We work with kids, teens and adults, starting at age 4.

We have the most experience with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, OCD, Depression, Autism and helping kids overcome experiences of bullying, racism and microaggressions. However, we also have experience treating less common conditions such as Juvenile Onset Bipolar Disorder and Reactive Attachment Disorder.

This is a strength of our practice. When he was President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, Dr. Dave co-chaired a collaboration between the state’s child psychologists and pediatricians. The principal goal of this work was to develop a standard of care for outpatient mental health evaluations of youth. We use this protocol in our practice. It includes the following elements:

• A 90-minute interview with the child/teen of concern and their parents (in instances when there are two households, we collaborate on which adults to include).

• A 50-minute interview with the child/teen. For kids this often includes observations of drawing and play.

• The completion of a battery of parent, teacher and child/teen rating scales.

• Review of academic records

• Review of relevant clinical or forensic records

• The creation of a slide show that includes the following elements: sources of information, strengths, charts of behavior rating scales, a list of problems, a diagnostic impression and a list of interventions for the identified problems.

In preparing for the feedback we typically invest 3-4 hours of our time.

There are three ways we’d like to address this question.

First, we find that our field is replete with clinicians who are less aligned with the available science than our practice; this is also a finding in psychotherapy outcome studies. For this comparison the contrast is stark. We do a thorough evaluation, explain our goals and methods at each juncture, set measurable treatment goals, and empower our clients to verify for themselves how the science supports what we have concluded and what we are recommending.

Most of the treatments we offer are also structured, focused on skill building and involve between session practice (exceptions are when clients could benefit from psychodynamic therapy or play therapy, which we also offer). While a non-science-based practice can feel nice it may not yield transformational change (sort of like a psychological massage) and may be harder to differentiate from what an intelligent, life-experienced and warm-hearted friend might offer at no cost.

Second, another evidence-based practice will look more similar than different to ours.
However, a few things we offer that are less common is the thoroughness of the initial evaluation, our focus on strengths, our inclusion of biofeedback to treat anxiety, anger and stress management, the use of magic to engage kids and teens, our common practice of going into schools to collaborate on helping our child/teen clients, and an acute focus on how to effectively identify and manage experiences of isms and micro aggressions when that is relevant to the care.

Third, we are highly experienced and credentialed clinicians, published authors, media consultants and leaders in our fields. Bios ( Dr. Dave's CV ) - ( Dr. Lia's CV )

Our approach can best be described as a blending of behavioral (e.g., Gottman Institute) and emotionally focused (e.g., EFT) methods. (Dr. Dave can be found on the Gottman Institute’s therapist directory which only includes those clinicians that have completed at least two levels of their training).

Our initial evaluation includes a 90-minute couple interview, the completion of the Gottman Institute’s battery for couples (at no additional charge), the completion of a battery supplemental measures, a 50-minute feedback session and the preparation of a slide show that includes sources of information, strengths, results of the rating scales, a list of problems and a list of recommended interventions. It is common for us to spend 3-4 hours preparing for the feedback session.

Our treatment approach involves skill building, is structured and usually time limited. We say “usually” as the work can take longer when there are significant resentments that need to be resolved. In our opinion, the skills we teach are ones that all couples would do well to know before formalizing a long-term commitment. They are also practices that promote resilience in a couple’s life.

Yes, we do. The evaluation consists of a 90-minute interview, the use of behavior rating scales, a review of relevant records, and a feedback session that incorporates a slideshow that includes sources of information, strengths, results of rating scales, a problem list, a diagnostic formulation and a list of recommended interventions. We usually spend about two hours preparing the feedback for a standard adult evaluation.

We also specialize in ADHD adult evaluations; these include the additional elements of collaterals filling out rating scales, a review of academic records and any other records that might be helpful (e.g., performance evaluations at work). (Dr. Dave is formerly the Clinical Director of a nationally recognized ADHD specialty clinic and currently serves on the national Board of Directors for CHADD.)

The areas in which we have the most experience are ADHD, anxiety disorders (including OCD and PTSD), mood disorders, self-esteem, self-compassion, existential crises and self-actualization. We also focus on identifying and overcoming the effects of isms and micro aggressions when that is relevant. (Dr. Lia is on the faculty of an HBCU and has offered countless training on DEI issues for schools, employers, corporations and non-profits)

There are four things we’d like to say in response to this question.

First, our services are based on $280/hour, which we find is a little bit under what clinicians at our level of experience and credentials tend to charge in the DMV.

Second, while we are out-of-network providers, we arrange for our clients–at no cost–to use the services of Reimbursify.com to submit our statements to health insurance companies for reimbursement.

Third, please consider our bios and/or CVs ( Dr. Dave's CV ) - ( Dr. Lia's CV ). It’s difficult to summarize them here as we have 50+ years of cumulative experiencing doing clinical work, serving as professors, holding leadership positions, publishing (i.e., books, chapters and articles) and being media consultants.

Fourth, when thinking about costs, consider the costs that can be associated with not getting needed mental health treatment. For example, the cost of a contested divorce in the DMV ranges between $15,000 and $30,000+ per person, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-24, unresolved mental health challenges increase the odds of substance dependence, academic underachievement, school dropout, vocational underdevelopment, relationship dissatisfaction, compromised physical health and overall lower quality of life. Also, consider what it would be like to be free of that which is troubling you, your child or your partner the most.