R. Meredith Elkins, Ph.D.

Current Availability - Updated 10/1/24:

Please note that I am not accepting new patients at this time. I do not maintain a waitlist.

All services are conducted via telehealth using a secure videoconferencing platform.

ASSESSMENT

A comprehensive diagnostic assessment is a crucial first step to obtain the most effective psychological treatment. My work begins with a diagnostic interview using evidence-based assessment tools. This process clarifies the nature of your/your child’s presenting concerns and informs recommendations for treatment. It is also an opportunity for you/you and your child to meet me, and helps to determine whether you would like to pursue ongoing treatment with me - finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable is very important!

Assessment procedures involve a diagnostic interview and may also involve the completion of questionnaires. When conducting psychological assessments for children (ages 17 and under), I typically meet separately with children and their parents. For child and adolescent patients, I may ask that parents provide written consent for me to speak with teachers, pediatricians, other caregivers, and additional treatment providers if such consultations will be helpful in clarifying the nature of your child’s concerns. The results of the assessment will inform the best course of treatment for you or for your child.

Written reports are provided upon request for an additional fee.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT

I specialize in providing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a psychological treatment method that has been rigorously studied, and is the most effective therapeutic approach to treat anxiety and related disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. See my FAQ for more information about CBT to help determine if this approach is right for you or your child.

Pending recommendations from the initial assessment, if you would like to pursue treatment with me, we would meet regularly for a course of CBT. CBT is designed to be a short-term treatment, meaning that symptom improvements are often seen within 12-20 sessions. Treatment sessions are 45 minutes each and take place on a weekly basis.

PARENT COACHING & CONSULTATIONS

Sometimes parents are unsure whether or not their child may benefit from psychotherapy, or may have questions about which treatment approach is right for their child. I provide single or recurring consultations to assist parents in determining the best course of action to help their child. Consultations can be completed in person or remotely via phone or videoconferencing.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

I am passionate about fostering a greater understanding of mental and emotional health issues within the community. I am available to provide talks and trainings to parents, educators, and students on the topics of anxiety symptoms and disorders, emotional health issues, and healthy coping strategies.

As an anxiety disorder specialist, I have advanced training in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, mood, and obsessive-compulsive disorders across the lifespan. Anxiety disorders often may co-occur with other emotional health concerns, including depression, adjustment difficulties, sleep problems, among others, and these issues can be addressed in treatment as appropriate.

I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and aim to provide each of my patients with a personalized, science-informed approach to assessment, consultation, and intervention.

Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Services

I have expertise in providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders in children and adolescents. I have specialized expertise in the treatment of anxiety in early childhood (ages 3-6) and in college-aged young adults.

Adult Services

My passion for helping children and their families has encouraged my work in perinatal and maternal mental health. I have specialized training through Postpartum Support International (PSI) to provide treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

I also provide support and strategies to parents struggling with challenging life circumstances, including marital stress, grief, caregiver burden, major life transitions, and work/life balance.

Diagnoses and conditions that I treat include the following:

• Separation Anxiety Disorder

• Social Anxiety Disorder

• Panic Disorder

• Agoraphobia

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Specific Phobias (i.e., fear of dogs, heights, vomit, etc.)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Major Depressive Disorder

• Adjustment difficulties (i.e., coping with family stressors, significant life changes, transition to college, loss of a loved one)

• Insomnia and/or sleep disturbances

• Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (i.e., postpartum anxiety and/or depression)

• Maternal mental health

• Major life transitions

• Grief

• Caregiver burden

• Work/life balance

• Relationship issues

• Identity exploration

When an individual’s presenting concerns do not fall within my areas of expertise, I provide referrals to other providers. I do NOT typically treat the following conditions, but will do my best to assist families in finding appropriate treatment by providing referrals:

• Suicidal and self-injurious behaviors

• Eating Disorders

• Tic and Tourette’s Disorders

• Misophonia

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Bipolar Disorder

• Personality Disorders

• Disruptive Behavior Disorders (i.e., Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder)

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e., Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], Autism Spectrum Disorders)

• Elimination Disorders

• Psychotic Spectrum Disorders (i.e., Schizophrenia)

• Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

• Sexual Dysfunctions

Please contact me for my fee schedule at (339) 200-9598.

Payment is collected at the time of service in the form of credit card.

I do not partner with insurance companies, I can provide you with a billing statement that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. I cannot guarantee that your insurance will provide reimbursement for my services; I strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to inquire about out-of-network benefits, pre-authorization, and procedures for reimbursement prior to initiating my services.

Please note that I may have limited availability to respond to crisis situations (i.e., if I am working with another patient, overnight, on weekends, etc.). For this reason, it is very important that you are aware of other services available in the event of a crisis. If you or your child experience a crisis or emergency, call 911, go to your local emergency room, or call the statewide Emergency State Program/Mobile Crisis Intervention (ESP/MCI) at 1-877-382-1609.