Services · Toddler to 21
Behavioral Health
Behavioral health at Dare2Care Pediatrics means screening, diagnosis and first-line treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression and developmental concerns inside your child’s medical home, led by a pediatrician with additional behavioral-health training.
About behavioral health
One in five children will face a mental health condition before adulthood, and the wait for a specialist in North Georgia can stretch to months. Dr. Viswanadham completed additional certification in behavioral and developmental health through the REACH Institute so that families can start care here, now.
What we help with
- ADHD evaluation, medication management and school accommodations
- Anxiety and depression, including therapy referrals and medication when appropriate
- Developmental delays and autism screening, with referral for full evaluation
- Behavior challenges in toddlers and preschoolers
- Trauma, grief and big life changes
- Sleep problems that have a behavioral root
How it works
- Screening at well visits, or a dedicated visit when you have a concern
- Parent and teacher questionnaires when needed (for example, Vanderbilt forms for ADHD)
- A plan: parenting strategies, school supports, therapy, medication, or a combination
- Follow-up visits every few weeks until things are stable, then less often
When to come in
- Teachers report attention, focus or behavior problems
- Worry, sadness or irritability that lasts more than two weeks or disrupts daily life
- Sleep, appetite or school performance changes
- Your toddler is not talking, pointing or playing the way peers do
- You are exhausted and not sure what is normal
What to expect at the visit
A first behavioral health visit is 40 to 60 minutes. Bring report cards, any prior evaluations and completed questionnaires if we sent them. Older children and teens spend part of the visit alone with the provider.
Insurance and cost
Behavioral health visits are billed as medical visits. Some plans manage mental health through a separate network; call the number on your card to check, or ask our front desk.
Need help outside office hours?
When the office is closed, call the main number, (770) 615-7000. After hours the call goes to our after-hours line for urgent concerns. Use the patient portal for anything that can wait until the next business day. In an emergency, call 911.
Questions parents ask
Do you prescribe ADHD medication?
Yes, after evaluation, when it is the right choice for your child. We start low, adjust carefully and check in monthly at first.
Is this a replacement for a therapist or psychiatrist?
It is the front door. Many children do well with care here; others need a therapist or a child psychiatrist, and we help you find one and stay involved.
Provided by
Dr. Madhuri ViswanadhamMD, FAAP · Board-certified pediatrician · Founder