Pediatric Mental
Health Care in
Gaithersburg, MD

No. While many families come to us through pediatrician referrals, you can schedule directly by calling our Gaithersburg office at (301) 276-7031 or completing our online inquiry form. If your pediatrician has records or concerns to share, we're happy to coordinate with them (with your permission).

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can diagnose, prescribe medication, and conduct comprehensive evaluations. Most initial evaluations at our Frederick clinic are performed by our PMHNPs. More info on MHPNPs. 

Child psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in psychological testing, assessment, and therapy.

All of our therapists are licensed, graduate-trained clinicians with extensive clinical experience, and have worked with hundreds of children and teens.

Most initial evaluations at our Gaithersburg clinic are conducted by our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners, who specialize in pediatric mental health and comprehensive diagnostic assessments. If specialized psychological testing is needed, our child psychologists are available to provide additional assessments.

It depends on your child's needs. Some families see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks. Others benefit from longer-term support, especially for complex or co-occurring conditions. We'll give you a realistic timeline after the initial evaluation and adjust as your child progresses. Our goal is always to equip your child with skills they can use independently, not keep them in therapy forever.

Yes. Many families work with us to pursue appropriate school accommodations through 504 Plans or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), which serves Gaithersburg and surrounding communities throughout Montgomery County. Our evaluations provide documentation that can be shared with schools, and—with your permission—we can collaborate with school counselors, teachers, and special education teams to help your child receive the support they need.

Our Gaithersburg clinic includes psychiatric nurse practitioners who specialize in pediatric medication management. If medication is recommended, they'll explain options, answer your questions, and monitor your child closely. Many families appreciate that medication management happens in the same place as therapy, so our providers coordinate and everyone is on the same page.

Yes. Blackbird Health serves children as young as two years old. For younger children, we use play-based assessment and therapy approaches that are developmentally appropriate and engaging.

You’re not alone, many families come to us after unsuccessful experiences elsewhere. Often, therapy doesn't work because: (1) an underlying condition wasn't identified, (2) the approach wasn't right for the child, or (3) there wasn't coordination between providers. Our comprehensive evaluation uncovers what was missed, and our coordinated care team ensures all factors are addressed. That's why 85% of our patients see meaningful improvement.

At Blackbird Health, you don't have to choose—you get both when needed. Our psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners conduct thorough evaluations, diagnose conditions, and manage medication when appropriate. Our licensed child therapists provide specialized therapy sessions using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, play therapy, and more. Both work together as part of your child's coordinated care team, so your child receives exactly the expertise they need at every stage of treatment.

Our child therapists in Gaithersburg, MD are trained in multiple evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, art therapy, trauma-focused therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Executive Function Coaching, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and Parent Support. We select the therapeutic approach based on your child's specific needs, age, and what will be most effective for their situation.

Yes. Our Quince Orchard Road location offers ample free parking directly outside our building. The clinic is easily accessible and serves families throughout Montgomery County.

Yes. Most clinicians see patients both in-clinic and virtually. All initial evaluations are conducted virtually to allow us to observe children and adolescents in their natural environment, often providing meaningful insight into how they function in daily life. Families can request that ongoing care be in-person or virtual.