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Child Psychiatrist in Chicago - Meet Dr. Shenoy

Helping children thrive through thoughtful, developmentally informed psychiatric care—right here in the heart of Chicago.

Two young children sitting by a window with toys, looking sad—representing emotional challenges in childhood

As a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist in Chicago, I specialize in helping children and families navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, mood, behavior, attention, or social skills, I provide personalized psychiatric care grounded in evidence-based practice and genuine human connection.

I completed my Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Southern Illinois University, where I served as Chief Fellow. Since then, I’ve worked extensively with young patients across outpatient clinics and hospital settings, treating a wide range of conditions including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, and behavioral disorders. I approach each evaluation with a deep understanding of developmental stages, family dynamics, and the latest clinical guidelines.

In addition to my clinical work, I hold national and state-level leadership positions with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the Illinois Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ICCAP), and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Staying connected to national advocacy and innovation helps me bring the best of child psychiatry to every family I serve.

If you’re searching for a child psychiatrist in Chicago who is compassionate, experienced, and accessible, I’d be honored to support your family’s journey.

What We Help With

  • ADHD and executive functioning
  • Autism and social communication
  • Anxiety (generalized, social, separation)
  • Behavioral issues
  • Mood changes
  • Trauma
  • School-related issues
  • Sleep difficulties or bedtime struggles
  • Sensory processing challenges
  • Rigid routines or inflexibility
  • Anger outbursts or tantrums
  • Parent-child conflict
  • Difficulty with transitions (e.g., changing activities or environments)
  • Selective mutism
  • Shyness or social withdrawal
  • Repetitive behaviors or stimming
  • Early signs of OCD
  • School avoidance or refusal
  • Trouble making or keeping friends
  • Low frustration tolerance
  • Sibling rivalry or jealousy
  • Screen time overuse or dependency
Mother holding child’s hand during emotional moment, symbolizing parent-child mental health support

My Approach to Child Psychiatry

At my private practice—Downtown Psychiatry Chicago—I work closely with families to develop tailored, age-appropriate treatment plans that may include therapy coordination, parent guidance, school collaboration, and medication when clinically appropriate. I prioritize listening to both children and caregivers, building trust and understanding that forms the foundation for meaningful change.

Each child is different, and so is every treatment journey.

Here’s what the process typically looks like:

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Initial Comprehensive Evaluation
I meet with the child and parents/caregiver(s) to understand concerns, developmental history, school functioning, emotional and behavioral patterns, and family dynamics.
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Clarify the Diagnosis
Based on the evaluation, I provide a thoughtful explanation of any diagnoses or findings, answer questions, and discuss options in plain, supportive language.
🤝
Collaborative Treatment Plan
We create a personalized roadmap together, which may include therapy referrals, parenting strategies, school accommodations, or medications—always with shared decision-making.
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Ongoing Check-ins and Medication Management (if used)
Follow-up visits allow us to monitor progress, adjust the plan if needed, and celebrate successes, big or small.
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Long-Term Support
Some families see me for a few visits, others over months or years. My goal is to provide continuity and evolve with your child’s needs over time.

Whenever possible, I also collaborate with your child’s therapist, school counselor, psychologist, or pediatrician to ensure consistent support across settings. This team-based approach allows us to better understand how your child is doing at home, in therapy, and at school—so that care is coordinated, efficient, and focused on your child’s long-term success.

I believe in empowering caregivers, respecting children’s voices, and working as a team to support emotional growth and resilience—at home, at school, and beyond.

Child Psychiatry FAQ

What age range do you see in child psychiatry?

We typically see children between the ages of 3 and 12 in our child psychiatry services. If your child is older, please visit our Adolescent Psychiatry page. Every child develops at their own pace, and we tailor our approach to your child’s individual stage and needs.

Do you treat both children and teenagers with anxiety or depression?

Yes. I’m board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. I treat ages 3+ and adjust my approach based on developmental stage and needs.

Do you offer autism or developmental evaluations?

Dr. Shenoy has extensive experience evaluating and treating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, sensory concerns, and other developmental differences. However, we do NOT provide ADOS testing but we can provide referrals for formal testing. 

Will medication be recommended for my child?

Not always. Medication is just one of many tools in child psychiatry. We take a thoughtful, stepwise approach—starting with a comprehensive evaluation and often coordinating with therapists, pediatricians, and schools. If medication is considered appropriate, we’ll discuss it in detail, answer your questions, and proceed with caution and collaboration.

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Young child reaching for pink flower outdoors, symbolizing emotional growth and healing in child psychiatry

Help Your Child Thrive

As a dual-board certified psychiatrist, I partner with families to provide thoughtful care tailored to each child's unique developmental stage. Let’s work together to support their growth.