North Atlanta Pediatric Psychology
About
I am a licensed health psychologist who provides assessment and therapy for children, adolescents, adults and families coping with acute and chronic medical conditions and related emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders. I take a skills-based approach to help individuals and families learn strategies to improve functioning and well-being. I specialize in working with individuals and families to promote adjustment to chronic or acute medical conditions – recognizing the interplay between physical and psychosocial health and well-being. Common medical conditions that I specialize in include: chronic pain, hypermobility/EDS, dysautonomia/POTS, psychosomatic symptoms, gastrointestinal disorders, concussions, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, sleep problems, diabetes, cancer, sickle cell disease, heart, kidney or liver disease, eating problems after illness and cystic fibrosis. Together I work to optimize your physical, behavioral, emotional, and social health; to help you find ways to optimize functioning and make living with your medical conditions easier and treat co-occurring stress, anxiety, mood and behavioral concerns.
EDS Healthcare in Georgia
Emory University Hospital's Division of Medical Genetics in Atlanta is the primary in-state resource for EDS evaluation. Georgia does not have an EDS Society Center of Excellence; the nearest is Mayo Clinic Jacksonville in Florida. Limited specialized EDS programs mean many Georgia patients travel to Florida or other states for comprehensive care.
Outside the Atlanta metro area, EDS specialist access drops significantly. South Georgia patients may find it easier to travel to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville than to Atlanta. Rural areas throughout the state have very limited access to providers experienced with EDS.
Finding Mental Health for EDS
Look for a therapist who has worked with chronic illness patients and understands that EDS-related anxiety and depression often have physical triggers, not just psychological ones.