Child and adolescent psychiatry (or pediatric psychiatry) is a branch of psychiatry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and their families. It investigates the biopsychosocial factors that influence the development and course of psychiatric disorders and treatment responses to various interventions. Child and adolescent psychiatrists primarily use psychotherapy and/or medication to treat mental disorders in the pediatric population.

In Turkey, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a 4-year postgraduate specialization following 6 years of medical school education. The training period consists of four years; one year for psychiatry rotation, three months for pediatric neurology rotation, and the remaining time is for the child and adolescent psychiatry department.

The Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Health and Diseases was established in 2008 by Evrim Aktepe, MD. Our department, which has trained 10 specialist physicians to date, has a professor, an associate professor and eight research assistants. In addition to providing health services, our academic staff successfully carries out pre- and post-graduate education activities and scientific research. Our aim is to protect the mental health of children and adolescents and to help treat the problems that occur.

In the department, outpatient clinic and consultation services are carried out, and the evaluation of the board of health of patients and criminal cases is conducted. Approximately 10,000 patients apply to the department in a year.