Can psychiatrists without formal training in child and adolescent psychiatry diagnose and treat children and adolescents?
A handful of psychiatrists have training in adolescent psychiatry, who are qualified to prevent, diagnose and treat mental disorders in adolescents (but not children), however these are rare exceptions (ACGME approved programs have only existed briefly in the past). The American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry (ASAP) provides Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits (approved by the ACGME) for physicians, primarily psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals, which improve their ability to recognize, diagnose and manage psychiatric conditions in adolescents and young adults. Psychiatrists may also receive certification through ASAP in adolescent psychiatry.
