Child Psychologist
Making Halloween Fun for Every Every Neighbor in the Kentlands and Lakelands
Halloween in the Kentlands and Lakelands is one of the most joyful nights of the year. Families fill the sidewalks, kids proudly show off their costumes, and porches glow with pumpkins and laughter. For many, it’s pure fun. Yet for some, especially neurodiverse children, teens, and adults, the sights, sounds, and surprises can be overwhelming….
Early Brain Damage in Contact Sports: What New Study Reveals About Risk to Young Athletes
In 2018, we wrote an advice column addressing a parent’s concerns about long-term brain damage that can result from contact sports. Now, with new research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Boston University, it’s time to revisit this critical topic. A new study published this month reveals that even young contact-sport athletes show…
Why Limiting Smartphones and AI in Middle School Is Worth the Fight
As parents, we all know how quickly childhood changes, especially during the middle school years. Although learning to navigate a bigger school and multiple teachers grabs our attention, under the surface, quietly, the refinement of social skills, the development of identity, and the management of emotions take center stage for them. New research shows that…
What Freya India Gets Right—and Wrong—About Girls’ Mental Health
The Digital Age’s Impact on Girls’ Mental Health By Dr. Elizabeth Carr, Founder, Kentlands Psychotherapy Freya India, pop culture influencer, has quickly become one of the most compelling and insightful cultural critics writing about the mental health crisis among young women and girls. Her voice is urgent, passionate, and clearly attuned to the social and…
Five Things Your Teen Daughter Wants You to Know
“Mom…I am listening (as my eyes are darting back and forth between my text messages, the watermelon game, and social media).” I feel like this interaction happens between my mom and me almost daily. Can you relate? Teen girls are in a beautiful, complicated phase of life. We’re growing into who we are and,…
Advice Column: My Daughter’s Not Invited to the Party
Q: My daughter, 5, was not invited to our neighbor’s daughter’s birthday party. I’m hurt and confused. We are pretty friendly toward one another, and the kids have played together a few times without incident. I want to ask the mom about this, but my husband thinks I should just “let it go.” What should…
School vs. Private Psychological Testing: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Child?
As a parent, it’s normal to have questions when your child is struggling in school or showing signs of anxiety, attention challenges, or learning difficulties. One question we hear often is:“Should we go through the school system for testing, or seek a private psychological evaluation?” The answer depends on your child’s needs and your family’s…
New Mental Health & Allied Professionals Meet-Up Circle Launches
We’re excited to share that our founder, Dr. Elizabeth Carr, has launched a new community initiative: the Mental Health and Allied Professionals Meet-Up Circle — an informal networking group for local licensed professionals who serve the mental health and well-being of individuals and families in metro Maryland. This new group was created to address a…
Importance of Parental Presence at Initial Appointments for Minors
Ensuring the well-being of our young clients is paramount, and the presence of their parents during initial appointments plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. Here’s why: Comprehensive Information Sharing Parents are vital sources of extensive background information on a child’s medical history, behavioral patterns, and any pertinent personal experiences. This data is crucial…
Tackling Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues in Teens
Addressing self-esteem and body image concerns among teenagers is crucial for their mental health and development. Here’s how parents and caregivers can help: Encourage Open Communication Foster Dialogue: Create a safe space for teens to express their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more. Listen Actively: Pay attention to their…
It's not an easy time to be a kid. Perhaps it never is, but now it's especially true. Let us help you understand and support your child's needs.
Is your teen struggling with school, in their relationships with friends, with you? Do they seem irritable, withdrawn, unmotivated, sad? Our therapist know how to help.
Are you looking to make some aspect of your otherwise good relationship better? Maybe you’ve tried all the strategies that make sense to you.