MU Children's Hospital's pediatric psychiatry department offers children and adolescents confidential, compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. All of our physicians have significant training and experience in child and adolescent psychiatry. Additionally, they often collaborate with many of Children's Hospital's other pediatric sub-specialists to offer their patients the most comprehensive care possible.

Specialized Care for Kids

Caring for the metal health of kids and adolescents requires specific skills, training and experience. Children are still growing and developing, facts that must be considered when making a mental health diagnosis. Children are also often less able to express themselves with words, so our physicians must rely on their own trained observation skills as well as in-depth conversations with parents and other primary caregivers.

Family Focus

The pediatric psychiatrists at Children's Hospital work to create and maintain a strong bond with both the patient and their family. By involving both the patient and his or her family in discussing evaluation results, diagnoses and treatment decisions, our physicians are able to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Some Disorders We Treat

• Adjustment Disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychotic Disorders
• ADHD
• Disruptive Disorders
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Some Treatments We Offer

• Medication management
• Therapy
• Testing

Who We Are

Laine Young-Walker, MD, Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, Division Director
Adam Balkozar, MD, Psychiatry
Sultana Jahan, MD, Psychiatry
Syed Arshad Husain, MD, Child/Adolescent Psychiatry
Leslie Luchene, PhD, Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Fellow

Where We Are

MUPC Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic
One Hospital Drive
Columbia, Mo. 65212
(573) 884-1236

Professional Associations

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Psychiatric Association

Outreach

Our physicians work closely with Columbia Public Schools offices and the juvenile office of Boone County.