Psychiatric Services
Psychiatry can be a critical component in mental health treatment. We offer a robust psychiatric department at UMCH Family Services. Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can evaluate a child for the need for further testing, help parents and children understand mental health symptoms and prescribe medication.
Often medication in concert with psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is the most effective way to help individuals and families improve their situations. Helping families understand the biological reasons for a diagnosis is very helpful in managing the symptoms they deal with every day. Psychiatric staff are available at several of our locations throughout the week during hours convenient for families.
Nathaniel Johns, MD
Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Nathaniel Johns, MD is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with expertise in a wide variety of childhood and adolescent emotional and behavioral disturbances including those associated with ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation or behaviors, anger and aggression, and serous relational problems with parents or peers. He completed his child psychiatry fellowship at the University of Michigan. He also is board certified in general psychiatry, having completed his residency at Wayne State University. Prior to this, he served as a staff psychiatrist and medical director at Applewood Centers in Cleveland for more than a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychiatry
The first appointment will last approximately 60 minutes. During the first meeting you will discuss birth history, developmental history, school functioning and current mental health.
Parents/guardians and the child will be involved in the decision to pursue counseling services, medication management or the combination of both.
A prescription will be ordered if medication is needed and you are in agreement.
The family will speak with the Medical staff together.
The first appointment will last approximately 60 minutes.
Please contact psychiatry staff for specific hours at each location. We see children at various locations in the community. We work to make the appointment at the nearest facility to you.
The parent or guardian must bring the child to the appointment. There are legal papers for consent that must be completed at the first and subsequent appointments. In addition, we must have the person that knows about the child’s behaviors, reactions to medications and any changes that have occurred in their functioning since the last appointment.
The parents/guardians make the decision whether they want their children/youth to use medications to assist with symptoms they are experiencing. If they decide against medication, then they will not need to return for any follow up appointments with the psychiatry staff.
UMCH Family Services has a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. These professionals are licensed to diagnose and treat with medications.
Yes. When a family cancels their appointment we call families that are interested in coming in sooner from our cancellation list.
We provide psychiatric services to children 4 to 22 years of age.
Links
Ohio Minds Matter – Ohio’s Psychotropic Medications Quality Improvement Collaborative