Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in Virginia Beach, VA
Compassionate, individualized psychiatric care for children and teens across Hampton Roads — helping young minds thrive at every stage of development.
Expert Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Care for Virginia Beach Families
Raising a child comes with countless joys — and sometimes, unexpected challenges. When a child or teenager is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or academically, it can be difficult to know where to turn. At Wellness Mental Health (MHWC), our concierge-style psychiatric practice in Virginia Beach is here to help. Led by Dr. Noah Matilsky, who is double board-certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, our team provides thorough evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support for children, teens, and their families throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and the greater Hampton Roads region. We believe every child deserves care that is thoughtful, timely, and built around who they are — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Key Benefits
Double Board-Certified Child Psychiatrist
Dr. Matilsky holds dual board certifications in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry — a distinction that reflects deep, specialized expertise in the unique mental health needs of children and teens at every developmental stage.
Concierge-Style, Personalized Care
We take the time to truly listen. Our concierge-style approach means your child receives a comprehensive evaluation, a tailored treatment plan, and a care team that collaborates closely with parents, pediatricians, therapists, and schools throughout Hampton Roads.
In-Person & Telepsychiatry Appointments Available
Families in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth can access expert child psychiatric care in the way that works best for them — whether in our Virginia Beach office or through convenient, secure telepsychiatry appointments.
What Does a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Do — and When Should You Seek Help?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions in young people from early childhood through late adolescence. Unlike psychologists or therapists, a child psychiatrist can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications when appropriate, while also providing supportive guidance and coordinating care with the rest of your child's team.
Parents in Virginia Beach and across Hampton Roads often wonder when it is time to seek a psychiatric evaluation. Some signs to watch for include persistent sadness, worry, or fear that interferes with daily life; significant changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or energy; difficulty concentrating or declining school performance; behavioral outbursts, aggression, or defiance that feels beyond typical development; social withdrawal or trouble making and keeping friends; self-harm, talk of hopelessness, or any mention of suicide; and symptoms that have not improved with therapy alone.
You do not need to wait for a crisis. Early evaluation and intervention can make a meaningful difference in a child's trajectory. If something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out — we are here to help you find clarity.
Conditions We Treat, Our Evaluation Process & Treatment Approach
Our child and adolescent psychiatry services at Wellness Mental Health address a wide range of conditions, including ADHD and attention difficulties, anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), depression and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, behavioral concerns, emotional dysregulation, school-related difficulties, and social challenges.
Every child who comes to our Virginia Beach practice begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This is not a rushed appointment. We take time to gather a thorough developmental history, review school performance and family dynamics, speak with parents and caregivers, and understand the full picture of your child's life. We may coordinate with pediatricians, teachers, and therapists to ensure nothing is missed.
From there, we develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child's age, developmental stage, and specific needs. Treatment options may include psychiatric medication management when clinically appropriate and carefully monitored, supportive psychotherapy, parent education and guidance, and ongoing coordination with your child's school and other providers. Our goal is not just symptom relief — it is helping your child build resilience, confidence, and the skills to navigate life's challenges. Families throughout Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach trust us to be a consistent, compassionate partner in their child's long-term mental health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child see a psychiatrist instead of a therapist?
A therapist or psychologist is often a great first step for children experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties. However, a child and adolescent psychiatrist should be considered when symptoms are severe, persistent, or not responding to therapy alone; when a diagnostic evaluation is needed to clarify a complex condition; or when medication may be an appropriate part of the treatment plan. At Wellness Mental Health, we work collaboratively with therapists and pediatricians throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads to ensure your child receives coordinated, comprehensive care.
What is the difference between a child psychiatrist and a child psychologist?
Both are trained to evaluate and treat mental health conditions in children, but there are important differences. A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who completed medical school, a psychiatry residency, and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. This training allows them to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications in addition to providing clinical guidance. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree in psychology and specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing but does not prescribe medication. Dr. Matilsky at Wellness Mental Health is double board-certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, bringing a uniquely comprehensive perspective to each evaluation.
Can children benefit from psychiatric medication, and is it safe?
Medication is never the first or only answer, but for some children and teens, it can be an important and effective part of a broader treatment plan. When medication is recommended, Dr. Matilsky takes a careful, evidence-based approach — starting at the lowest effective dose, monitoring closely for response and side effects, and always involving parents in the decision-making process. Medication management at our Virginia Beach practice is always paired with ongoing evaluation and support, never prescribed in isolation.
Do you offer telepsychiatry appointments for children and teens?
Yes. Wellness Mental Health offers secure telepsychiatry appointments for child and adolescent psychiatry services, making it easier for families across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and the broader Hampton Roads region to access expert care without the stress of travel. Telepsychiatry is available for both initial consultations and ongoing medication management appointments, subject to clinical appropriateness.
Ready to Support Your Child's Mental Health?
Whether your child is facing a new challenge or you have had concerns for some time, the team at Wellness Mental Health in Virginia Beach is here to help. Dr. Matilsky and our care team serve families throughout Hampton Roads — including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth — with the compassion, expertise, and personalized attention every child deserves. Take the first step today.