Pediatric Mental Health Resources

Amy Edgar, APRN, CRNP, FNP-C Amy Edgar, APRN, CRNP, FNP-C

The Summer Slide and Mental Health

Every September, educators witness a stark divide. Some students seamlessly return to the classroom while others experience what experts call the "summer slide"—not just in academics, but in executive function, social skills, and emotional regulation. 

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Dr. Nicole Garber Dr. Nicole Garber

Managing and Referring Pediatric Mental Health

As pediatricians, you are uniquely positioned to support children’s mental and behavioral health needs. By establishing clear treatment protocols and building strong referral partnerships with mental health specialists, like Blackbird Health, you can provide comprehensive care while maintaining your central role with families—with access to same-week scheduling, direct provider communication, and ongoing consultation support.

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Blackbird Health Blackbird Health

Top Tutors for Neurodivergent Kids in Northern Virginia

Finding the right support for a neurodivergent child can feel like a daunting journey for parents. At Blackbird Health, we often partner with families and schools to ensure kids receive the accommodations and learning environments they need. Sometimes, that also means bringing in outside tutors to strengthen the support team.

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Dr. Nicole Garber Dr. Nicole Garber

Streamlined Mental Health Care at Blackbird Health

At Blackbird Health, we understand that timely access to mental health care is not just important, it's crucial—especially for our young patients. A troubling national average shows that it can take 11 years* from the initial signs of a mental health concern for treatment to begin, often at a point when the condition has significantly worsened. This delay is a challenge we are actively working to overcome.

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Coleen Vanderbeek Psy.D., LPC, ASDCS, IMH-e Coleen Vanderbeek Psy.D., LPC, ASDCS, IMH-e

Is It Just Summer Behavior or Something More?

The school year ends, and with it, structured days, consistent bedtimes, and clear expectations. A few weeks later, you might be noticing some changes in your child. Maybe they’re more irritable, having more meltdowns, or they may seem to have boundless energy that’s hard to manage. Many parents ask: "Is this just typical 'summer behavior,' or is it a sign of something more serious?"

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Dr. Nicole Garber Dr. Nicole Garber

Well Visits: Converting Mental Health Concerns Into Action

As a pediatrician or primary care physician, you identify mental health concerns, provide referral information, and expect families to follow through. But some don't. Research reveals the scope of the problem: Only 18% of children complete mental health visits within 180 days of primary care referral. It's no surprise, the practices with high follow-through rates help parents understand why specialized care matters and, how they can access that care. Clear communication is crucial when discussing referrals. When doctors frame concerns as solvable problems and address parental fears directly, families are far more likely to take action.

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Dr. Nicole Garber Dr. Nicole Garber

The Ins and Outs of Virtual Care for Kids

Screen time often gets a bad rap—but when it comes to pediatric mental health care, it’s opening the door to something incredibly valuable. Since the shift to online services during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has proven to be more than just a temporary solution. It’s become an essential tool for delivering accessible, effective care to kids and teens. For many families, virtual care has become a flexible, effective way to access support without the stress of commuting, rearranging schedules, or navigating waitlists. But virtual care isn’t a fit for every child—or every situation.

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Amy Edgar, APRN, CRNP, FNP-C Amy Edgar, APRN, CRNP, FNP-C

When and how to seek care for your child’s mental health

As parents, we always want what’s best for our children. When it comes to their mental health, it can be difficult to know when to seek help or how to talk about it. Whether your child is showing signs of stress, anxiety, or behavioral changes, you may feel uncertain or overwhelmed. It's normal to have concerns, but taking the first step toward support can make a big difference in your child’s well-being.

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Caronne Taylor Bloom, Education Advocate and LPC Caronne Taylor Bloom, Education Advocate and LPC

Strategies for supporting students with ADHD in the classroom

As an educator and advocate for neurodivergent children, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible potential within students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These students often possess unique strengths such as creativity, hyperfocus on subjects of interest, and a high degree of energy that, when channeled effectively, can lead to remarkable achievements.

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