ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
Alpert JFS psychiatric services for children and teens include:
- Anxiety
- Behavioral issues
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
- School phobias
- Social issues
- Sleep disorders
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Developmental and Learning disorders
- PANDAS Syndromes
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
Alpert JFS is privileged to have on our clinical team renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Jeryl D. Kershner, who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry and developmental and behavioral pediatrics, and sub-specializes in the pharmacology of developmental and psychiatric problems.
JERYL D. KERSHNER, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Dr. Jeryl D. Kershner is a recognized expert in the psychopharmacology and medication management of children and adolescents with psychiatric and developmental disorders. She specializes in treating anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Autism Spectrum Disorders, behavior issues, depression, eating disorders, learning disorders, school phobias, and sleep disorders. Dr. Kershner combines a warm and compassionate approach to providing safe and effective treatment plans for each of her patients.
Dr. Kershner pursued undergraduate studies in Human Genetics at Cornell University, received her medical degree, M.D. with honors from The Robert Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. She completed her internship and residency in pediatrics at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson, ran a busy private pediatric practice focusing on behavioral disorders of children and adolescents, completed fellowships at the Harvard Medical School, Department of Child Psychiatry and at the Developmental Medical Center of Children’s Hospital Boston, where she served on the faculty. Dr. Kershner also worked with Dr. Richard Ferber in the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center at Children’s Hospital Boston.
Dr. Kershner wrote a textbook on Child Psychiatry for Pediatricians and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What do I need to look for when seeking a good child psychiatrist?
- Specialized training in Child Psychiatry. Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine training is a big plus. There are very few physicians in the country who are certified in both Pediatrics and Developmental Pediatrics.
- Extensive experience working with children. Adult Psychiatrists are simply not trained in the particular disorders and pharmacologic therapy for children. Children are not little adults.
- Up-to-date knowledge of medications, dosages, benefits and risks. Dr. Kershner co-wrote a textbook on the treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders for pediatricians
- Knowledge backed up by years of experience in Pediatrics that supports working with families and not just the patients. Dr. Kershner listens to parents in creating a customized and comprehensive planincluding evaluation, testing, assessment, and a combination of therapy and/or medication toformulate a personalized treatment plan for your child based on proven results
- If you are concerned about your child’s behavior, Dr. Kershner takes the guesswork out of what is going on with your child and what are the appropriate next steps to take.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept Cigna insurance. We are happy to complete a verification of benefits (VOB) for you.
How often will the psychiatrist see me?
Typically, after the initial assessment, Dr. Kershner will see you and your child every one to three months, for half-hour visits. The advised frequency of follow-up appointments will be discussed with you.
Will the psychiatrist prescribe medication(s)?
Dr. Kershner is a specialist in the pharmacological treatment of childhood disorders. If the use of medication is required, she will advise the best approach to treatment for your child and the alternatives. Many children do not require medication treatment.
What if my psychiatrist recommends or suggests I need additional services at your agency?
The offerings of our services are seamless. If there is another service that would be helpful for you or your family, Dr. Kershner can facilitate that for you without the need to call or contact another provider.
Do I have to be Jewish to see a therapist at your facility?
Our agency welcomes people of all faiths. We receive funding from various sources, which allows us to open our doors to the community-at-large. Our staff is sensitive to cultural impact, values, religions, and traditions. You will be treated with the same courtesy, attention, and kindness that everyone expects from Alpert JFS.