Psychiatric Services
Psychiatry can be a critical component in mental health treatment. We offer a robust psychiatric department at UMCF.
Psychiatric Services that Fit Your Family’s Needs
At UMCF, our psychiatry team is much more than a medication provider for your child or adolescent. We believe in treating the whole child, considering every aspect of their health, history, and environment to ensure the most appropriate and effective care. Our team looks beyond symptoms to understand the many factors that may influence a child’s well-being, including:
- Other medical conditions or relevant family history
- Current and past medications
- Experiences of trauma or acute stress
- Mental health and substance use concerns
- Family dynamics and school environment
- Social, emotional, and developmental needs
Before any treatment decisions are made, we conduct a comprehensive assessment with a licensed clinician, followed by a psycho-social evaluation performed by our psychiatric team. Once all information is gathered, the family and psychiatry team discuss the potential benefits and risks of medication, as well as other therapeutic options. Together, we create a personalized care plan that supports the child’s unique needs. We view this as a collaborative process, recognizing that caregivers are the first and most important experts in their child’s life.
Our Psychiatry Staff
Nathaniel Johns, MD
Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Nathaniel Johns, MD is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with expertise in a wide variety of childhood and adolescent emotional and behavioral disturbances including those associated with ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation or behaviors, anger and aggression, and serous relational problems with parents or peers. He completed his child psychiatry fellowship at the University of Michigan. He also is board certified in general psychiatry, having completed his residency at Wayne State University. Prior to this, he served as a staff psychiatrist and medical director at Applewood Centers in Cleveland for more than a decade.
Heather Stewart-Modic
Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Heather Stewart-Modic is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a focused practice in treating children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral health diagnoses. She completed her training at the Ohio State University. She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. In addition to her experience, she is passionate about the mental health and wellbeing of her clients and families.
Contact our Psychiatry team:
Email: cpopp@umcf.org
Phone: 614-947-1869
Fax: 614-319-7630
FAQs
Explore our psychiatric services and find answers to common questions.
What can I expect at the first appointment?
The first appointment will last approximately 60 minutes. During the first meeting you will discuss birth history, developmental history, school functioning and current mental health.
Parents/guardians and the child will be involved in the decision to pursue counseling services, medication management or the combination of both.
Will my child receive medications the same day as the initial appointment?
A prescription will be ordered if medication is needed and you agree.
Will I go in with my child or will the doctor talk to my child alone?
The family will speak with the medical staff together.
What are you hours? When/where do you see kids?
Please contact psychiatry staff for specific hours.
Can a family member bring my child?
The parent or guardian must bring the child to the appointment. There are legal papers for consent that must be completed at the first and subsequent appointments. In addition, we must have the person that knows about the child’s behaviors, reactions to medications and any changes that have occurred in their functioning since the last appointment.
What if I don’t want my child to be on medications?
The parents/guardians make the decision whether they want their children/youth to use medications to assist with symptoms they are experiencing. If they decide against medication, then they may not need to return for any follow-up appointments with the psychiatry staff, unless another agreement has been made.
Will my child be seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist? What kind of doctor is he/she?
UMCF has a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. These professionals are licensed to diagnose and treat with medications.
Do you have a cancellation list?
Yes. When a family cancels their appointment, we call families that are interested in coming in sooner from our cancellation list.
What are the ages of the children you see?
We provide psychiatric services to children 6 to 22 years of age.