pediatric psychology
why choose Dayton Children’s for psychology
Dayton Children’s psychologists help kids and families cope with challenges, build resilience, and find healthy ways to thrive at every stage of development.
Taking your child to see a psychologist can feel overwhelming. You may have more questions than answers, but at Dayton Children’s you can feel confident in the care your child receives.
Our psychologists are specially trained to work with kids, including those coping with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer. They understand the difference between typical developmental behaviors and concerns that may require additional counseling.
Every child is unique, and our psychologists take the time to listen, provide thorough evaluations, and create personalized plans in a compassionate environment.
psychology services available
Along with treating a wide range of mental health concerns, Dayton Children’s psychology team provides specialized services to meet each child’s needs, including:
- Outpatient assessment and therapy for children with chronic medical conditions and adjustment, coping, or adherence challenges
- Educational testing for learning or attention disorders
- Support at CARE House for children healing from abuse or neglect
- Family programs like ADHD seminars, the Comfort Ability Program and the Positive Parenting Program
- Psychology support in multidisciplinary clinics such as the chronic pain clinic, bowel management program and Cystic Fibrosis center
If you believe your child may benefit from these services, please talk with your primary care provider about a referral to Dayton Children’s.d.
our pediatric psychology specialists
Our pediatric psychologists are specially trained to work with children and teens, including those coping with chronic medical conditions. They take the time to listen, provide thorough evaluations, and create personalized care plans that support each child’s emotional wellbeing and overall health.
- Mary Beth DeWitt, PhD — Division Chief, Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Courtney Yahle, PsyD — Psychology, Behavioral Health
- Brenda Miceli, PhD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Laura Meyers, PsyD — Psychology, Behavioral Health
- Amy Sanders, PsyD — Psychology, Behavioral Health
- Meredith Stremel, PhD, BCBA-D — Psychology, Behavioral Health
- Sarah Phillips, PsyD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Amanda Beeman, PsyD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Christine Abbuhl, PhD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Jessica McCarthy, PsyD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Sandra L. Todd, PsyD, ABPP — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Julie Stucke, PhD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Zachary Woessner, PsyD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Maximilian Tokarsky, PsyD — Psychology, Behavioral Health
- Ryan Sinclair, PhD — Behavioral Health, Psychology
- Carly Schweier, PsyD — Psychology, Behavioral Health
- Laura Middleton, PhD — Psychology, Behavioral Health
mental health conditions we care for
programs & clinics
Navigating ADHD education series
Navigating ADHD is an 8-week seminar designed for families of children diagnosed with ADHD. In weekly group sessions, parents gain practical tools and strategies to help their child succeed at home, at school, and in social settings. A session for children is also offered at the same time for ages 8 – 12, where they build skills and confidence in a supportive, engaging environment.
What you’ll learn:
- Understanding the diagnosis
- School services and your child’s rights
- Tackling homework battles
- Managing behaviors and moods
- Building social skills and self-esteem
- Insights from a psychiatrist on medications
Fees:
- $100 for parents only
- $150 for parents and child
Scholarships are available.
To learn about upcoming sessions, call 937-641-3401.
Interested in learning more about positive parenting, including raising resilient and confident children? Dayton Children’s is pleased to offer free education sessions to families about just that! Triple P, Positive Parenting Program, gives parents simple, practical, positive tips to help you bring out the best in your children.
Our sessions are led by psychologists from Dayton Children’s who have received special training in Triple P training and education. Seminars are offered in-person and virtually, and are offered in a series of three sessions. Topics include:
- The power of positive parenting
- Raising resilient children
- Raising confident, competent children
To register for a seminar series, or if you have any questions, please call our psychology team at 937-641-3401. The state of Ohio is also offering a free online course for Triple P! For more information or to sign up, visit the Triple P website.
The Comfort Ability Program (CAP) at Dayton Children’s is a fun, interactive, evidence-based workshop to help adolescents and their parents learn essential skills and strategies needed to manage chronic pain well. CAP is designed for families dealing with all kinds of chronic pain problems such as persistent headache or migraine, abdominal pain, nerve pain, joint pain, disease related pain, post-surgical pain, or any other kind of persistent pain.
The Comfort Ability Program (CAP) is for kids and teens (ages 10-17) with chronic pain or recurrent pain, and their parents.
Kids and teens will:
- Learn mind-body skills to manage pain and stress
- Connect with peers who also have pain
- Develop personal plan for comfort and function
Parents and caregivers will:
- Learn proven strategies for parenting a child with pain
- Create a plan for improved function at home and school
- Learn new tools to help increase comfort for their child
The program requires a one-time commitment for six hours (the adolescent group and caregiver group are separate but during the same timeframe). If you would prefer a virtual program option, please let us know. If you think your child could benefit from the Comfort Ability Program, talk to their provider. Dayton Children’s has a pain psychology pathway that begins with the Comfort Ability Program and moves onto higher levels of care if needed.
If you have questions about the program or would like to register, please email or call: thecomfortability@childrensdayton.org or 937-641-3401.
Dayton Children’s pediatric chronic pain management clinic brings together experts from psychology, physical therapy, anesthesiology, and other specialties, all in one place. The clinic focuses on non-opioid treatments and includes a 10-week program designed to help kids build strong coping skills through physical therapy, mental health support and holistic techniques like massage and relaxation. For some patients, interventional procedures may also be part of their care plan. Our goal is to help your child manage pain in a safe, supportive and lasting way.
news and blogs
Stay up-to-date with the latest insights from Dayton Children’s. We’re always working to share helpful, real-world content for families navigating pediatric mental health care.
patient stories
Real families, real results. These stories offer hope, guidance and reassurance that we are here for your child every step of the way. Explore how Dayton Children’s care has gone above and beyond for kids just like yours.
for your visit: what to expect
After we receive a referral from your child’s primary care provider, one of our psychologists will review it to make sure our clinic is the right fit for your child’s needs. If so, our team will contact you with instructions to complete a psychology background form. This form helps us understand your child’s history and your concerns. Once it is submitted, we’ll reach out to schedule your first appointment.
At the first visit, you and your child will spend about 60 minutes with one of our psychologists. The appointment includes a full evaluation, a discussion of your child’s mental health history, and time to talk through next steps for care.
how to prepare
Talking with your child in advance can help reduce anxiety about the visit. Let them know that:
- Psychologists do not give shots or perform physical exams.
Younger children may play games or talk with the psychologist to help solve problems and feel better. - Older children and teens can feel reassured knowing that what they share is private, except in cases of safety concerns (such as thoughts of self-harm or abuse).
Additional tips for a successful visit:
- If you’re bringing siblings, please bring another adult to supervise so you can join your child and the psychologist as needed.
- Consider bringing a comfort item (like a favorite stuffed animal or toy) to help your child feel at ease.
- Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, part of the visit may take place with the psychologist alone.
pediatric psychology resources
mental health crisis helplines
If you or your child need immediate help due to having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
mental health resource connection
The Mental Health Resource Connection program connects patients and families to available mental health services in the community – striving to improve the mental health and wellness of children within our reach. This service is administered by social workers experienced in evaluating pediatric mental health needs and the services required to meet those needs.
If you are interested in a referral to the Mental Health Resource Connection please talk to your child’s primary care provider or by filling out our form to get connected to care. You also can use our mental health resource finder to search for resources in your community.
national psychology resources
In addition to the care and guidance we provide here at Dayton Children’s, there are many trusted national organizations offering valuable information, tools, and support for families navigating mental health challenges. Our specialists recommend the following websites and organizations as helpful resources to learn, find community, and feel supported.
Dayton Children’s offers many mental health resources, programs and services. Find more resources today.
hours & locations – mental health
View our locations offering mental health services below:
your child’s mental health matters
We’re here to help! Whether you’re looking for immediate help or ongoing support or resources to learn more, we’re here for you and your family. Get connected to care or use our mental health resource finder to search for resources in your community.
