Pediatrician vs Child Psychologist vs Child Psychiatrist: Who Should Your Child See?

When you are worried about your child, one of the hardest first questions is simply who to call. Pediatricians, child psychologists and child psychiatrists all help children, but they are trained differently, do different jobs and are usually seen in a particular order. This guide explains what each one does, when to see them and how they work together.

The quick answer

• Start with your pediatrician for almost any concern: physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional.
• See a child psychologist for assessment and talking therapy for anxiety, behavior, low mood, trauma, ADHD or autism assessments and learning difficulties.
• See a child psychiatrist when a mental health condition is more complex or severe, or when medication may be needed.

What a pediatrician does

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in children from birth through adolescence (usually up to age 18 or 21). They handle checkups, vaccinations, illnesses and injuries, growth and developmental screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatricians screen for development and autism at set well-child visits, and many now screen for depression and anxiety in older children too.

Your pediatrician is the best first stop because they know your child’s history, can rule out physical causes (such as hearing problems, thyroid issues or sleep disorders) and can refer you to the right specialist. Many pediatricians also diagnose and treat common conditions such as ADHD themselves. Find a pediatrician near you.

What a child psychologist does

A child psychologist usually holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is licensed by their state. They are experts in how children think, feel and behave. Psychologists:

• carry out assessments, including testing for ADHD, autism, learning differences and giftedness;
• provide evidence-based therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety, parent training for behavior problems and trauma-focused therapy;
• work closely with parents and schools.

In most states psychologists do not prescribe medication. Read more in what a child psychologist actually does.

What a child psychiatrist does

A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has completed specialist training in mental health for children and teens. They diagnose and treat mental health conditions and can prescribe and monitor medication. They are often involved when:

• symptoms are severe or not improving with therapy;
• there are several conditions at once, such as ADHD with anxiety or depression;
• medication is being considered or needs adjusting;
• there are safety concerns, such as self-harm.

Child psychiatrists are in short supply in many parts of the US, so waits can be long. Your pediatrician may manage simpler cases and refer on only when needed. See also child psychiatrist or child psychologist?

Side-by-side comparison

A typical care pathway

1. Talk to your pediatrician. Bring notes on what you have noticed, when it started and how it affects home and school.
2. Screening and physical checks. Your pediatrician may use questionnaires and rule out medical causes.
3. Referral. For assessment or therapy, a child psychologist; for complex needs or medication, a child psychiatrist.
4. Ongoing teamwork. Many children see a psychologist for therapy while their pediatrician or psychiatrist manages medication.

For babies and toddlers under 3 with developmental concerns, you can also contact your state’s free early intervention program directly, without a referral. Try our child development milestone checker to see what to look out for at each age.

Find the right professional near you

Parenting Pathway lists pediatricians, child psychologists and child psychiatrists across the US. Search by state and city to compare local practices, then call to check availability and insurance.

This article is general information for parents, not medical advice. Always talk to a qualified health professional about your own child. If your child is in crisis or at risk of harming themselves, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.