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Child and Adolescent Developmental, Mental, and Behavioral Health

Expert support for every step forward

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Compassionate care for children’s developmental, mental, and behavioral health

Children and young people are special, with unique needs and concerns. At UTMB Health, we understand them, and we’re here to help when something is amiss. Our caring mental health specialists provide state-of-the-art treatment and therapies in a nurturing environment.

We’re ready to work with your family to overcome the challenges that may be keeping your child or teenager from thriving during these critical developmental years. Let’s begin the healing together. We offer a range of services, including evaluation and diagnosis, medication management, and therapy.

Types of Providers and Services

Mental and behavioral health services for children and adolescents are provided by different types and teams of professionals and in different settings, based on a child or adolescent's needs and circumstances. They include:

Pediatric Psychiatry
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Counselors/Therapists
Pediatrics
Psychologists and Counselors/Therapists, Developmental - Behavioral Pediatricians and Nurse Practitioners
Family Medicine
Psychologists and Counselors/Therapists available for current Family Medicine patients
Required Legal or Guardianship Documentation for Scheduling
Legal/Guardianship Documentation
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FAQs
Provider Types / Definitions
Provider Types / Definitions

 Referrals and Scheduling Information

Referrals are accepted from UTMB Health providers, community healthcare providers, and self-referrals. Referrals can be submitted through this online physician referral form or by calling the clinic. We're here to ensure patients receive the specialized care they need.

Psychiatry

Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors/therapists specializes in helping children and adolescents navigate mental and behavioral health challenges. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of young people.

  Conditions We Treat

Anxiety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Behaviors Contributing to Chronic Health Conditions

Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)

Coping with Health Issues

Depression

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Grief and Loss

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Schizophrenia

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Sleep Problems

Substance Use/Abuse

Suicide Prevention
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  Our Locations

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  Specialists

DeFilippis, Melissa
Melissa DeFilippis, MD
Melissa DeFilippis, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent
Falls, Lisa
Lisa Falls, MD
Lisa Falls, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent
Hamblin, Rebecca
Rebecca Hamblin, PhD
Rebecca Hamblin, PhD
Psychology and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent
Hasan, Sayyeda
Sayyeda Hasan, MD
Sayyeda Hasan, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences - Child & Adolescent
Machen, Laurel
Laurel Machen, LCSW
Laurel Machen, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Adult & Child
Mallett, Robin
Robin Mallett, MD
Robin Mallett, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent
Malone, Josephine
Josephine Malone, LCSW
Josephine Malone, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Child & Adolescent
Shotwell, Joseph
Joseph Shotwell, MD
Joseph Shotwell, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent
Trinh, Angeline
Angeline Trinh, MD
Angeline Trinh, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent
Wigg, Cindy
Cindy Wigg, MD
Cindy Wigg, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent
Wolf, Dwight
Dwight Wolf, MD
Dwight Wolf, MD
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health - Child & Adolescent

Pediatrics

At UTMB, we understand that children and teens with developmental, emotional, or behavioral challenges need care tailored to their unique needs. Our two specialized teams—Pediatric Mental Health and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics—work with young people ages 2 to 20 to provide the support they deserve.

A young mother and her daughter relax together on the sofa and look at each other fondly.

Pediatric Mental Health

The Pediatric Mental Health team, including psychologists and counselors/therapists, provides diagnostic assessments and therapy. Our evidence-based treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and relationship-focused approaches. These services are designed to support children and teens with a wide range of needs.

Currently, services are not available for custody evaluations, adoption evaluations, child abuse evaluations, eating disorders, substance abuse, testing for learning disabilities, IQ testing, psychological testing, and forensic counseling.

  Conditions We Treat

Adjustment to Chronic Illness

Anxiety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Depression

Irritability and Aggression

Non-Adherence Contributing to Behavioral and Health-Related Complications

Sleep Problems

Stress-Related Physical Symptoms

Suicide Prevention

Temper Tantrums

  Our Locations

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  Specialists

Darban, Behnaz
Behnaz Darban, PsyD
Behnaz Darban, PsyD
Psychology and Mental Health - Child & Adolescent
Dunn, Amanda, LCSW
Amanda Dunn, LCSW
Amanda Dunn, LCSW
Mental Health Counselor - Child & Adolescent
Martinez, Irma, MA, LPC-S
Irma Martinez, MA, LPC-S
Irma Martinez, MA, LPC-S
Mental Health Counselor - Child & Adolescent
Nguyen, Mimi
Mimi Nguyen, PsyD
Mimi Nguyen, PsyD
Psychology and Mental Health - Child & Adolescent
Niebuhr, Virginia, PhD
Virginia Niebuhr, PhD
Virginia Niebuhr, PhD
Psychology and Mental Health - Child & Adolescent

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

Our Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics team cares for children and teens ages 2 to 20, offering a well-rounded approach to treatment. Our experts include board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatricians, general pediatricians, and nurse practitioners. We provide support through medication, behavioral strategies, parenting guidance, and school recommendations. Our team diagnoses and treats a range of conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, learning difficulties, irritability, and aggression.

  Conditions We Treat

Anxiety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Depression

Irritability and Aggression
Boy on a chair, talking to a psychologist with a smile

  Our Locations

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  Specialists

Coon, Alexa
Alexa Coon, DO, FAAP
Alexa Coon, DO, FAAP
Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Health
Chargois, Jennifer
Jennifer Chargois, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, RNC-OB
Jennifer Chargois, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, RNC-OB
Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Health
Rash, Jessica
Jessica Rash, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
Jessica Rash, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Health

Family Medicine

Our Family Medicine team includes counselors and therapists who support current patients. They provide caring help for mental health concerns and family challenges. By working with families, they improve communication, solve problems, and build stronger, healthier relationships.

Parents and patients at our Family Medicine clinics in Dickinson, Galveston Island East and Galveston Island West can speak to their primary care provider about seeing one of our family therapists or counselors for mental health services.

  Conditions We Treat

Anxiety

Behaviors Contributing to Chronic Health Conditions

Depression

Family Challenges and Conflicts

Sleep Problems

Stress-Related Physical Symptoms

  Our Locations

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  Specialists

Johnson, Ryaja
Ryaja Johnson, PsyD
Ryaja Johnson, PsyD
Psychology and Behavioral Health - Adult & Child
Latiolais, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Latiolais, LCSW
Elizabeth Latiolais, LCSW
Social Worker, Counselor
Leckie, Kaitlin, PhD
Kaitlin Leckie, PhD, LMFT-S
Kaitlin Leckie, PhD, LMFT-S
Family Therapist

Required Legal or Guardianship Documentation for Scheduling

To comply with legal requirements and ensure we provide the best care for all patients—including children, adolescents, adults with special needs, and geriatric patients—families or guardians must submit the necessary documentation before scheduling an appointment. This includes legal documents such as divorce decrees, custody paperwork, medical power of attorney (MPO) forms, guardianship documentation, or other applicable paperwork.

 FAQs for Documentation

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Submitting Documentation & Scheduling for Patients with Legal or Guardianship Concerns

Psychiatry Clinics:

Bring required legal documents (e.g., custody agreements, MPO forms) to the clinic for verification before scheduling.
Pediatrics & Family Medicine Clinics:

Bring required documents to the first appointment for review:

  • Patient’s insurance card
  • Parent or legal guardian must be present
  • For minors under custody agreements, provide a current copy of the custody agreement, guardianship papers, or relevant court order to ensure proper consent and confidentiality
  • Additional instructions will be provided when contacted

  Additional Resources

 Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How do I know if my child needs mental health support?

    It’s normal for children and teens to have ups and downs. But if you notice lasting changes in their mood, behavior, or ability to cope with daily life, it may be time to seek help. Look for signs like:

    • Persistent sadness, worry, or irritability
    • Sudden changes in behavior or personality
    • Trouble concentrating or completing tasks
    • Avoiding friends or activities they used to enjoy
    • Frequent anger or mood swings
    • Trouble sleeping or changes in eating habits
    • Self-harm or talk of wanting to hurt themselves

  • What services do you offer?

    We provide a full range of mental and behavioral health services, including:

    • Evaluation and diagnosis – Understanding your child’s needs through careful assessments
    • Therapy – Individual, group, and family counseling using proven methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Medication management – When needed, our doctors can prescribe and monitor medications to help with mental health conditions
    • Developmental support – Helping children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental concerns

  • Does UTMB offer support for parents and families?

    Yes! We believe family support is key to a child’s well-being. Our team provides education, guidance, and therapy options for parents and caregivers to help them support their child’s progress at home.

  • How do I talk to my child about getting help?

    Be open and reassuring. Let them know that everyone needs support sometimes, and mental health care is just like seeing a doctor for a physical illness. Keep the conversation age-appropriate, and remind them that you are there to help them feel better.

  • Who will be involved in my child’s care?

    Our team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and developmental specialists who work together to provide the best care. We create a personalized plan to meet your child’s needs.

 List of provider types

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Counselor/Therapists

Developmental - Behavioral Health Specialists

Nurse Practitioners
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PMAD - a conversation with Houston Moms
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Mental health benefits from nature
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Research programs provide mental health resources for area youth
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Learning disabilities 101

Contacts & Resources

Important Numbers

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Patient Resources

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