How We Work in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute

Our team of specialists works closely with children and teens, their families, primary care providers and other healthcare professionals to ensure that each child’s needs are fully evaluated and adequately addressed.

Doctors

Pediatric psychiatrist

Pediatric psychiatrists, or child and adolescent psychiatrists, are medical doctors (MD) who have completed at least five years of post-graduate specialty training in the assessment and treatment of child, adolescent and adult psychiatric disorders. They are licensed by the state of Colorado, and many are board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Psychiatrists can provide diagnostic assessments, medications and a broad variety of individual, group and family therapies.

Pediatric psychologist

Pediatric psychologists (PhD or PsyD) are licensed by the state of Colorado. Psychologists provide psychological diagnostic assessments along with individual, group and family therapies.

Nurses

Registered nurse (RN)

A registered nurse (RN) has completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing and has specialized training in providing safe and developmentally appropriate evidenced-based care to children with mental health needs.

Family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (FPMHNP)

A FPMHNP is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of the entire family in respect to mental healthcare. A FPMHNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment and follow-up of mental health needs.

Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)

A PNP is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a nurse practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of children. A PNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment and follow-up.

Family nurse practitioner (FNP)

An FNP is a registered nurse (RNs) who has completed an advanced degree as a nurse practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of the entire family. An FNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment and follow-up.

Other Staff

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is a master’s level therapist who can provide initial assessments, psychotherapies, care coordination and resource assistance for families.

Nutritionist

A nutritionist (dietitian) provides consultation, evaluation and diet instruction to parents and children –for those who are well or those who need special therapeutic diets for chronic conditions, such as food allergies, Cystic Fibrosis, diabetes and the acutely ill.

Mental health counselor (MHCs)

A mental health counselor is a bachelor’s or master’s level professional who coordinates setting-based therapies on inpatient and day treatment units. These professionals work closely with the nurses to provide safe and therapeutic care for patients in the intensive programs.

Creative arts therapist

A creative arts therapist uses the arts to help children express, create and heal in an open and supportive environment. Art, music, dance, movement and yoga become tools for communication, emotional release, and ultimately, healing. Our master's and doctoral level creative arts therapists are experts in their fields. They serve as an integral component of your child's treatment team, working in tandem with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses and counselors toward your child's individualized treatment goals.

“For the first time in probably ever, we felt like we had somebody on our side. They were in the trenches with us fighting for Seth. This experience has made Seth better, it's made our family better, and I will be forever grateful.”
– Daisy Davison, Seth’s mom