Child Mood & Behavioral Disorder Treatment
Understanding the Whole Child
Children can struggle with emotional, behavioral, social, or academic challenges for many different reasons. Difficulties with attention, emotional regulation, behavior, anxiety, mood, or social interactions often overlap, making it important to look beyond any one symptom or diagnosis.
With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Hubsher is known for identifying patterns that may be overlooked when symptoms overlap across multiple conditions. Many families seek his expertise after previous treatments have not provided the expected results, medication side effects have become problematic, or they are searching for a clearer understanding of what their child is experiencing.
Comprehensive Child Psychiatric Evaluations
Regardless of prior psychiatric care, Dr. Hubsher performs a comprehensive evaluation at every initial visit. His goal is to gain a thorough understanding of your child’s symptoms, developmental history, strengths, challenges, and overall functioning before making treatment recommendations.
Initial evaluations for children are 90 minutes and are designed to be collaborative. Dr. Hubsher works closely with both parents and children and makes sure there is time for everyone to share their perspective and ask questions throughout the process.
Typically, the visit begins with time alone with the parents, followed by time with your child, and then a wrap-up discussion together. This structure helps Dr. Hubsher understand both parental concerns and your child’s individual experiences, strengths, and needs.
During the evaluation, he considers how symptoms affect daily life, including school performance, behavior at home, emotional regulation, peer relationships, family dynamics, attention, motivation, and overall development.
By the end of the evaluation, you will receive clear feedback along with a discussion of recommended treatment options. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to provide thoughtful guidance so families can make informed decisions about what feels right for their child.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated and Treated
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Childhood ADHD
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Behavioral disorders
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- School-related behavioral concerns
- Complex cases involving multiple diagnoses
When Parents Are Looking for Answers
Many psychiatric conditions share similar symptoms. Difficulty focusing, emotional outbursts, irritability, oppositional behavior, anxiety, sadness, or social challenges may stem from one condition or several occurring together.
Dr. Hubsher looks beyond the most obvious symptoms to better understand what may be driving your child’s struggles and develops individualized recommendations based on their unique needs.
Child Psychiatric Medication Management
Personalized Medication Management for Children
Effective medication management involves much more than prescribing medication. It requires a careful understanding of a child’s symptoms, developmental history, treatment goals, and overall functioning.
Dr. Hubsher provides medication management for children experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other psychiatric concerns.
Comprehensive Evaluation Before Treatment
Regardless of past diagnoses or treatment history, Dr. Hubsher performs a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at every initial visit before making medication recommendations.
Initial evaluations are 90 minutes and are designed to be collaborative. Dr. Hubsher works closely with both parents and children, ensuring that all concerns, questions, and observations are fully discussed.
Typically, the visit begins with time alone with the parents, followed by time with your child, and then a wrap-up discussion with the parents.
He reviews symptoms, prior treatment experiences, medication responses, developmental history, school performance, emotional functioning, family dynamics, and day-to-day challenges to ensure treatment recommendations are based on a complete understanding of the child.
By the end of the evaluation, families receive clear feedback and a discussion of treatment options. Medication may be recommended when appropriate, but treatment decisions are always individualized. If medication is recommended, Dr. Hubsher will explain which medication or combination of medications may be appropriate and the reasoning behind those recommendations.
Ongoing Monitoring and Medication Adjustments
Follow-up appointments focus on:
- Medication effectiveness
- Side effects
- Emotional well-being
- School performance
- Attention and focus
- Behavior at home and in social settings
- Sleep and daily functioning
Treatment plans are adjusted as needed to help children achieve the greatest benefit while minimizing unwanted side effects.
Need a Psychiatric or Medication Evaluation for Your Child?
Dr. Hubsher and his team of clinical psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counselors, and social workers have treated children just like yours and brought peace back to their families. For older patients, visit our adolescent treatment information and adult treatment information pages. Fill out the contact form or call 973-605-5000 to schedule an evaluation.