While pediatricians are an important part of a child’s healthcare team, seeing a psychiatrist for medication management can be crucial for a child’s mental health treatment. Here are some reasons why:
Expertise: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including those that require medication management. While pediatricians have some training in mental health, their expertise is primarily focused on physical health and development.
Diagnosis: Psychiatric diagnosis can be complex, and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Psychiatrists have a deep understanding of the various mental health conditions that can affect children and can provide an accurate diagnosis based on a comprehensive evaluation. They can also differentiate between similar symptoms that may be caused by different conditions.
Medication Management: Medication can be an effective treatment for many mental health conditions in children, but it must be carefully managed to ensure safety and effectiveness. Psychiatrists have a deep understanding of the medications used to treat mental health conditions, including their potential side effects, interactions, and appropriate dosages. They can also monitor a child’s response to medication over time and adjust treatment as needed.
Therapy: Psychiatrists can provide clinical guidance well as medication management. Because they understand and specialize in mental health diagnoses, they can help make sure that all of the mental health pieces are being considered and addressed. As such, they can help connect children to a therapist who would be an appropriate match for the specific issues that they are treating, and can then collaborate with this therapist to provide the utmost quality of care.
Overall, while pediatricians are an important part of a child’s healthcare team, they may not have the specialized training and expertise needed to effectively manage a child’s mental health treatment with medication. A child seeing a psychiatrist can benefit from their specialized knowledge and experience in mental health diagnosis and treatment, leading to more effective and safer medication management. At West County Behavioral Health, we have the complete team – therapists and psychiatrists collaborating together – to make sure that your child gets the BEST care possible!!
West County Behavioral Health offers full service medication management for both children and adults.  Please contact our office at 314-200-5119 to schedule and appointment with one of our providers.
Meet Our Medication Management Team
Shelah Radke, MD, JD
Pursuing mental wellness is a sign of strength. As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Physician, I have enjoyed celebrating my client’s strengths for the past 10 years, having dedicated my career to working with children, adolescents, and young adults in the field of psychiatric medicine.
  • Double Board-Certified in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
  • Residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Fellowship through Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Recently served as the Medical Director of Child Crisis Psychiatry Services at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis
  • Provided direct clinical care in two private practice settings in the Washington, D.C, area
  • Worked with clients at Monarch boarding school in Cleveland, Ohio, collaborating with teachers and parents frequently to optimize opportunities for creative learning.
I am committed to using evidence-based practices, including integrative, lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions, to help my patients achieve better mental health outcomes. I also enjoy partnering with clients by using the shared decision-making model of care. I work with clients to understand their unique needs and goals, and together we develop personalized treatment goals that are tailored to their individual needs. This approach empowers patients to take an active role in their own care and can lead to more positive outcomes and greater overall satisfaction with the treatment process.
Jeff Boatman, APRN-MHCNS
I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and my Master of Science in Nursing from St. Louis University, specializing in Psychiatric Adult Mental Health Nursing. I have worked for over 25 years as a certified Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. While in private practice, I have had a collaborative practice arrangement with Dr. Adam Sky.
I function as an Advanced Psychiatric Practice Nurse with prescriptive authority and have seen patients in hospital, office, and nursing home settings. I serve the adult population, age 25 and up. I am affiliated and have privileges at St. Mary’s Health Center in St. Louis. In addition, I am an active member in the American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association and the APNA Missouri Chapter where I have served on the Board.
I look forward to serving your psychiatric and medication needs with compassion and skill – I want to take the time to truly understand your situation and offer you the tools to feel better and stay well.