Resources Tagged With: Vidya Krishnan

Navigating Divorce with Your Children

Conflict within relationships is natural. What happens when this conflict occurs within a family and ends up in separation or divorce? Join us as we explore effective communication strategies with children during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of fostering open dialogue and understanding and offer insights into how to create a supportive environment for children to express their emotions. Read more ›

What New Study Findings Tell Us About Serotonin, Depression and SSRIs: A Chief Psychiatrist’s Take

by Vidya Krishnan, MD, Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Director, Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, CHC

Approximately 280 million people around the globe have depression, according to a report from the World Health Organization. The personal, familial, and societal effects of this condition are profound. Especially considering that depression, at its worst, can lead to suicide. Read more ›

Launching: Transition Age Youth

Growing up is a process of moving toward independence, becoming your own person and meeting your own needs. “Launching” refers to the parental role in their child’s transition into adulthood. This process looks different for everyone — a bumpier or more meandering path for some than others. So how can you best prepare your child for a smooth launch? Read more ›

Considering Therapy for Your Child? How to Get Kids and Teens on Board

If your child or teen is struggling with communication, behavior or relationships, or no longer wants to participate in things that they used to enjoy, it may be time to seek help. How do you convince them that it’s time to take that step? And what can you expect when you get there?

In this Voices of Compassion podcast,  sat down with Dr. Vidya Krishnan, Head of Adolescent Mental Health Services at CHC to find out. Read more ›

CHC in the News: Mental Health Experts on Managing Back to School Anxiety Amid Pandemic [video]

Dr. Vidya Krishnan, Head of Adolescent Mental Health Services and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Children’s Health Council, appeared on KTVU News to discuss strategies for coping with the anxiety and stress many families are experiencing as children head back to school remotely. Read more ›

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Teen Suicide: Understanding the Warning Signs [presentation]

Suicide is the 2nd most common cause of death among 10-24 year olds. In this presentation, Vidya Krishnan, Head of Adolescent Mental Health Services at CHC, discusses the warning signs, risk factors, protective factors, and treatment options. Learn what to look for and how you as a parent can help. Read more ›

Should My Child See a Psychiatrist?

 Written by Vidya Krishnan, MD, Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Director at CHC

Your Psychiatrist Is Your Partner in This Process

As a psychiatrist practicing for almost a decade, I would encourage you to view your psychiatrist as your partner in this process. An initial consultation can fulfill many other useful functions besides the possible generation of a prescription. It provides an understanding of what’s going on with your child within a larger context, whether your child has a clear diagnosis or not.

The psychiatry team’s medical training leads to a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and the interactions between mental and physical health. I have been able to help families to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and a personalized road map to determine recommended benchmarks for various interventions, including but not limited to medication. It is very helpful to establish a relationship with families well before symptoms escalate, in hopes of averting a crisis and getting the child back on the right road of growth and self-discovery.

An initial consultation, while a significant investment of time and resources, can help right the developmental course and prevent a lot of twists and turns in your child’s mental health journey.

Determining Whether Or Not to Medicate Is Complicated

Developing a decision tree to determine whether or not to medicate your child is complicated, and is not a decision I take lightly in my role as a physician. That being said, medications are always one of the options when there is functional impairment: when social/family relationships are at stake; academic functioning or academic placement is at risk; or the internal experience of a child is adversely impacting their ability to grow and develop in an age- or ability- appropriate manner.

Here are my responses to three common concerns from parents regarding medication:

1. How do I know when it’s time to reach out to a psychiatrist?
The most common reasons families seek me out or are referred to me are because their child:

  • Is at risk of being kicked out of school or daycare
  •  Has trouble making or keeping friends
  • Is unable to participate with the family on vacations, family gatherings, family meals or outings
  • Cannot attend or stay in school consistently
  • Has trouble controlling or managing their behavior
  • Is unsafe due to self injury, self harm, suicidal thoughts, or substance use
  • Is unable to maintain daily routine or self-care and hygiene
  • Exhibits volatile mood, temper outbursts, or complete lack of motivation
  • Has a lot of trouble with anxiety in thought or action, trouble with separation, performance, transition and/or social expectations
  • Is going through a major life or family event (e.g., death, divorce, move, trauma, natural disaster) that they are having trouble coping with

2. Does an appointment with a psychiatrist always result in a prescription?
Consulting with a psychiatrist does not mean that your child will end up on a medication. Consider it a conversation about your child that can empower you with choices.

3. Will medication affect my child’s brain development?
It has always to be weighed against the current risk/ distress that the child and family are under.

4.  Could my child become “addicted” to the medication?
The term “addicted” means using something to get a high from it. Most (not all) psychiatric medications do not produce a high and are therefore not addictive.

Consulting With a Psychiatrist

Consulting with a psychiatrist for your child or teen is an opportunity to detect stressors or illnesses early, potentially limiting the pain and impact of the illness for the entire family. As psychiatrists, we are here to support and partner with you throughout your child’s journey towards mental wellness.  You are not alone. Contact us today to speak with a Care Coordinator.


Vidya Krishnan, MD, CHC’s Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Director, works with kids from a variety of backgrounds across the age and developmental spectrum, starting from grade school through young adulthood.  She treats a wide range of mental health conditions that cause functional impairment and believes in a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues.



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