimal treatment is provided for your teen.