Welcome to SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC
Concierge Child, Adolescent & Young Adult
Telepsychiatry in Florida (Ages 5–25)
Protecting young minds. Empowering futures.
Led by Dr. Marie Akers, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, PMHS.
Evidence-based psychiatric evaluation and treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism-related support, and insomnia—delivered through a concierge telehealth experience designed for families who want time, clarity, and continuity of care across Florida.
A credit card is required to hold your spot. Payments are securely processed 24 hours before your scheduled visit.
Telehealth • Serving families across Florida • Direct-pay concierge model • Superbills available upon request
Why Families Trust SHIELD Psychiatry
SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC is a concierge child, adolescent, and young adult psychiatry practice built on doctoral-level leadership, measurement-based care, and whole-family treatment planning. We prioritize diagnostic clarity, clinical depth, and continuity of care across development.
Doctoral-Level Psychiatric Leadership
Care is led by Dr. Marie Akers, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, PMHS, integrating pediatric primary care, psychiatry, and neurodevelopmental expertise for sophisticated diagnostic formulation.
Measurement-Based, Evidence-Informed Care
We use validated rating scales, structured clinical interviews, and functional outcome tracking to guide diagnosis and treatment—supporting objective, defensible, and individualized psychiatric care.
Thorough Evaluations — Not 15-Minute Medicine
Our concierge model allows time for comprehensive psychiatric assessment, developmental review, differential diagnosis, and collaborative planning.
Whole-Family & School-Aware Treatment
Treatment plans integrate parent coaching, executive functioning support, sleep interventions, and school collaboration (504/IEP guidance when appropriate).
Culturally Responsive, Trauma-Informed Care
We provide emotionally safe, culturally respectful care grounded in developmental neuroscience and trauma-informed psychiatric practice.
Concierge Continuity & Ethical Standards
Families receive continuity of care, structured follow-up, medication monitoring, and clear safety policies with referral pathways when higher levels of care are indicated.
Crisis Help & Emergency Support
SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC is a concierge outpatient telepsychiatry practice. We do not provide emergency services. If you believe you or your child may be in danger, please use the resources below immediately.
Call 911 (Emergency)
If there is immediate danger, severe self-harm risk, violence risk, or a medical emergency—call 911 now.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 (24/7). For chat, visit the official 988 Lifeline site. If a young person is struggling, you can still call for support and guidance.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 (24/7) for free, confidential crisis support.
Go to the Nearest ER
If symptoms are escalating (suicidal thoughts with plan/intent, self-harm, psychosis, mania, severe agitation), go to the nearest emergency department for urgent evaluation.
When to Use Emergency Resources
- Active suicidal thoughts, plan, intent, or access to means
- Self-harm behaviors or inability to stay safe
- Psychosis (hearing voices/seeing things), severe paranoia, or loss of reality testing
- Mania with unsafe behavior, no sleep for days, or extreme agitation
- Substance intoxication/overdose, withdrawal risk, or medical instability
- Threats of harm to others, violence risk, or weapons access concerns
If You Are an Established Patient
If this is not an emergency and you are an established patient, please use the Patient Portal or scheduling link to request the next available appointment. If you are unsure whether it is an emergency, choose safety first and contact 988 or your nearest ER.
If you are a parent/guardian and your child is at risk, do not wait alone. Use 988, local crisis services, or emergency care immediately.
Why Choose SHIELD Psychiatry?
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Our Values and Missions
At SHIELD Psychiatry, our name is our mission.
S — Support & Safety: A secure, judgment-free space for children, teens, and young adults.
H — Healing: Evidence-based care for ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and trauma.
I — Innovation: Telehealth access for families across Florida, including rural communities.
E — Empowerment: Building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness for life.
L — Learning: Mental health education and resources for families and schools.
D — Development: Guiding emotional, behavioral, and social growth for lifelong wellness.
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A Family-Centered Approach
Family-Centered Mental Health Care
Involving families in psychiatric care leads to better outcomes, stronger treatment adherence, and reduced stigma. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we partner with parents and caregivers to support children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. This collaborative approach ensures care strategies fit each child’s home and school life—helping families grow stronger together.
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Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care
Family-Centered, Evidence-Based Care
At SHIELD Psychiatry, we emphasize a holistic treatment model that places families at the center of recovery for children and young adults (ages 5–25). Guided by AACAP and APA best-practice guidelines, we create personalized, culturally competent treatment plans for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism.
Our approach combines detailed assessments, evidence-based therapies, and continuous feedback, ensuring care aligns with each family’s unique needs and values. By encouraging active family participation, we strengthen bonds, reduce stigma, and build resilience—creating lasting outcomes that go beyond traditional psychiatric services.
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Family Education and Resources
Families trust SHIELD because we provide resources that build confidence and self-efficacy:
🎯 Tailored support: Personalized tools for each child and family.
📘 Education: Clear guides on mental health conditions and care.
🧩 Therapeutic strategies: Practical coping tools to use at home.
🤝 Community: Connections with families facing similar challenges.
🩺 Expert guidance: Ongoing support from skilled professionals.
🛡️ Stigma-free care: A safe, respectful environment for growth.
🎓 Workshops: Training and skill building.
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Accessible Telehealth Services
At SHIELD, we provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults (ages 5–25). Our focus includes ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism, delivered in a stigma-free and culturally competent environment.
The CDC reports rising mental health crises among youth, with suicide rates increasing sharply in the past decade. Telepsychiatry has become a vital solution, offering families timely access to care without the barriers of in-person visits.
Endorsed by the WHO and supported by Johns Hopkins research, telepsychiatry shows outcomes comparable to traditional services while reducing wait times and access challenges.
Before You Explore Our Services
Here’s how SHIELD delivers premium, evidence-based care for youth (5–25). Expand the items below to see what makes our approach different.
- Priority scheduling: same-week availability for members, extended visit options (30–90 min).
- Direct messaging: secure portal access for timely guidance between sessions.
- Continuity: pediatric → young adult care with smooth handoffs and long-term relationships.
- CBT & CBT-I: first-line care for anxiety, insomnia, and performance stress.
- ADHD evaluation & QbCheck®: validated tools plus objective attention/hyperactivity metrics.
- Medication management: precision, safety, and shared decision-making with families.
- IEP/504 forms: letters and documentation included with membership.
- College transition: EF coaching, ADA/504 navigation, sleep stabilization, and safety planning.
- Advocacy: coordinated communication with schools, pediatricians, and campus services.
- Clarity: a written care plan with measurable goals and timeframes.
- Warmth & cultural humility: youth-centered, stigma-free, and family-inclusive care.
- Transparency: clear membership and visit pricing; no surprise fees.
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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
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 & 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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🌙 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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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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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.
