Adolescent & Teen Psychiatry
Direct, specialized psychiatric evaluations and evidence-based medication management for high school and transitional-age students across Montgomery County and the Philadelphia Main Line suburbs.
Specialized Care for High School & College Transitions
Adolescent development presents distinct neurobiological and social pressures that generic adult or young-child protocols fail to address. Care is focused specifically on teens ages 14 and up navigating academic, social, and emotional hurdles:
ADHD & Executive Dysfunction
A focus on optimizing medication to achieve academic success, minimize 'crashes' and mood swings, and maintain healthy sleep.
OCD & Severe Anxiety
Targeted psychopharmacology tailored to work alongside Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Medication is used to lower basline anxiety so teens can successfully engage in behavioral therapy for intrusive thoughts, contamination, and perfectionism.
Depression
Careful evaluation to distinguish depression from other conditions like social anxiety, burnout, trauma, and ADHD. Treatment focuses on stabilizing mood, restoring motivation, and reducing the distress surrounding school attendance and performance.
What to Expect During the Initial Evaluation
A comprehensive adolescent evaluation is a thorough diagnostic assessment designed to establish an accurate clinical picture and build trust with both the teen and their family.
Shared & Individual Time
We typically begin the appointment meeting with both the patient and parent/caregiver together to review the presenting concerns. Following this, I spend individual, dedicated time speaking with the teen alone. If additional time is required to discuss parental perspectives or sensitive family history in depth, a separate caregiver-only follow-up visit may be arranged.
Detailed Record & History Review
We review past medical and psychiatric history, prior medication trials, family history, and school dynamics. We also integrate any existing neuropsychological testing, psychoeducational evaluations, 504/IEP records, or notes from outside therapists and pediatricians to avoid duplicating efforts.
Careful Diagnostic Formulation
Medication is not always prescribed during the first visit. Developing an accurate, effective treatment plan often requires reviewing collateral documentation, consulting with outside clinicians, or completing targeted baseline screenings before safely initiating a new medication regimen.
Collaborative Care: Schools, Therapists, & Families
Optimal treatment requires an active, integrated communication loop:
- Team Collaboration: Direct communication with your teen's outside psychologist, therapist, or pediatrician both after the initial evaluation and throughout treatment to align medical and behavioral goals.
- School & Guidance Coordination: Diagnostic documentation and actionable medical recommendations to support 504 Plans, IEP accommodations, and guidance counselors at local public districts and independent day schools, also in conjucntion with other members of your mental health team.
- Direct Physician Access: Every intake and ongoing appointment is conducted directly with a board-certified psychiatrist—no trainees, no rotating clinicians, and no administrative barriers when urgent clinical questions arise.
In-Person & Telehealth Availability
The Lower Gwynedd office provides convenient in-person care for families throughout Blue Bell, Ambler, Fort Washington, Lower Gwynedd, Upper Dublin, Wissahickon, and Central Bucks. For busy high school schedules and college students across Pennsylvania, secure telehealth follow-up appointments provide flexible ongoing care with zero commute friction.