About SHIELD Psychiatry
Concierge Telepsychiatry · Florida · Ages 5–25
Psychiatric care that
holds the whole child
SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC is a Florida-based concierge telepsychiatry practice serving children, adolescents, and young adults. We offer diagnostic depth, genuine continuity, and the time to understand what other practices often miss.
10 verified reviews
pediatric experience
psychiatric & pediatric
telehealth coverage
Not sure where to start? Review Pricing & Membership or browse Conditions We Treat.
Parents of children
ages 5–12
Your child is struggling in ways that feel hard to name — at school, at home, or both. You want answers, not just a label. SHIELD offers comprehensive evaluation, clear clinical language, and a plan the whole family can follow.
Parents of teenagers
ages 13–17
Your teenager is withdrawing, struggling with anxiety, falling behind, or showing signs of depression. You want a provider who talks with them, not over them — and who keeps you informed and genuinely involved.
Young adults
ages 18–25
You're navigating college, early career, or major life transitions — and something feels off. You want a provider who respects your autonomy, explains the clinical picture honestly, and helps you build a life that actually works.
What we do
We provide thorough psychiatric evaluation and ongoing care for youth experiencing ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, sleep disruption, autism-related challenges, and behavioral dysregulation — always grounded in development, family context, and how symptoms actually show up in daily life.
- Whole-person formulation — not symptom-only checklists or rushed medication reviews.
- Measurement-based care with objective tools like QbCheck™ ADHD testing when clinically indicated.
- School collaboration with consent, including IEP and 504 support, teacher questionnaires, and documentation.
- Therapy-informed planning with practical next steps for home, school, sleep, and relationships.
- Pharmacogenomic testing available to reduce guesswork in medication selection.
How care feels here
Concierge care should feel organized, calm, and deeply personal. Families deserve clear next steps, meaningful access, and a provider who has the time to understand the full picture — not just the symptom of the day.
- Structured visits with written summaries, actionable plans, and clinical clarity after every appointment.
- Family-centered care aligned with your values, your schedule, and your goals — not a one-size template.
- Warmth and accountability in equal measure, without confusion, fragmentation, or long gaps between contact.
- Faith-aware care available for families who want their spiritual values respected and integrated, not set aside.
- Professional boundaries that protect consistency, safety, and the quality of care over time.
Built for families who expect more
Families navigating child and adolescent mental health are too often forced to choose between a long waitlist and rushed, impersonal care. SHIELD Psychiatry was built to close that gap — with a premium, clinically grounded model that supports youth development, family stability, and better decision-making over time.
This practice was designed for families who want more than a prescription check every ninety days. It was built for those who value diagnostic depth, genuine continuity, and a provider who can see how emotional health shapes school performance, behavior, confidence, sleep, and relationships.
"We did not come here to do the minimum. We came to help families move from overwhelm to stability — with clarity, structure, and the kind of care that actually changes things."
Does SHIELD accept insurance?
SHIELD Psychiatry operates on a direct-pay concierge model and does not bill insurance directly. Many families use HSA or FSA funds, and we can provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Visit the Pricing page for full details.
What ages does SHIELD serve?
SHIELD Psychiatry serves patients ages 5 through 25, across Florida via telehealth. This includes elementary-age children, middle and high schoolers, and young adults navigating college or early career transitions.
What is the prescreener and why does it matter?
The prescreener is a short intake questionnaire that helps us determine whether SHIELD is a strong clinical and logistical fit for your family before scheduling. It protects your time and ours, and ensures we can genuinely serve you well. It takes about three minutes to complete.
Can SHIELD support faith-based families?
Yes. Dr. Akers integrates Christian faith perspectives into care for families who want that dimension honored — not in place of evidence-based clinical practice, but alongside it. Families who prefer a purely clinical approach receive the same standard of care.
Does SHIELD coordinate with schools?
Yes, with appropriate consent. SHIELD can collaborate with school counselors and teachers, complete rating scales, write documentation for IEP and 504 processes, and provide school consultation letters when clinically indicated.
Is care available across all of Florida?
Yes. SHIELD Psychiatry is a fully telehealth practice serving families across Florida — including Tampa Bay, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Odessa, Westchase, Carrollwood, and beyond — wherever you have a reliable internet connection.
Safety notice: SHIELD Psychiatry is not a crisis service. If there is an urgent safety concern — including suicidal thoughts, self-harm, threats of violence, psychosis, or any medical emergency — please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.
Our Services
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🔍 Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations
Our comprehensive psychiatric evaluations offer detailed insights and personalized recommendations for managing ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. Through thorough assessment and evidence-based practices, we help children, teens, and young adults gain a clearer understanding of their challenges and available treatment options.
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![ADHD Evaluation for children , teens and young adults]()
🧠 ADHD Evaluation
Concerned about ADHD in your child? Our comprehensive ADHD evaluation offers a thorough and accurate diagnosis, followed by personalized treatment plans tailored to your child's unique needs. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we focus on evidence-based care delivered with compassion and cultural competence to help your child thrive.
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🧩 Autism Support Services
Autism Support at SHIELD Psychiatry
At SHIELD Psychiatry, we understand that each child or adolescent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has unique needs. Our specialized telepsychiatry services offer comprehensive, compassionate care designed to support children, teens, and young adults ages 5-25 living with autism.
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![Anxiety and Mood Disorders treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD]()
😟 Anxiety & Mood Disorders
Is your child experiencing anxiety or mood changes? At SHIELD Psychiatry, we understand how challenging it can be for young people to navigate these feelings. Our compassionate, evidence-based treatment approaches are tailored to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, providing support in a kid-friendly and stigma-free environment.
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🧑🏫 Behavioral Services
Behavioral therapy at SHIELD employs proven, evidence-based techniques designed to support children, teens, and young adults in managing and modifying challenging behaviors. Our skilled therapists work closely with families to develop individualized strategies tailored to each child's unique needs. These customized plans focus on improving emotional regulation, enhancing social skills, and building effective coping mechanisms.
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![Child in bed with blue star-patterned blanket, covering face, holding a teddy bear, and next to a blue alarm clock.]()
🌙 CBT-I for Insomnia
Is your child having difficulty falling or staying asleep? Addressing childhood insomnia early can improve their mood, behavior, and overall health. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we offer evidence-based, child-friendly insomnia treatments tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our approach includes behavioral strategies, establishing healthy sleep routines, and when appropriate, medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
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👪 Parent and Child Coaching
Need support navigating your child’s behavioral or learning challenges? Our parent coaching and school consultation services offer expert guidance designed to empower you and support your child’s success. With personalized strategies and professional insights, we help address ADHD, anxiety, autism, and other developmental concerns, ensuring your child thrives academically and socially.
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🔄 Healthcare Transition Services
SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC offers a healthcare transition program for ages 14 to 25, guiding youth from pediatric to adult mental health services. It includes tailored education, personalized planning, and ongoing support to ensure care continuity. We empower youth with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism to navigate this transition confidently, promoting stability and long-term wellness through culturally competent, stigma-free care. Effective planning fosters independence, reduces care gaps, and improves health outcomes during this key developmental stage.
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🏫 School & College Consultations
At SHIELD Psychiatry, we partner with schools and colleges to support the mental health and academic success of children, teens, and young adults. We offer expert consultations, tailored behavioral support, and detailed documentation for IEPs and accommodations. Collaborating with educators, we help meet each student’s unique needs for better learning and well-being.
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![Logo with the text 'QbCheck ADHD Testing' and a blue cube.]()
QbCheck ADHD Testing
QbCheck is an objective, FDA-cleared diagnostic tool designed to assist in the evaluation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It combines a computerized continuous performance test with a motion-tracking system to measure attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—key symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents, and young adults.
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![Golden DNA double helix with a capsules pill and the words "Pharmacogenomic Testing" in gold and blue lettering.]()
Pharmacogenomic Testing
Pharmacogenomics studies how genetics affect medication response. In child and adolescent psychiatry, it guides personalized treatment by identifying effective drugs and reducing adverse effects. This approach improves outcomes for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism while minimizing trial-and-error. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we use pharmacogenomic data to provide culturally competent, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s genetic profile, ensuring safer, more precise treatments for children, teens, and young adults.
