Child Psychiatrist
in Boulder, CO
Could You Use Some Help Safeguarding Your Child’s Well-Being?
As a parent, sometimes it can seem like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t provide the support your child needs. For example, they may be:
Refusing to get out of bed, get dressed, and go to school in the morning.
Having difficulty paying attention in class and/or while doing homework.
Withdrawing from friends and family or having difficulty making or keeping friends.
Seeming nervous and avoiding going to certain places or trying new things.
Maybe you’ve taken your child to a behavior specialist or mental health counselor, and though they’re slowly making headway, you’d like another perspective.
Perhaps you’re considering seeing a child psychiatrist to help you explore the best medication options to supplement treatment for childhood ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, or autism.
Parenting Is A Complicated, Often Discouraging (Some Might Say Soul-Sucking) Job
Maybe your child seems more withdrawn. They could be stressed out about school or extracurricular activities, and this is affecting their sleep or physical health—or perhaps they just don’t seem as vibrant, resilient, and joyful as they used to be. They just don’t seem like themselves anymore.
Whatever challenges you’re facing, I want you to know that being here and reading this page shows you are a dedicated parent who is doing everything you can to support your child. My job, as a board-certified child psychiatrist, is to make your job easier—whether it involves providing a diagnosis, managing medication, or exploring the best course of action for your kiddo moving forward.
Have Any Questions? Send Me A Message!
Why Are More And More Children Receiving Professional Support?
Kids today are bombarded by expectations, responsibilities, and social comparisons in ways that we simply didn’t experience. Social media promotes bullying, body image issues, and low self-esteem—which, in turn, can contribute to or even cause anxiety and depression. Technology provides an endless source of distraction that can heighten ADHD and disrupt sleep patterns.
Kids are constantly struggling to cope with the stress of fitting in, doing well academically, and feeling overscheduled and overextended by extracurricular activities. In addition, they also feel overwhelmed by the feeling they need to live up to the high expectations of their parents, teachers, peers, and our evolving society.
All of these factors combine to create a world where more and more kids need professional support.
Why Do Parents Hesitate To See A Child Psychiatrist?
Frequently, a child’s behavior is interpreted as being deliberately defiant or rebellious when, in reality, they’re just communicating their pain in the only way that they know how. This causes a lot of parents and authority figures to dismiss these symptoms, which are caused by a larger core issue, as simply being part of a character flaw or even a “phase” they are going through, so there’s no real impetus to get help.
Sometimes parents avoid professional support because they’re afraid it would mean their child would be labeled as “crazy” and possibly lead to their being stuck on medication for life. Other times, their avoidance comes down to the cost of care, fear of judgment, or simply a lack of qualified pediatric psychiatrists in the area.
Whatever your reasons for being here, it’s important to know that investing in your child’s mental health and development now means safeguarding their well-being years down the road. Together, we can gain a better understanding of what’s truly going on and create a treatment plan that speaks to your child’s needs and your concerns as a parent.
Child Psychiatry Can Offer You Answers And Support
Kids feel a lot of pressure to do or say the right things, so working with a psychiatrist is about giving your child the chance to be themselves unapologetically. They get to share their thoughts, feelings, and fears without having to perform or meet anyone’s expectations. As a psychiatrist, I’m here to act as an ally and sounding board who is able to get to know your child and help figure out what makes them tick.
My goal is to empower your kiddo to make decisions and manage problems independently. I also want to help them understand the mind-body connection: the interconnectedness between their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical health. I want them to feel confident that they can navigate complex situations and make mindful choices in the moment.
How Do Child Psychiatry Sessions Work?
I’ll start by meeting with both of you to gather some basic information. I’ll ask your child questions like: Who do you live with? Do you have any pets? Who are your favorite friends? What do you do for fun?
Then, we’ll review your pregnancy, your child’s developmental milestones, and their personal and family medical history. We’ll discuss your concerns about how your child has been and is currently doing. If your kiddo feels comfortable, I can chat with them alone to hear their perspective as well.
My Approach To Pediatric Psychiatry
As a board-certified child psychiatrist, my focus is on building a rapport and establishing a relationship built on trust with your child. I want them to know that they are cared for, can trust me, and that I am here to support them. I will let them know that what we talk about is confidential, so they don’t need to worry about being judged or getting in trouble for anything they say, in case that is a worry of theirs..
Once we have a better understanding of what your child is struggling with, we’ll discuss the path forward to helping them: from supplements, specific types of therapies, school interventions, medications, to a combination of these things. Ultimately, my hope is to provide you with enough information to make the very best decision for your child and family. I do not have any other agenda besides supporting you and your child on this journey, and I don’t ever want you to feel pressured to do anything you do not feel comfortable with.
Childhood is unique because it’s a formative stage in life during which our experiences shape the person we eventually become. We look back at childhood with nostalgia for its innocence, joy, simplicity, and the feeling that anything is possible. Working with a pediatric psychiatrist ensures that your child has every opportunity to enjoy this special time of life without mental health challenges getting in the way.
Still Have Questions About Seeing A Child Psychiatrist?
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Unlike adults, children are not typically the ones seeking treatment: Their parents, teachers, family members, or even coaches have pointed them in this direction, often much to their chagrin. As such, it can be a total bummer to be meeting with me. My job is to put them at ease and let them know that what they think and how they feel means the world to me. Together, we can figure out how to help them get back on the path to living their best life.
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There is no better investment than safeguarding your child and their well-being. Although I am an out-of-network provider with all insurance plans, I will provide you with a superbill after each appointment that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company about what your out-of-network coverage and reimbursement will be.
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I received my education and advanced training from UCLA, the Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins University. I also completed specialized training for working with children, including a two-year fellowship at UCLA, before becoming a board-certified child psychiatrist. I’ve been working in the mental health field for 22 years (oh no, this is really dating me!), so I have a great deal of experience treating a wide spectrum of mental health issues.
Despite all my fancy pantsy training, my greatest asset is not my education, it is my relational style. I am super down to earth and not very “doctory” in the traditional sense. When I was a child, I wanted to become either a comedian or a physician. As I grew older, I realized, why not do both? The tool I use most in my work is humor. There is so much power in laughter. No matter what headspace you start out in, if I haven’t at least made you smile and lightened things up a bit, I must be having an off day!
Let’s Figure Out The Best Path Forward For Your Child
Whether you are seeking a deeper understanding of what your child is going through, are looking for a diagnosis and treatment options (i.e., ADHD or autism diagnosis, medication to supplement treatment for childhood depression or anxiety…), want a second opinion, or simply need someone to listen to what you have been going through, I would love to help.
Please call/text me at (720) 515-2404 or email me to set up your first appointment. If you have a burning question you need answered prior to setting up your first appointment, I offer a brief consultation, if needed.
I provide online and in-person child psychiatry services in Boulder, the Denver Metro area, and throughout the state of Colorado.
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