Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Services in Missouri & Kansas

Thoughtful psychiatric care begins with understanding the whole child, not simply a list of symptoms.

Dr. Brayden Willis provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and follow-up care for children and adolescents up to age 18. Each treatment plan is developed around the individual needs of the patient and family.

Teen meeting with a mental health professional
Teen participating in a psychiatric evaluation
~75 Minute Initial
Evaluation
Initial Appointment

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation

New patients begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation lasting approximately 75 minutes.

Before and during the appointment, Dr. Willis reviews intake information and speaks directly with both the patient and parent or guardian to understand the primary concerns.

Because psychiatric symptoms can be influenced by many different factors, the evaluation looks beyond the immediate concern to build a fuller picture of the patient's health, development, environment, and day-to-day life.

Schedule an Initial Evaluation
What to Expect

Understanding the Whole Child

The evaluation considers several areas that may help explain what your child is experiencing.

01

Current Concerns

A detailed review of the symptoms, behaviors, and challenges that led your family to seek psychiatric care.

02

Psychiatric Screening

Screening for additional mental health conditions that may be contributing to the child's symptoms.

03

Medical History

Consideration of overall physical health and medical conditions that may affect emotional or behavioral symptoms.

04

Development & Environment

Review of developmental history, school, relationships, home life, and other important psychosocial factors.

The goal is to develop a thoughtful diagnostic impression and individualized treatment plan addressing the core issues, whether treatment includes medication, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or other recommendations.

Ongoing Treatment

Thoughtful Medication Management

Medication can be an important part of psychiatric treatment, but it should never be approached casually or automatically.

Dr. Willis considers the potential risks and benefits of medication carefully and works with patients and guardians to make informed, collaborative decisions.

In some situations, medication may provide meaningful relief and allow a child to function more successfully. In others, medication may not be needed at all.

Teen and parent discussing treatment with a mental health professional

Careful Recommendations

Medication is recommended when Dr. Willis believes the expected benefits justify its use.

Lowest Effective Burden

The goal is effective treatment while avoiding unnecessary medication whenever possible.

Collaborative Decisions

Patients and guardians receive informed recommendations and remain active participants in treatment decisions.

Ongoing Review

Medication regimens are reconsidered as symptoms, goals, development, and family priorities change.

Teen participating in a telehealth mental health appointment
Flexible Follow-Up Care

Telepsychiatry for Children & Teens

Many established patients may complete appropriate follow-up appointments by secure video.

Telepsychiatry can make ongoing care more convenient for families by reducing travel while maintaining continuity with Dr. Willis.

Video Follow-Up Visits

Connect remotely when telepsychiatry is appropriate.

Simple Technology

Use a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access.

Continuity of Care

Many follow-up services can be provided without traveling to the office.

Please note: Some circumstances may require an in-person follow-up appointment.
Schedule Appointment
Not Sure Where to Start?

New Patients Begin With a Comprehensive Evaluation

The initial evaluation gives Dr. Willis the opportunity to understand your child's concerns and discuss diagnosis, treatment options, medication management when appropriate, and recommended follow-up care.

Schedule Evaluation