CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY · ANN ARBOR & MICHIGAN
Child & adolescent psychiatry.
I offer child and adolescent psychiatric evaluation and individualized care that considers the young person’s experience and the family around them.
Free 15-minute introduction · Phone or video
Dr. Jacek Debiec
Psychiatry & psychotherapy
Specialist training in child & adolescent psychiatry
A FULLER PICTURE
When might an evaluation help?
Changes in emotions, behavior, anxiety, attention, school participation, or adjustment to a transition can raise questions for a family. You do not need to know the diagnosis before asking for help.
Emotions and behavior: I offer care for anxiety, OCD, mood difficulties, emotional regulation, anger, and aggressive behavior, with support for both children and parents.
Development and school: I support autistic children and families, and children with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental concerns, academic stress, and transitions such as starting school.
Eating disorders can also be a reason to inquire. We discuss whether outpatient psychiatric care fits the child’s needs; frequent medical monitoring or a higher level of care may require a different setting.
Other concerns I work with include selective mutism, Tourette syndrome, PTSD, attachment difficulties, and early relational trauma. Care may also consider how trauma affects a family across generations.
Evaluation considers biological and medical factors, emotional and psychological experience, development, family relationships, school demands, and social context. I also consider strengths, coping patterns, previous care, and what matters to the young person.
TWO PERSPECTIVES IN THE CONVERSATION
FOR YOUR CHILD OR TEEN
During the first appointment
The assessment makes room for the young person’s perspective and the parent or caregiver’s observations. We discuss emotional needs, development, medical history, school life, previous care, and questions about next steps.
FOR YOU, AS A PARENT
Understanding
how to offer support.
I support parents in understanding emotional needs, behavior, and family patterns. We discuss ways to respond while keeping the young person’s experience central.
Psychotherapy, practical skills, and medication when appropriate are discussed individually, including potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and follow-up.
Family involvement, consent, confidentiality, and information-sharing are discussed according to the young person’s circumstances and applicable requirements.
CONNECTING CARE WITH EVERYDAY LIFE
School belongs
in the conversation.
When appropriate and authorized, I can collaborate with an existing therapist and school. I can provide clinically appropriate documentation and letters, and participate in school meetings related to IEP or Section 504 requests. These conversations may concern developmental, emotional, or behavioral needs as well as attention.
Schools make eligibility and accommodation decisions. Clinical documentation or meeting participation does not guarantee a particular plan or support.
Psychiatric assessment is different from formal neuropsychological or psychoeducational testing. A separate specialist may be needed for specific testing requirements.
WHEN HOME CONTEXT MAY BE HELPFUL
Understanding a child
in their home context.
For some children, participating in an office or telehealth visit can be difficult. When appropriate and available, I can arrange a home evaluation to better accommodate the child's needs. Home visits are arranged individually and billed separately.
Your questions, changes you have noticed, previous treatment information, and relevant school or clinical reports can help frame an evaluation. We can discuss which information is useful and how to share it through an appropriate care process.
BEGIN WITH YOUR QUESTIONS
A first conversation
for your family.
We can discuss what has been difficult, what you are looking for, and whether the practice may be a good fit.
Free 15-minute introduction by phone or video. Not an evaluation or treatment appointment. A request is not a confirmed appointment.
Private-pay, out-of-network care. Review fees before choosing paid care.