Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

The first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis. 

How is separation anxiety disorder diagnosed at Children’s Hospital Boston?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will make the diagnosis following a comprehensive mental health assessment. The assessment is conducted as an interview with you and your child.

During the interview, you are asked to talk about your child’s symptoms, as well as his social, medical, school and family histories. Together with the mental health clinician, you arrive at an explanation of your child’s problem, which leads to a mutually agreed upon treatment plan.