Mom Seeking Doctor in Fairfax

If your son is having troubles in school then ask for a Child Study meeting. They should include a social worker, a school psychologist, and other professionals. Ask for a full workup to make sure that this is not stemming from an undiagnosed learning disability. If they say "It's just bad behavior," then say, "Whatever it is is affecting his education, and he is entitled to a Child Study. If is just 'bad behavior' and not an undiagnosed learning disability, then I want a Functional Behavioral Analysis and a Behavior Improvement Plan."

That doesn't mean that you don't take your son to a psychologist, but it does mean that you don't let the school give up on their responsibilities. In the meantime, the results of the school's evaluation would be excellent background information for the child psychologist you do take him to.

Good luck.

My 12 yo son was having some problems also. I can highly NOT, repeat NOT recommend Dr. Amy Fisch. She sat with him, had him take a ton of tests, gladly took money from our insurance and never contacted us again. She practices in Gainesville. He got over his problems w/o her help. Being a single Mom of a boy is tough I know. Especially one starting puberty. Do you have any guys he can talk to? Brothers, Uncles, trusted friends? I find it's easier to just have a easy going guy to talk to then a therapist. Sometimes the stigma of going to a "shrink" can compound the problem. If you don't have a good source for him to talk to try big brothers/big sisters org. I know some kids that have really come a long way with them. Check with his friends parents. Your son might have said something to "Billy" and "Billy" might have mentioned something to his parents.
I am happy and very thankful to say that my son is great now. It was just a stage he was going through. I hear him and his little brother playing and laughing---music to my ears!!!
I am a full-time Mom. I know you don't know me but,if there is anything I can do to help out, please feel free to contact me. I am the mom that the neighborhood kids come to with their problems. I help them work out their problems so they can then feel better and talk to their parents.
Good Luck and have a good weekend!!

I would suggest Larry Jamieson, or Kerry Altman, both in Fairfax. I don't know about hours or insurance plans, but I can attest that they are great. Good luck to you. They are on Old Lee Highway.

we used to go to Dr Moshe Sthul in Reston. He was very good, but I don't know if he takes insurance or not

You should have a phone number for mental health services on the back of your insurance card. They'll be able to give you the name, number and address of numerous child psychiatrists in your area. If you don't, call the regular number and ask them for referrals. Just make sure to let them know you are looking for a psychiatrist (a dr. that prescribes medications) who sees children. Fairfax has a lot of good places for your child, so don't worry, you'll find a place with everything you're looking for.
E.