How Dr. Sabeti Supports Mental Health in Children

Understanding the Whole Child: More Than Just Physical Health

As a pediatrician, I have always believed that caring for a child means looking at the big picture. For a long time, medicine focused mostly on physical things. We checked height, weight, ears, and listened to hearts. While those check-ups are still very important, they are only one part of the story. Today, we know that a child’s mind is just as important as their body. In my practice, I have seen firsthand how closely mental and physical health are connected.

I built my practice around a specific model because I wanted to do better for my families. I operate as a pediatric mental health concierge provider. This might sound like a fancy term, but it really just means I offer personalized, highly accessible care that prioritizes every aspect of your child’s well-being. I don’t just treat the flu or fix scraped knees; I am here to support your child’s emotions, behaviors, and development as they grow.

In this post, I want to share exactly how I support mental health in children. I want to explain why having a strong relationship with your pediatrician is the secret weapon for raising happy, healthy, and resilient kids.

The Gift of Time: Why It Matters for Mental Health

One of the biggest problems in standard healthcare today is the lack of time. In a typical doctor’s office, a visit might last only 10 or 15 minutes. That is barely enough time to check vital signs and sign school forms. It is definitely not enough time for a child to feel comfortable enough to talk about their feelings.

In my concierge practice, things are different. I have designed my schedule to allow for much longer appointments. This gift of time is the foundation of my approach to mental health. When we aren’t rushing, amazing things happen. A teenager might casually mention they are having trouble sleeping. A younger child might draw a picture that shows they are feeling sad. Parents have the space to tell me about changes in behavior without feeling like they are holding up the line.

Because I have time, I can listen. I can ask the second and third questions that get to the root of a problem. This is the core benefit of a pediatric mental health concierge service. I am not just looking for symptoms of illness; I am looking for signs of wellness. By slowing down, I can catch small issues before they turn into big crises.

Building Trust Through Consistency

Mental health support doesn’t happen in a single visit. It happens over years of building trust. I strive to be a constant figure in my patients’ lives. I want your children to know me, not just as a doctor in a white coat, but as Dr. Anita, a safe adult they can trust.

When a child sees the same doctor every time, they feel safe. This safety is crucial for mental health discussions. It is very hard for a shy middle schooler to tell a stranger that they are feeling anxious about school. However, if that middle schooler has known me since they were a toddler, the conversation is much easier. They know I am on their team.

I act as a confidant. As children enter their pre-teen and teenage years, they often stop sharing everything with their parents. This is a normal part of growing up. However, they still need guidance. I provide a confidential space where they can ask questions about their changing bodies and their changing feelings. I help bridge the gap between parents and children, ensuring that everyone stays connected and supported.

Identifying the Early Signs of Anxiety and Depression

Mental health challenges often show up physically before they show up emotionally, especially in younger children. Kids don’t always have the vocabulary to say, “I am feeling depressed.” Instead, they might complain of stomach aches, headaches, or trouble sleeping. They might become irritable or refuse to go to school.

Because I know my patients so well, I can spot these changes quickly. I know what “normal” looks like for your child. If a usually energetic child suddenly becomes withdrawn, or if a great sleeper suddenly has insomnia, I take notice. As a pediatric mental health concierge, I can investigate these physical symptoms to see if there is an emotional cause.

I screen for anxiety and depression regularly, not just when there is a problem. Prevention is better than a cure. By normalizing these conversations, I remove the stigma around mental health. I teach children that taking care of their mind is just like brushing their teeth—it’s something we do every day to stay healthy.

For more information on the signs of mental health struggles in children, I recommend reading this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding childhood emotional health.

The Connection Between Lifestyle and Mood

As a pediatrician, I look at the biology of mental health. Our brains need the right fuel and the right environment to function well. When I work with families, I focus heavily on three pillars: sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.

1. Sleep Hygiene

Sleep is when the brain processes emotions and heals itself. A chronic lack of sleep can look exactly like ADHD or severe anxiety. I work with families to create realistic sleep routines. We talk about screen time, bedtime rituals, and creating a calm environment. Solving a sleep problem often solves a mood problem.

2. Nutrition and Gut Health

What we eat affects how we feel. There is a strong connection between the gut and the brain. If a child is eating mostly processed foods and sugar, their blood sugar swings can cause mood swings. I guide families toward nutrition that supports brain health without being overly restrictive or creating food anxiety.

3. Movement

Exercise is a natural antidepressant. It releases endorphins that improve mood. I encourage my patients to find movement they love, whether it’s organized sports, dancing in the living room, or just walking the dog. I write “prescriptions” for play and outdoor time because I know how powerful they are for a growing brain.

Visualizing the Care Difference

It can be hard to understand the value of concierge care until you see it laid out. Here is a comparison of how mental health is often handled in a standard setting versus my practice.

Navigating the Teenage Years

Adolescence is a time of massive brain reconstruction. It is a time of seeking independence, risk-taking, and intense social pressure. Today’s teens face challenges that previous generations did not, specifically regarding social media and constant connectivity.

I take a very proactive approach with my teen patients. I want to be a resource for them. We talk openly about stress, peer pressure, body image, and substance use. I approach these topics without judgment. If a teenager feels judged, they shut down. If they feel heard, they open up.

I also help parents navigate this time. It is scary to watch your child struggle. I provide coaching for parents on how to talk to their teens. I help you distinguish between normal teenage moodiness and signs of a more serious issue. Being a pediatric mental health concierge provider means I am supporting the whole family dynamic, not just the patient.

Coordination of Care: Being the Quarterback

Sometimes, a child needs more help than a pediatrician can provide alone. They might need a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or an educational specialist. In the standard medical system, finding these specialists can be a nightmare. Parents are often left with a list of phone numbers and long waiting lists.

I take that burden off your shoulders. I act as the quarterback for your child’s care team. I have a network of trusted mental health professionals that I work with closely. When I refer a patient, I don’t just send a fax. I pick up the phone. I talk to the therapist. We collaborate on the treatment plan.

This coordination is vital. If a psychiatrist prescribes medication, I monitor the physical side effects while the therapist handles the emotional work. We all communicate. This ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. It provides a safety net around your child so they feel fully supported.

Accessibility When You Need It Most

Anxiety doesn’t always happen between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Panic attacks can happen on weekends. School refusal happens on Tuesday mornings before the office opens. One of the most comforting aspects of my practice is accessibility.

My families have direct access to me. If you are worried about your child’s mental state on a Saturday, you can reach out. Being able to text or call your doctor during a stressful moment can prevent a situation from escalating. It saves you from unnecessary trips to the emergency room or urgent care, which can be traumatic for a child experiencing a mental health crisis.

Knowing that help is just a phone call away lowers the anxiety of the parents, too. When parents are calm and supported, they are better equipped to help their children. I am there to provide reassurance and a medical perspective whenever you need it.

Supporting Neurodiversity

Many of the children I see have unique brains. They might have ADHD, autism, or learning differences. These children often struggle with mental health because the world isn’t always built for them. They may experience higher levels of frustration and anxiety.

I celebrate neurodiversity in my practice. I don’t try to “fix” a child’s personality. Instead, I help them understand how their brain works. We focus on their strengths. I also advocate for them. If a child needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan at school, I am there to help with documentation and guidance. I ensure that the school understands the medical and emotional needs of the child.

By validating their experiences and providing the right support, we can protect the self-esteem of neurodivergent children. We can help them thrive and see their differences as superpowers rather than deficits.

Moving Forward Together

Raising children in today’s world is a beautiful, challenging journey. The pressure on our kids is high, but their resilience is higher—especially when they have the right support system. My goal is to ensure that no child walks through these challenges alone.

By integrating mental health care into every check-up, by being available when things get tough, and by looking at the whole child, I aim to change the way we think about pediatrics. As a pediatric mental health concierge, I am committed to being a partner in your child’s life. Together, we can build a foundation of physical and emotional health that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

If you feel your child needs a doctor who listens, who has time, and who truly understands the connection between mind and body, I am here to help. Let’s prioritize their happiness just as much as their health.