Psychiatrist/Psychologist/MSW

Each of these doctors comes recommended by at least one of our SPED PAC members, we cannot in any way guarantee the result. It is important to check their references, review their credentials, and interview them to understand whether their skills and are a good fit for your child. Remember when you chose a doctor, to ask if they are willing to work with the school (i.e. consult or go to TEAM meetings).

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The Massachusetts Physician Profiles can give you basic information on the doctor, degrees, any actions against them if any, their phone number, etc.
Massachusetts Physician Profiles, by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Board of Registration in Medicine

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What difference between having your child see a pediatric psychiatrist or a pediatric psychopharmacologists / psychologist?

First the difference are the college courses they are required to take for their degree of MD versus Ph.D.

Psychiatrist - there are two types:

Psychopharmacologists - focus on all the different prescription medications, they know what all the different medications are, what they are used to treat and how they work/react with each other (slang: legalized drug dealers). There are so many different types of drugs that they can specialize. (requires an M.D. degree).

Psychotherapy - focus some on medical issues, but more on how people think, react and cope. Classical psychiatrists are Freudians, couch therapy and have theories about the unconscious mind, not practical solutions. Other psychiatrists focus on psychotics and ways to neutralize them with drugs or other methods, etc. (requires an M.D. degree).

Some Psychiatrists, will do both psychopharm and psychotherapy (but hard to find).

Psychologist - a Ph.D., not MD (so they cannot prescribe meds.) their focus is how people think, grow and react. Not as regulated as the MD's, so their are many different types: Family, Counseling, School, Child, Behaviorist plus lots of research oriented jobs (Ph.D.).

Neuropsychologist - Psychologist specially trained in neuropsychology, are who neuropsychological evaluation is done by. This person will hold a Ph.D. and have predoctoral and postdoctoral training working with children who have acquired brain injury or neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, a neuropsychologist has specialized training through additional course work in neuropsychological assessment, neuroanatomy, and brain function. This individual will have worked closely with senior neuropsychologists as part of their specialized clinical training. All neuropsychologists should be licensed and some will also be recognized by the professional board in this discipline (e.g., American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN), American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN). Child neuropsychologists may be found in medical settings, rehabilitation centers, educational contexts, and private practice. Individuals interested in obtaining a neuropsychological evaluation should inquire about specific training that the professional has had in this area. From article "Unraveling the Neuropsychological Assessment", by Katherine D. Tsatsanis, Ph.D. and Fred R. Volkmar, M.D.

(For a description and article of what is a Neuropsychological Assessment, see our Neuropsychology webpage, and
for a list of Neuropsychologist, see our Recommend Evaluators webpage.)

School Psychologist in our state are required to have a Master's Degree, CAGS, or Doctoral Degree in School Psychology from an Educational Institution Licensed or Accredited by the State in which it is Located.
The CAGS, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, can be in school psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive behavior therapy, etc.

(For a description of what is a Psychological Assessment, see our Type of Evaluations webpage

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Concord area (Acton, Lexington, Bedford, etc.) doctors recommend by SPED PAC members.

Key = 'nP' number of positive responses we received from our members, 'nN' = number of negative responses.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW's:

Don Zall, Concord (2P)

"Our son went to Dr. Zoll, and we were happy with his approach and his manner with children. He is very realistic about what can be done and what needs to be done; he looks for results. I would recommend him." D. HK

"Dr. Zoll was helpful to our family when our teenage was having some troubles. I found him to be understanding and helpful." A.G.

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Psychologist:

Buck Weaver, Weston (3P)

Ingrid Maier, in Acton (2 1/2 P)

"She's very nice and has a lot of play therapy techniques and she may be helpful with school related problems." A.G.

Stan Berman, Concord (1P)

"Excellent psychologist, ADD knowledgeable" D.W.

Brian Reynolds, Concord (1P)

Annette Kenndy, Lexington (1P)

Debbora Piper, in Acton (1P) - Now working with adults.

Judy Stein, Lexington (1P)

Rick Iving, Wilmington (1P)

"He is very kind person, really likes kids, has a good feel for neurological issues (i.e NLD, LD, etc) and has a great sense of humor." J.R.

Psychiatrist/Psychopharmalogoist:

Robert Ziegler, Acton (2P)

"My child has been seeing Dr. Ziegler for about 1 year. He has been very open about how he can help us." M.O.

Thrassos Calligias, Concord (2P, 2N)

Ross Peterson, Carslisle (2 P)

Eugene Piazza, Sudbury (1P)

Peter Musliner, Acton (1P)

Richard Berlin, Concord (2N, 2P)

Beth Brownlow, Concord (2N, 2P)

"She find if all you need is to find the correct medication."

Boston area doctors recommend by SPED PAC members.
Psychiatrist/Psychopharmalogoist:

Joseph Biederman, Mass General Hospital, Boston

Ron Steingard, offices in Cambridge and U Mass, Worcester

Peter Metz, U Mass, Worcester

Stuart Goldman, Children's Hospital, Boston

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Some insurance plans (i.e. HCHP) requires that you see a psychologist first to evaluate.

Your child's doctor should be willing to get to know your child and make suggestions to help with situations (therapeutic) rather then one that just prescribes meds.

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	One of our original webpages, created July 2001, by Melody Orfei Webpage last modified on January 22, 2008 - V12, by Melody Orfei
o.mel@verizon.net