Medication Evaluation and Management
Medication is sometimes part of a child’s treatment, and sometimes not. Our child and adolescent psychiatrists evaluate each child and decide with the family, not for them.
The approach at the Children’s Hospital is conservative: medication is recommended only when the evaluation shows it will make a real difference to the child’s treatment.
We take time to explain, to you and to your child, how each medication works, what benefits to expect, possible side effects, and how long results may take. Families make better decisions when nothing is a mystery.
Psychiatrists prescribe for depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD and other conditions, following pediatric prescribing guidelines.
Kids change fast, so monitoring matters even more. Providers watch your child’s response closely, track side effects, and adjust as needed.
Medication rarely works alone. It’s paired with therapy and the hospital’s other services, and your child’s prescriber coordinates with the whole treatment team.
The Walk-In Clinic is open 24/7 for psychiatric assessments, no appointment necessary. Call the Children’s Hospital at (270) 689-6800.
What to Expect
The first medication evaluation happens as part of your child’s admission assessment. Bring a list of any current medications, including over-the-counter supplements, plus previous psychiatric records if you have them.
Your child’s provider will go over their recommendation with you and answer questions before any decision is made. During the stay, medications are monitored daily, and the discharge plan includes clear instructions and follow-up appointments.
Other Children’s Hospital Services
Inpatient Services
Inpatient psychiatric care for children and teens ages 5 to 17 at our 80-bed Owensboro hospital, with an on-site school, family therapy and discharge planning.
Acute Psychiatric Inpatient
Short-term inpatient care for children and teens in psychiatric crisis: immediate safety, 24/7 monitoring, and a plan for what happens next.
Individual Group Family Therapy
Individual, group and family therapy for every child in the hospital, using TF-CBT, EMDR and DBT, with parents and caregivers part of the plan.
Specialized Therapeutic Activities
Art, music, movement, games and recreation, built into every child’s daily schedule as part of treatment.
Nursing Care Crisis Support
Registered nurses and behavioral health associates on the unit 24 hours a day, handling medications, health needs and de-escalation.
Behavioral Intervention Services
Behavior support planning led by a board-certified behavior analyst: find what a behavior is for, teach a better way to get the same thing, and coach the family on it.
Specialized Therapies
The STATE Program for autism spectrum disorder, the BIRCH long-term program for boys 12 to 17, and TF-CBT, EMDR and DBT across the hospital.
