Consultant Child Psychiatry

Role Overview

Consultant Child Psychiatry at SEHA Hospitals. This position provides comprehensive psychiatric care to children and adolescents aged 5–18 in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting.

Role Purpose

Conduct diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, develop and implement individualized treatment plans, manage psychotropic medications, and deliver therapeutic support to pediatric patients. Work collaboratively with psychologists, therapists, pediatricians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated and holistic care.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis

• Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments for patients aged 5–18, including diagnostic interviews, evaluation of developmental history, and review of medical and educational records
• Demonstrate expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and trauma-related disorders

Treatment Planning & Intervention

• Develop individualized, patient-centered treatment plans utilizing a range of therapeutic modalities, including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy (individual, family, group), and other evidence-based interventions
• Provide trauma-informed care and developmental psychiatry expertise

Medication Management

• Prescribe, administer, and manage psychotropic medications with careful monitoring for efficacy, side effects, and patient adherence
• Demonstrate strong skills in psychopharmacology

Crisis Response

• Provide crisis intervention and management for patients experiencing acute psychiatric distress

Documentation & Records

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential patient records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system

Collaboration & Consultation

• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for each patient
• Provide expert consultation to primary care physicians, pediatricians, school personnel, and community agencies regarding the mental health needs of children and adolescents
• Educate patients and their families about diagnoses, treatment options, prognosis, and strategies for promoting mental wellness and resilience
• Participate in case conferences, peer reviews, and departmental meetings

Professional Development & Governance

• Adhere to all medical, ethical, and legal standards of psychiatric practice
• Engage in ongoing Continuing Medical Education (CME) to stay current with the latest research, clinical developments, and best practices in child and adolescent psychiatry
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and program development

Qualifications & Experience

• Medical Degree (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized university
• Completion of Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship/Subspecialty Training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• Board Certification in Psychiatry/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (e.g., MRCPsych, ABPN, CCT UK or equivalent)
• Valid DOH License or eligibility to obtain one under the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience post-specialization in a similar role
• Proven expertise in trauma-informed care, developmental psychiatry, and psychopharmacology

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with young patients and their families
• Leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Fluent in English; Arabic language proficiency is a plus
• Experience working in culturally diverse environments is highly desirable
• Strong skills in various psychotherapeutic modalities