Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a newly established practice in the Hampton Roads community, is dedicated to transforming the lives of children facing mental health challenges. Led by Dr. Robert Conway, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, the practice works closely with children and their families to foster a line of healthy communication and understanding, promoting long-term mental well-being. Serving exclusively children ages four to 17, Conway offers a comprehensive range of services, including medication management for ADHD, depression and anxiety, as well as supportive therapy and long-term care.
Conway’s path to child psychiatry was anything but conventional. Before opening his practice in February 2025 and dedicating his career to mental health, he spent two decades practicing law across England, South Africa and Australia, later transitioning to pharmaceutical law in the United States for 12 years.
Despite his success, he craved a more profound way to make a difference. This led him to pivot completely, enrolling in the nursing program at Georgia Southern University, where he graduated summa cum laude, and working as an RN at a psychiatric residential facility for children — an experience that ignited his passion for pediatric mental health. Determined to deepen his impact within the field, he pursued graduate studies at Vanderbilt University, training as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and ultimately earning his Doctorate in Nursing Practice degree in May 2024.
Conway is committed to helping children and their families build lasting emotional well-being, offering them hope, understanding and a path toward future success.
Through personalized, compassionate care, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry continues to make a meaningful impact on the next generation. “My goal is to understand how these challenges affect a child’s overall well-being and to collaborate closely with families and therapists to develop tailored treatment plans,” he says. “Unfortunately, I see a significant number of children struggling with depression, autism and anxiety — often linked to ADHD in young kids.” Conway emphasizes the incredible support he has received from fellow mental health professionals. “The response has exceeded my most optimistic hopes, reinforcing my belief in a brighter future for children’s mental health,” he adds.
Despite the lingering stigma around mental health, Conway notes there has been a “dramatic increase in awareness and normalization of the conversation, driven by technological advancements, societal shifts and personal mindfulness.” He adds that “the COVID-19 pandemic further amplified mental health struggles, making the topic more central in society — though challenges still remain.”
Since 2016, the rise in mental health disorders and advances in treatment have made self-care more essential than ever. “For every 10 adult mental health professionals, there is only one for children, yet cases — some severe — continue to rise, making my work more crucial than ever,” Conway says. He adds that treating young kids is especially challenging because they struggle to express their emotions, often due to a lack of vocabulary, emphasizing that strong parent-child communication is key to lifelong emotional well-being.
Giving a captivating snapshot to a “behind the scenes” moment with his patients, Conway shares an insightful story — “During nursing school, I bought a pair of Nike Air Force Ones to meet the dress code, never realizing they were the key to connection with the younger generation. On my first day at a psychiatric residential treatment facility, a teen’s excited reaction to my sneakers instantly broke the ice, eliminating what doctors like to call ‘White Coat Syndrome,’ which essentially made me ‘cool’ in the teen’s eyes. Over time, I discovered that my shoes helped build trust, easing anxiety and opening conversations about difficult topics.”
Conway’s journey from law to child psychiatry is a testament to his unwavering dedication to making a difference in young lives. Through his compassionate approach, innovative techniques and deep commitment to fostering emotional well-being, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry continues to offer hope and healing to children and families in need. While challenges in pediatric mental health remain, Conway’s work serves as a beacon of progress, proving that understanding, humor and even something as small as a pair of sneakers can help bridge the gap between struggle and success.
TO THE POINT:
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Contact: Dr. Robert Conway
Address: 700 Tech Center Pkwy., Ste. 200-87, Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-377-5559
Website: RobertConwayDNP.com
