Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Texas - DFW, Houston, Austin
Medically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD — July 2026 · Last updated July 2026
- 3,000+ Texans and New Mexicans treated
- 4.9★ average across 200+ Google reviews
- Most insured patients pay $0-$30 per visit
- Most new patients seen within 1-2 business days
- In-network with major insurers - BlueCross, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna
Medically reviewed by Akinwande Akintola, MD, Supervisory Psychiatrist · Written by the Lyte Psychiatry clinical team · Last updated July 2026
Prefer therapy for teens? Lyte’s in-house Texas therapists deliver evidence-based talk therapy — on its own or alongside medication, coordinated under one chart.
Explore therapy for teens →Why Teen Mental Health Matters
ADHD in Children and Teens
Anxiety in Young People
Teen Depression
Working With Families
Frequently Asked Questions: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
What age range does Lyte Psychiatry treat?
Lyte Psychiatry sees patients ages 13 and up. Younger children (under 13) typically require a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist with different training and clinical resources. We are happy to provide referrals for patients outside our age range.
What mental health conditions are common in Texas teens?
The CDC's 2021 YRBS found that 42% of U.S. high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness. Anxiety disorders affect nearly 32% of adolescents according to NIMH. ADHD, depression, OCD, and eating disorders are also highly prevalent. Most Texas teens with mental health conditions are not receiving any treatment.
Are antidepressants safe for teenagers?
Fluoxetine and escitalopram have FDA approval for adolescent depression. The FDA requires a black box warning about a small increased risk of suicidal thinking in teens starting antidepressants. This risk is real and must be weighed against the substantially larger risk of untreated depression. We schedule close follow-up in the first weeks of any new medication.
Do parents need to be present at every appointment?
For patients under 18, a parent or guardian must provide consent for treatment. We encourage parent involvement, especially at the initial evaluation. We also give teens private time with the provider. Adolescents are more forthcoming about sensitive topics (substance use, suicidal thoughts, sexual activity) when they trust their confidentiality will be respected within legal limits.
Can adolescent psychiatric care be done via telehealth in Texas?
Yes. Telehealth works well for teens, who are often comfortable with video technology and may prefer the privacy of a home appointment. For stimulant ADHD medications, Texas law requires an in-person initial evaluation. Follow-up appointments and non-controlled medications can be managed via telehealth.
How do I know if my teen needs a psychiatrist vs. a therapist?
Therapists provide talk therapy and do not prescribe medication. Psychiatrists evaluate for diagnosis and manage medication. Many teens benefit from both. If your teen's symptoms are significantly impairing their ability to function at school, at home, or with peers, a psychiatric evaluation is warranted. Medication is not always the answer, but it should not be off the table either. We will tell you honestly what we recommend after the evaluation.
What should I do if my teen refuses to see a psychiatrist?
This is common. Framing the visit around specific problems (sleep, focus, feeling better at school) rather than mental illness often helps. Telehealth can reduce resistance. Letting your teen have some choice in the process (selecting the provider, deciding when to schedule) increases buy-in. If your teen is in crisis, do not wait for buy-in: call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Does insurance cover teen psychiatric care?
Yes. Adolescent psychiatric care is covered by all major insurance plans under mental health parity laws. Lyte Psychiatry accepts BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, and Aetna. Most patients pay $0-$30 per visit. We verify your benefits before the first appointment. See all insurance plans we accept →
Trusted Resources & Sources
NIMH — Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Half of all mental health conditions begin before age 14 — NIMH data
CDC — Children's Mental Health
National prevalence data and resources for youth mental health
AAP — Mental Health Policy
American Academy of Pediatrics child mental health guidelines
SAMHSA — Youth Mental Health
SAMHSA resources for children's behavioral health
Lyte Psychiatry's content is reviewed by board-certified psychiatrists and references peer-reviewed research and federal health agency data.
Your treatment options
How Lyte treats adolescent psychiatric
Lyte provides therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adolescent psychiatric across Texas. You may begin with one type of care or receive both through the same practice. Your clinician will recommend a plan based on your symptoms, health history, goals and preferences.
Therapy
Work with a licensed therapist on coping skills, patterns, relationships and the circumstances affecting your symptoms.
Explore therapy at Lyte →Psychiatric care
A psychiatric provider can evaluate your symptoms, consider possible diagnoses and discuss whether medication or another medical treatment is appropriate.
Learn about medication management →Combined care
When both services are useful, your therapist and psychiatric provider can coordinate within one practice instead of asking you to manage two separate care teams.
Compare your care options →What happens at your first appointment?
Your first visit gives you and your provider time to discuss what has been happening, how it affects daily life, your medical and mental health history, current medications and what you want help with. You will discuss possible next steps together.
Therapy visits focus on understanding your concerns and building a practical treatment plan. A psychiatric evaluation also considers whether your symptoms may be connected to a condition that could benefit from medication. A prescription is never automatic.
Before the appointment, Lyte can check your insurance benefits and explain the expected cost. Coverage and out-of-pocket amounts depend on your plan and whether the service is medically necessary. Review accepted insurance plans.
Serving patients across Texas
Lyte Psychiatry provides adolescent psychiatric care to patients throughout Texas. Our physical clinic at 2900 W Park Row Dr in Pantego, TX serves the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area, with access from Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Garland, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Carrollton, Lewisville and Richardson.
HIPAA-compliant telehealth is available across Texas, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Waco, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Round Rock, College Station, Tyler, Beaumont, Laredo, Killeen, Edinburg and other Texas communities.
Lyte participates with several major insurance networks, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana and Aetna. Participation and benefits can vary by plan, provider and service, so the team verifies benefits before the first appointment. Self-pay rates are also available. Most new patients are seen within 1–2 business days. Call 469-733-0848 or review insurance information.
Find a provider
Find a provider for adolescent psychiatric care near you
Browse by provider type
Ready to take the next step?
Lyte Psychiatry serves patients across Texas, in-person in the DFW area and virtually statewide. Most patients are seen within the week.
Book an Appointment →Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Treatment by City in Texas
Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth child & adolescent psychiatric treatment across Texas and New Mexico. Select your city for local provider availability, insurance coverage, and same-week appointments.
View all Texas & New Mexico cities →