Finding answers to mental health questions

undiagnosed ADHD or a learning disorder? For that we refer to a child and adolescent psychologist. Some patients may need referral to a therapist or psychologist who can provide evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression and suicidality.

At Complete Children’s Health, we recognized the importance of the mental health component many years ago, so we incorporated several child and adolescent psychologists into our practice to work sideby-side with families. We appreciate their work so much!

The hard part is meeting the need. There is a significant shortage of individuals trained to care for young patients’ mental health.

Medication also plays a role in treatment. Pediatricians regularly prescribe and manage youth with common diagnoses like ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. When we are concerned that typical treatments aren’t helping, symptoms are severe or life-threatening or the diagnosis is something we see infrequently, we usually refer to psychiatry.

We are fortunate to have the child and adolescent psychiatry unit at Bryan West Campus for inpatient care, and the addition of Dr. Brendan Brodersen to the outpatient clinic at Bryan is great news for Lincoln.

Q: In what ways do you remain part of the health care team following a referral for a mental health concern?

We still want to follow along as the family’s primary care provider. We do that with any patient who needs to see a specialist. Often we are just “keeping on top” of things as they progress. It’s not unusual for patients to see improvement and not need to see their psychologist or therapist anymore — in those cases if we notice things are sliding backward we encourage families to get back in with psychiatry or psychology.

Q: What do you like most about your job? What keeps you busy outside of work?

I love being a pediatrician — mostly because of the relationships I develop with children as they grow and entire families.

It’s rewarding to work in an environment truly dedicated to helping children be the healthiest they can be. You are surrounded by incredible people who love what they do. Even in hard situations, the close bonds with families make it immensely rewarding.

In my free time I love to spend time with my family. My husband Michael and I have two girls, in middle and high school, who keep us super busy.

I also love to cook and travel, and when I travel I try new cuisine. I’m originally from the United Kingdom and emigrated to the United States as a child — my parents and I are from Wales, and I’m excited to go back (for my girls’ first time!) this summer to share some local delicacies, like Welsh rarebit and Glamorgan sausage.

We also have two fun-loving dogs, including a very silly Welsh Corgi added to the family during the pandemic.

Our plate is full! n

If you have questions related to your child’s behavioral health, please consult your primary care provider. To learn how you can help support the work of Bryan Health, contact the Bryan Foundation staff at 402-481-8605.