Child Psychiatry in Ashburn & Northern Virginia
Specialized psychiatric care for children and adolescents — helping young patients in Loudoun County thrive at home, in school, and beyond.
What Is Child & Adolescent Psychiatry?
Child and adolescent psychiatry is a specialized branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions in young people. Unlike general psychiatry, child psychiatry requires an in-depth understanding of childhood development, family dynamics, and the unique ways mental health conditions present in growing minds.
At Lansdowne Mental Health Services in Ashburn, Virginia, our providers bring years of specialized training and clinical experience in working with children and adolescents. We understand that seeking psychiatric care for your child can feel overwhelming, and we are committed to making the experience as comfortable, supportive, and empowering as possible for both the child and the family.
Conditions We Treat in Children & Adolescents
Our Ashburn child psychiatry practice provides expert evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions affecting young people, including:
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children, affecting focus, impulse control, and activity levels. We conduct thorough evaluations to distinguish ADHD from other conditions with overlapping symptoms and develop individualized treatment plans that may include behavioral strategies, academic accommodations, and medication when appropriate.
Anxiety Disorders
Children and teens can experience anxiety in many forms, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and specific phobias. Left untreated, childhood anxiety can lead to school avoidance, social isolation, and worsening symptoms over time.
Depression in Young People
Childhood and adolescent depression often looks different from adult depression. Irritability, academic decline, and social withdrawal are frequently more prominent than sadness in younger patients. Early identification and treatment are essential for healthy emotional development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
We provide comprehensive assessments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), helping families understand their child's unique strengths and challenges. Our providers work with families to develop supportive treatment plans that promote social skills, communication, and daily functioning.
Behavioral Issues & Trauma
Behavioral disturbances such as oppositional defiance, aggression, and conduct issues often signal underlying emotional distress or unresolved trauma. Our providers take a trauma-informed approach, addressing root causes rather than simply managing surface behaviors. We also treat adjustment disorders, grief reactions, and the psychological effects of adverse childhood experiences.
Our Approach to Young Patients
Treating children and adolescents requires patience, clinical expertise, and a genuine understanding of how young minds develop. At our Lansdowne practice, every treatment plan is built around the individual child's developmental stage, temperament, and family context.
- ✓Developmentally appropriate evaluations tailored to your child's age and communication level
- ✓A warm, non-judgmental clinical setting designed to put young patients at ease
- ✓Evidence-based treatment strategies including therapy, behavioral interventions, and medication management when indicated
- ✓Coordination with schools, pediatricians, and therapists to ensure continuity of care
- ✓Age groups served include school-age children and adolescents through age 17
The Role of Parents in Treatment
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child's mental health treatment. We actively involve families at every step — from the initial evaluation through ongoing care. Our providers educate parents about their child's diagnosis, discuss treatment options transparently, and offer practical guidance for supporting their child at home and in school.
We understand that parents often carry their own concerns and questions. Our team takes the time to listen, answer questions thoroughly, and ensure that families feel confident and informed about their child's care plan. Collaboration between provider, parent, and child is the foundation of successful outcomes.
Why Choose LMHS for Your Child
- ✓Experienced providers with specialized training in child and adolescent psychiatry
- ✓Dr. Chitlu and our clinical team bring years of expertise treating complex pediatric mental health conditions
- ✓Comprehensive evaluations that look beyond symptoms to understand the whole child
- ✓Family-centered approach that empowers parents as active participants in care
- ✓Convenient Lansdowne location serving families across Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, and Loudoun County
- ✓Telehealth appointments available for follow-ups and medication management
- ✓A safe, confidential environment where children feel heard and respected
Related Services
Learn more about the specialized services we offer for children and families:
Child Psychiatry FAQs
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child shows persistent changes in mood, behavior, or academic performance lasting more than two weeks. Warning signs include excessive worry or fearfulness, frequent tantrums or aggression beyond what is typical for their age, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, declining grades, or talk about self-harm. Early intervention gives children the best opportunity for healthy development.
The initial evaluation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Our provider will review your child's developmental history, current symptoms, medical background, family history, and school performance. Depending on your child's age, the provider may speak with your child individually as well as with you as the parent. At the end of the session, you will receive a preliminary assessment and a recommended treatment plan.
Medication may be recommended when clinically appropriate, but it is never the automatic first step. Our providers carefully weigh the benefits and risks of any medication and discuss all options with parents before starting treatment. When medication is prescribed, we monitor your child closely with regular follow-up appointments to assess effectiveness and watch for side effects.
Most major insurance plans provide coverage for child and adolescent psychiatric evaluations and ongoing treatment. Mental health parity laws require insurers to cover mental health services at the same level as medical and surgical services. Our office staff can help verify your child's benefits before the first appointment so you know what to expect.
Yes, we offer telehealth appointments for child and adolescent psychiatry services. Virtual visits can be especially helpful for follow-up appointments, medication checks, and for families who live farther from our Lansdowne office. For initial evaluations, in-person visits are often preferred so the provider can conduct a thorough assessment, but telehealth options are available when needed.
Give Your Child the Support They Deserve
Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported. Our Ashburn team is here to help your family navigate the path to better mental health. Schedule your child's evaluation today.