Honest, unhurried conversations
Mental-health visits aren’t something we squeeze into 10 minutes. We make space for the conversation, with the child and the family.
Services
Childhood Anxiety Support
Anxiety is the most common mental-health concern in childhood, and the most treatable. We screen for it at every well visit, talk with families honestly when something feels off, and help connect kids to the right support — whether that’s in our office, with a therapist, or a combination. You’re not alone, and your child isn’t broken.
When to Call
Call us if you notice any of these
We help you decide whether to come in, go to urgent care, or call 911. When in doubt, call.
- Worry is taking up a lot of your child’s daily life
- Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
- Trouble sleeping, frequent nightmares, or refusing to sleep alone
- School refusal — getting out the door has become a daily battle
- Sudden panic episodes, racing heart, or a feeling of dread
- Big changes in eating, mood, or social behavior
- Self-harm thoughts or actions — call us right away
What We Check
What we cover in the room
- What worries are showing up, when, and how much they’re interfering
- Sleep, appetite, energy, mood, and any physical symptoms
- Family stressors, school situation, friendships, and life events
- Strengths and protective factors — what’s going well
- Validated screening tools (SCARED, GAD-7, or similar) when appropriate
- Whether therapy, medication, or both make sense — and what to try first
Care We Provide
Your visit includes
Validated screening tools
Tools like SCARED and GAD-7 help us understand the type and severity of anxiety, so we’re working from real information.
Therapy referrals that actually fit
We refer to therapists who take your insurance, work with kids your child’s age, and have openings — not just a generic list.
Medication when it helps
For moderate to severe anxiety, medication can be a meaningful part of the plan. We discuss the options carefully and start low.
Family-first guidance
Anxious kids often have anxious systems around them. We coach parents on what helps, what doesn’t, and how to support without enabling.
Crisis support when it matters
If your child is in crisis or talking about self-harm, call us right away — or call/text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You don’t need to handle this alone.
Come Prepared
What to bring
A few small things ahead of the visit help us spend more time on your child — and less on paperwork.
- Insurance card + photo IDFor the responsible adult on the visit.
- Specific examples + timelineWhen did the worries start? What do they look like in real life? What’s helped, what hasn’t?
- Prior mental-health recordsAny past therapy notes, school counselor input, or psychoeducational testing — if you have them.
- Space for your child to talkOlder kids often want a few minutes alone with the provider. We can make that happen.
FAQs
Questions families ask
How do I know if my child’s worry is normal or something more?
All kids worry. It becomes a concern when worry interferes with daily life — sleep, school, friendships, eating, or family time. If worry is taking up a lot of the day, or your child can’t function the way they used to, it’s worth a visit.
Will my child have to take medication?
Not necessarily. Therapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy) is the first-line treatment for most childhood anxiety. We add medication when anxiety is moderate to severe, when therapy alone isn’t enough, or when it’s hard to engage in therapy without it. We talk through every option.
Can you do therapy in the office?
We don’t provide ongoing psychotherapy, but we screen, support, prescribe when appropriate, and refer to vetted local therapists. We stay involved and coordinate care with the therapist.
What about teens — will you talk to them privately?
Yes. For older kids and teens, we offer confidential time with the provider. We explain confidentiality up front: most things stay between us and the patient, but we always tell parents if we’re worried about safety.
What should I do if my child says they want to hurt themselves?
Take it seriously. Stay calm, don’t leave them alone, and call us right away. After hours, call/text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Talking openly about self-harm reduces risk — silence doesn’t.
How do I help my anxious child at home?
Validate, don’t dismiss (“I know this feels scary” instead of “you’re fine”). Avoid taking over what they’re anxious about — that often makes anxiety bigger. Keep routines steady, sleep protected, and consider a therapist for skills practice. We can give you specific strategies at the visit.
Related care
You might also want to know about
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Ear Infection CareSame-day care for ear infections in Woodbridge, VA — careful diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and antibiotics only when they help.Learn more
Strep Throat CareSame-day strep throat testing and treatment in Woodbridge, VA.Learn more
Caring for Woodbridge families since 1999
Easy to find, with ample parking and a calm waiting area for families.
Office Hours
- Monday – Friday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
A provider is on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.