A teenager who becomes irritable, sleeps later, or talks less is not necessarily developing a psychiatric disorder. Adolescence changes behavior. Concern grows when a change persists, becomes more severe, or begins to affect school, friendships, family life, or safety.
Rappore provides thoughtful psychiatric care for teens ages 15–17 by video in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. We accept insurance.
Teen Psychiatry
for Ages 15–17
Our Services
KNOWING WHEN
When an Evaluation May Help
Parents often contact us because they have noticed a change but do not know what it means. Their teenager may be increasingly anxious, withdrawn, irritable, distracted, or unable to sleep. Grades may be slipping. Friendships may have changed. A medication may not be helping or may be causing side effects.
Common reasons for seeking an evaluation include:
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Anxiety, panic, depression, or persistent irritability
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Changes in sleep, motivation, concentration, or relationships
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ADHD symptoms or declining school performance
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Withdrawal, school avoidance, risk-taking, or behavioral changes
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Questions about an existing diagnosis or medication
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Concerns about self-harm, substance use, or safety
A single symptom does not establish a diagnosis. We look at the pattern, what has changed, how long it has lasted, and how it is affecting the teenager's life.
Symptoms involving immediate danger, suicidal intent, psychosis, or an inability to remain safe require urgent or emergency evaluation rather than a routine outpatient appointment.
THE FIRST VISIT
What We Evaluate
We meet by video with the teenager and a parent or legal guardian. The clinician reviews the current concern, developmental and medical history, sleep, school functioning, family circumstances, previous treatment, and any medications already tried. With the appropriate permission, we may also speak with a therapist, pediatrician, or school professional.
The first task is to determine what is happening. A psychiatric evaluation does not mean that medication will be prescribed. The recommendation may involve therapy, medication, changes to existing treatment, family or school support, further assessment, continued observation, or referral to another level of care.
WHO’S INVOLVED
Parents, Teenagers, and Confidentiality
Parents remain involved in adolescent treatment, but teenagers also need an opportunity to speak candidly with the clinician. At the beginning of care, we explain when parents will participate, what information may remain private, and when a safety concern must be shared.
Video visits allow us to structure this directly. Part of an appointment may include the parent, and part may be time alone with the teenager. We ask that the teenager join from a private space where they can speak freely.
This arrangement usually gives the clinician a more accurate understanding of the problem while keeping parents appropriately involved.
PROCESS
Treatment Plan
If treatment continues at Rappore, the plan is based on the teenager's diagnosis, needs, and response over time. Medication is prescribed only when there is a clear clinical reason. We monitor whether it is helping, whether it is causing side effects, and whether the teenager's daily functioning is improving.
Depending on the teenager's needs, the plan may include:
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Psychiatric follow-up and medication management
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Individual or family therapy, when available and appropriate
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Coordination with existing clinicians
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Recommendations involving school, sleep, family, or behavior
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Referral when a different setting or level of care would be more appropriate
GETTING STARTED
How to Begin Care
A parent or legal guardian begins the intake process and provides consent. Our intake team confirms eligibility, reviews insurance and scheduling, and explains who should attend the initial appointment.
Appointments take place by secure video. The teenager and parent may join from home or from separate locations, as long as the teenager and guardian have a private space for their portion of the visit.
Did your medication help at first, then hit a wall?
Do side effects now outweigh the benefits?
Do you feel emotionally numb or mentally dulled?
Has it been months since anyone reviewed your course in detail?
Are symptoms still costing you the life you want?