Children, Teens & Young Adults
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Careful psychiatric evaluation for children and teenagers — with parents in the room and medication as an option, not a default.
Quick Answer
Haven provides child and adolescent psychiatry in St. Petersburg, FL and by telehealth across Florida. Both Dr. Rachel McKenna and Dr. Alison Larson, D.O. are double board-certified in adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Rachel McKenna leads the practice, while Dr. Larson takes many pediatric cases and brings deep pediatric expertise. Families have a choice of physician, and parents remain part of the process throughout.
Our Approach
A Real Evaluation Before Anyone Talks About Medication
Most families arrive here after something has been building for a while — a year of falling grades, a teacher's phone call, a child who used to sleep and now doesn't, a teenager who has quietly stopped doing the things they loved. Often they have already been handed a rating scale and a prescription somewhere else, and it either didn't fit or didn't work.
We start further back. A child's symptoms can come from attention differences, anxiety, trauma, sleep loss, a learning disability, a medical issue, or a family circumstance — and several of those look nearly identical in a 15-minute visit. Dr. Rachel McKenna or Dr. Alison Larson takes a full developmental and family history, gathers what school is seeing, and spends real time with your child before naming anything.
When medication is the right tool, we explain the evidence, the trade-offs, and what we will monitor. When it isn't, we say so and point you toward what actually helps — therapy, school accommodations, sleep and routine work, or parent-focused strategies. Being a physician-led practice means nobody here has a reason to reach for the prescription pad faster than the situation warrants.
Your Choice of Psychiatrist
Dr. Rachel McKenna leads the practice and treats patients across the lifespan. Dr. Larson takes many pediatric cases and brings a special interest in OCD, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Families may select either physician when scheduling.
What We Help With
Concerns We See Most Often
ADHD & Attention
Careful evaluation using history from home and school — not a single rating scale — followed by a plan that may or may not include medication.
Anxiety, OCD & School Refusal
Separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and the school avoidance that often comes with them.
Autism Spectrum
Diagnostic clarification and support for co-occurring anxiety, irritability, and sleep difficulty, with referrals when other services are needed.
Depression & Mood
Persistent low mood, irritability, withdrawal, sleep and appetite changes, and mood swings in older children and teens.
Behavioral Difficulty
Outbursts, oppositional behavior, and emotional dysregulation — evaluated for what is driving them rather than treated as a label.
Second Opinions
A fresh diagnostic look when a prior diagnosis or medication plan is not adding up or is not working.
Read more about our approach to ADHD, autism spectrum care, and anxiety.
What to Expect
How the First Few Visits Go
Parent Intake
We start with your account of what's happening — developmental history, what school is reporting, what you've already tried, and what worries you most.
Evaluation With Your Child
Dr. Larson meets with your child at a pace appropriate to their age. For teens, part of that time is one-on-one so they can speak honestly.
Findings Explained to You
You get a clear explanation of what we think is going on, what we ruled out, and the options — including the ones that don't involve medication.
Follow-Up That Fits School
Follow-up visits can be by telehealth anywhere in Florida so your child doesn't lose half a school day for a 30-minute check-in.
Out of the area? Follow-up care is available by telepsychiatry anywhere in Florida.
Individual Care
Explore Child, Teen & Family Psychiatry Services
Read more about the concerns we evaluate and the medication support available through Haven.
Common Questions
Child & Teen Psychiatry FAQ
What ages do you treat?
Dr. Rachel McKenna and Dr. Alison Larson, D.O. are both double board-certified in adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Rachel McKenna leads the practice; Dr. Larson takes many pediatric cases and brings deep pediatric expertise. Families may choose either physician.
Will I be part of my child's appointments?
Yes. Parents and caregivers are part of the evaluation and the plan. As teenagers get older we also protect appropriate confidential time with them, and we explain how that works up front so there are no surprises.
Do you evaluate for ADHD and autism in children?
Yes. We evaluate ADHD, autism spectrum presentations, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and school-related difficulties, drawing on history from home and school rather than a single questionnaire.
Will my child automatically be put on medication?
No. Medication is one option among several, and for many children it is not the first step. Your Haven psychiatrist discusses the evidence, alternatives, and trade-offs with you before anything is prescribed.
Can my child be seen by telehealth?
Yes, anywhere in Florida — which many families prefer for follow-up visits so their child does not miss a half day of school. Initial evaluations may be scheduled in person in St. Petersburg depending on the situation.
Get Your Child a Real Evaluation
In person in St. Petersburg or by secure video anywhere in Florida — usually within days.