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Carl Petersen, DO

Carl Petersen, MD, Chief of Mental Health Operations at CHKD

Phone: (757) 668-4673

Specialty:

Education

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Uniformed Services University of Health

Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Certification

American Board of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

American Board of Psychiatry

Bio

Dr. Carl Petersen joins CHKD as chief of psychiatry and mental health services.

Dr. Petersen is dual board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in general and child and adolescent psychiatry.

A retired U.S. Navy captain, Dr. Petersen brings a wealth of experience overseeing mental health initiatives and programs. He spent the last 10 years of his military career at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, serving the last three as its director of mental health.

As an advocate for children’s mental health, Dr. Petersen led efforts to improve access to evidence-based care for children with behavioral difficulties and created a program to help pediatric residents properly diagnose and treat children with psychiatric illnesses.

He also established initiatives that expanded access to mental health services for military service members.

In his role at CHKD, Dr. Petersen will help lead our hospital’s efforts to provide much-needed inpatient and outpatient mental health services to children throughout Virginia.

Meet Dr. Carl Petersen

Additional Information

Refer to Our Mental Health Program

CHKD is working hard to build a Mental Health Program with care access opportunities for all children in need. We currently have a high volume of requests and partner with mental health agencies outside of CHKD to ensure all children referred receive an appropriate treatment resource. Find inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization referral information here.

Inpatient, Outpatient, and Partial Hospitalization Referrals
Patient with providers in Children's Pavilion

Concerned About Your Child's Mental Health?

If you are concerned about your child's mental health, the best place to start is with your child's primary care pediatrician. Many of CHKD's pediatricians have completed advanced training in the management of disorders such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

Find a CHKD Pediatrician Near You