Outpatient Psychiatry Service

The Developmental Neuropsychiatry & Psychosis (DNP) Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital offers comprehensive psychosis evaluations, treatment, and consultation for children and adolescents experiencing psychosis. Common symptoms of psychosis include hallucinations, unusual thoughts, delusional ideas, grandiose ideas, suspiciousness/paranoia, and disorganized communication. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in treating:

• Early onset psychosis (EOP): Psychotic disorders that present before the age of 18. 
• Psychosis risk: Youth experiencing symptoms of psychosis but have not met the criteria for full onset of a psychotic disorder.
• Familial risk for psychosis: Youth who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with a psychotic disorder and are experiencing changes in mood and functioning.
• Genetic risk for psychosis: Youth with a known genetic risk factor for psychosis.
• Psychosis comorbid with neurodevelopmental disorders: Youth who have neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or others and are experiencing symptoms of psychosis.
• Psychosis comorbid with trauma, affective disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Our program provides families with a comprehensive understanding of their child’s condition and equips them with tools and strategies to navigate these challenges. We emphasize building skills, promoting a healthy life balance, appropriate medication management, and supporting long-term development.

• Diagnostic assessments
  • Comprehensive psychosis evaluations
  • Assessments for psychiatric comorbidities
• Medication management
  • Evaluation with a psychopharmacological expert to develop the psychopharmacologic portion of the treatment plan
  • Ongoing medication management for youth experiencing psychosis
  • Expertise in managing complex comorbid presentations (e.g., comorbid ASD, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD)
• Individual Therapy informed by:
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychosis
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for psychosis
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Play therapy
• Family therapy and parent training: Structured sessions to support family dynamics, empower parents, and decrease stress in the home
• Psychoeducational and peer support caregiver groups: Weekly caregiver group that offers psychoeducation about psychosis and fosters community support
• Managing emotions and social skills group: Skills-based group therapy focusing on emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and peer support

Families concerned about their child's mental health can start with an initial consultation to determine the need for further evaluation. If determined that DNP services are warranted, the child will be assigned to a psychiatrist and/or psychologist, as needed. Our team comprises child psychiatrists and psychologists who collaborate to create tailored treatment plans for each child.

We offer state-of-the-art psychopharmacologic treatment, evidence-based therapies such as CBT for psychosis, ACT for psychosis, consultation and collaboration with schools, and structured family interventions to address diverse needs.

Associated with the DNP is the Early Psychosis Investigation Center (EPICenter) led by Dr. David Glahn. Research projects at EPICenter aim to understand the factors that contribute to early onset psychosis. The main goals are:

1. To identify the root causes of the illness
2. To improve treatment options and outcomes for patients and their families.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Outpatient Psychiatry Service intake team at 617-355-6680.