Stops the discipline-only cycle
Many teens sent to the principal's office for 'defiance' actually have undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, or trauma. Once the real problem is named, the teen gets support instead of punishment.
Teen Mental Health
Psychiatric evaluation and treatment for teens with school refusal, classroom disruption, failing grades, or behavioral referrals
Comprehensive assessment when a teen is struggling behaviorally or academically at school. Identifies underlying psychiatric conditions, coordinates with school teams, and builds treatment plans that address root causes, not just behavior.
Schedule a Consultation →What to Expect
- ✓Diagnostic assessment to distinguish ADHD, anxiety, mood disorder, learning disability, oppositional defiance, or trauma from simple 'bad behavior'
- ✓School records review and teacher input to understand when, where, and why behavioral problems occur
- ✓Family dynamics assessment to spot parenting patterns, sibling issues, home stressors, or unrecognized parental mental health affecting the teen
- ✓Structured plan for school communication: sharing findings with teachers, school counselors, and administration to inform support
- ✓Clear documentation for IEP meetings, 504 plans, or behavioral intervention plans (BIP) that schools may be developing
- ✓Treatment recommendations spanning medication, therapy, school accommodations, and parenting strategies—not medication as the only answer
Root-cause diagnostic focus
Psychiatric assessment uncovers ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and trauma behind behavioral problems
Multi-modal treatment planning
Combines medication, therapy, school accommodations, and parenting strategies—not one-size-fits-all
Benefits & Outcomes
School and home strategies work together
We coordinate with school teams so accommodations, classroom supports, and home expectations align. A teen won't improve if school is trying one thing and parents another.
Grades improve when the root is addressed
Failing grades often aren't laziness. They're anxiety, inattention, trauma responses, or depression. Treatment of the underlying condition typically brings academic function back online.
Reduces suspensions and school changes
Early, accurate diagnosis and coordinated intervention prevent the escalation that leads to suspensions, alternative placements, or families switching schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
My teen was sent home from school for behavior. Do they need a psychiatrist or a behavioral therapist?▾
Often both, but a psychiatrist first. We determine whether there's an underlying psychiatric condition (ADHD, anxiety, mood disorder, trauma) causing the behavior. If there is, treating it changes everything. Therapy and coaching then build on that foundation.
Will a psychiatric evaluation help with an IEP or 504 plan?▾
Yes. Our evaluation and documentation are designed to inform school teams. We can attend IEP/504 meetings, explain findings to educators, and recommend specific classroom accommodations and supports.
My teen is defiant at home too. Is that normal adolescence or something more?▾
Some defiance is normal teen development. But if it's pervasive, explosive, or recent-onset, it often points to an underlying condition like ADHD, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety. We help you distinguish normal from concerning.
Can we fix this without medication?▾
Sometimes. It depends on the diagnosis. Therapy, school accommodations, parenting strategies, and lifestyle changes work well for some teens. For others (like ADHD or bipolar disorder), medication is foundational. We'll discuss what the evidence suggests for your teen's specific situation.
How involved do parents need to be in treatment?▾
Very. We partner with parents. You provide crucial information about home behavior, family history, and what works. We also coach you on how to support your teen's progress at home and communicate with school.
Related Topics
Common Diagnosis
ADHD in Teens (Adolescent) Maryland
ADHD is a leading cause of school behavior and academic problems in teens
Related Condition
Child Behavioral Disorders Psychiatrist Maryland
Assessment and treatment of oppositional defiance, conduct issues, and behavioral challenges
School Support
ADHD School Accommodations Maryland
Guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, and classroom accommodations for ADHD
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your consultation today.
Schedule a Consultation