Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in Willmar, Minnesota
I provide psychiatric care for children (ages 4 and up), adolescents, young adults, and adults in Willmar and throughout Minnesota. Whether your child is dealing with ADHD, Trauma, Mood disorders, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Insomnia or Behavioral Challenges I offer thorough evaluations, medication management, and support for parents and children as we work together toward solutions.
When your child is struggling, you want answers. You want to know if what they're experiencing is normal or if it's something more.
You want help, but you also want to make sure that help is the right fit.
Why Children & Teens Need Specialized Psychiatric Care
Kids and teens aren't just small adults. Their brains are still developing, their symptoms and their treatment needs look different than it does with adults.
I specialize in working with younger patients because I understand:
How mental health symptoms show up differently in children and teens versus in adults.
The developmental stages that affect how kids process emotions and stress
How to talk with young people in age-appropriate ways that help them feel heard
The importance of involving parents and your child in treatment decisions
When medication might help and when other approaches should come first
Is mental health treatment right for your child?
You might be wondering whether your child's struggles are "normal" or something that needs professional support.
If your child's struggles are affecting their ability to function at school, at home, or in relationships—or if you're just worried and want a professional opinion—an evaluation can provide clarity and a path forward.
What to Expect When You Work With Me
Your child's initial psychiatric evaluation is 100 minutes and includes time with both you and your child (depending on their age). You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, an understanding of what's happening, and a treatment plan we create together.
About medication: One of parents' biggest concerns is whether medication is safe for their child. Medication isn't always the first step–sometimes adding coping skills, integrative supplement options, occupational therapy or other supports are enough. When medication does make sense, we start carefully with the lowest effective dose and monitor closely. Good psychiatric medication should help your child feel more like themselves, not change who they are. You're involved in every decision, and no question is too small.
This is a partnership. If you're worried about anything or want to understand more about why I'm recommending something, always know you can ask me questions at any point.
Supporting the Whole Family
When a child struggles with mental health challenges, it affects the entire family. Parents often feel exhausted, worried, guilty, or unsure of how to help. Siblings might feel overlooked or confused about what's happening.
Part of my role is supporting you as a parent. I'll help you understand what your child is experiencing,and educate you on your child's diagnoses, and recommend additional resources when needed. You're not expected to have all the answers—that's what I'm here for.
Conditions I Treat in Children & Adolescents
I have specialized training and experience treating:
ADHD and Autism
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Trauma & PTSD
Mood Disorders and Bipolar
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Behavioral Challenges
Sleep Issues
Info & Logistics
-
Telehealth & In-Person Options
I offer both in-person appointments at my office in Willmar and secure telehealth appointments throughout Minnesota. Many families find telehealth convenient—no need to pull your child out of school or rearrange schedules for travel. Others prefer office visits as they enjoy feeling more connected, especially for initial evaluations. Both options provide the same quality of care.
-
Insurance & Accessibility
I accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Medica and TriCare. I also offer sliding scale fees based on income. My goal is to make quality psychiatric care accessible to families who need it.
For questions about insurance or costs, call my billing department at (218) 999-7750 ext. 2.
Ready to get help for your child?
You don't have to keep wondering if your child will "grow out of it" or if you're overreacting. If you're concerned about your child's mental health, an evaluation can provide answers and a path forward.
I'm here to help your child feel better and to support your family through this process. I truly enjoy working with children, adolescents and their parents.
Call 218-999-7750 to schedule an evaluation for your child, and ask for them to be scheduled with Steffanie Smith.
Steffanie Smith is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing psychiatric evaluations, and medication management, in Willmar, Minnesota. With over 30 years of nursing experience, Steffanie specializes in treating ADHD, Trauma/PTSD, Mood disorders/Bipolar, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Insomnia in children ages 4 & up, adolescents, young adults and adults.