Training on Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Units

Child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) inpatient units are a common site in academic settings for trainee education. The authors review the foundational aspects of education that should be covered during these rotations. Trainees should begin with a solid foundation of child and adolescent development and learn how this impacts risk assessment, formulation, and treatment planning. In addition, the authors review milieu considerations, agitation management, legal considerations, family involvement, systems of care, trainee supervision, transference, countertransference, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements as they relate to resident and fellow education on a CAP inpatient unit.