How to Find a Child Psychologist or Pediatrician in Georgia: A Parent’s Guide

Looking for a pediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist in Georgia? Parenting Pathway lists 660 child health and mental health providers across Georgia. This guide explains where to start, how to pay for care and which free state programs can help your family.

Start with a pediatrician

For most concerns, including behavior, anxiety, attention, sleep or development, your child’s pediatrician is the best first step. They can rule out physical causes, screen for common conditions and refer you to the right specialist. Many Georgia pediatricians also diagnose and manage ADHD themselves. Not sure who does what? Read pediatrician vs child psychologist vs child psychiatrist.

Browse providers in Georgia by type:

• Pediatricians in Georgia
• Child Psychologists in Georgia
• Child Psychiatrists in Georgia
• All providers in Georgia by city

Paying for care in Georgia

If you have private insurance, call the number on your card to check your mental health benefits, whether you need a referral and whether testing needs prior authorization. Federal parity law means most plans cannot make mental health care harder to access than medical care. Our guide to finding a child psychologist covered by insurance walks you through it.

Children in Georgia may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, Georgia’s CHIP program. You can check eligibility and find your state’s application at InsureKidsNow.gov. For typical prices, see how much a child psychologist costs.

Babies and toddlers: free early intervention

If your child is under 3 and you are worried about how they are developing, such as their speech, movement, play or social skills, you can contact Babies Can’t Wait, the early intervention program for Georgia, directly. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and evaluations are free. Our milestone checker shows what most children do at each age.

School-age children: help through school

From age 3, your local public school district must evaluate children who may have a disability affecting their learning, at no cost to you. Ask in writing for an evaluation. If your child qualifies, they may receive support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, which can include counseling, accommodations and classroom support.

Children’s hospitals and specialist care in Georgia

Major pediatric centers include Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Arthur M. Blank, Scottish Rite and Hughes Spalding hospitals) and Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta. Specialist services such as developmental-behavioral pediatrics, child psychiatry and neuropsychological testing are often based at these centers, and waits can be long, so ask your pediatrician to refer early if they think it is needed.

The Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) can connect families with mental health services and crisis support 24/7, in addition to the national 988 line.

If your child is in crisis

If your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency department or call 911.

Find providers in Georgia’s largest cities

• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Atlanta (91 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Alpharetta (33 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Augusta (31 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Savannah (26 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Macon (21 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Columbus (20 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Kennesaw (18 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Decatur (17 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Cumming (16 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Marietta (14 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Athens (14 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Suwanee (12 listed)

See every city in Georgia.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Program names and eligibility rules can change, so check official state sources for the latest details.