Mental Wellness in Jacksonville, FL
You and your child’s mental and emotional well-being is important to your Carithers provider. While many parts of a check-up or sick visit are focused on physical health, the patient as a whole is always being considered. We are available to discuss behavioral and psychological concerns you may have and offer advice, referrals, and treatment where indicated. Further discussion on these topics as well as the screens we routinely offer in each category are found below:
Post Partum Depression: This is a real concern for mothers in the first 4-6 months after they have birthed their child. We screen the mother with the Edinburgh screen and make referrals and notify their OB’s as indicated. Some of the most important work we do in the first 4-5 visits with a baby is to assess the mental well-being of the caregivers.
Autism: The consideration for autism is part of the developmental assessment of every infant and child starting at 2 months of age. The PDQ-1 and ASQ screens used at 9, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months are directed at this consideration as well. Appropriate referrals for official diagnosis and therapy are pro-actively made.
Anxiety: Childhood and adolescent anxiety has become increasingly prevalent and problematic. Carithers providers have been trained in the recognition, diagnosis, and medication management of anxiety. We use the SCARED screen, which can help provide a quantitative measurement for diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Behavioral modification, coping mechanisms, parental support, and referrals for counseling are all part of the treatment plan as well.
Depression: Childhood and adolescent depression and suicide is also on the rise and has become a crisis in the world. Carithers providers have been trained to diagnose and manage this as well. As recommended by the AAP, PHQ-9 depression screen are routinely given out at every teen check up and have been tremendously helpful in identifying feelings of depression that may have otherwise not been verbalized. Visits focused specifically on depression can also be scheduled. Medication management as well as referrals for counseling can be provided when indicated.
Related Forms
- PHQ-9 (for adolescents 12 years old & up)
- Anxiety Screen- SCARED (parent completion)
- Anxiety Screen- SCARED (child completion)
- Postpartum Depression Screen
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Patient Feedback
“The best doctors offices (we have gone to both locations multiple times) in the world if you as me! I have never had a bad experience! Each appointment with any doctor we see in the group is great! I’m not sure how they pick their providers but they do an amazing job! We have been with them my 5 year old was born and always have great appointments! They love my babies and make them feel comfortable and relaxed as if they see them everyday! In today’s world everyone needs a doctors them.”
“been amazing with my son and great with me, I get nervous with doctors more so when it comes to my kid and they are great at calming my fears.”
“I have went through a few different pediatricians with my daughter and Carithers by far has exceeded my expectations. Every concern has been quickly acknowledged. If I have any questions they are answered appropriately and they never make me feel silly for asking.”
“I have been using Carithers for 5 years. I have always been happy with the office, nurses and
doctors. My last visit was flu shots for my 2 year old and 5 year old. The nurses exceeded my
expectations!! They were amazing with my boys. They took their time and calmed my boys
before giving the shots. They were so great!!The front office staff is always friendly, sweet and
accommodating. We always feel welcomed, which is important to me and my family. The office
is clean and the location is safe. ”
“My toddler twins love the doctors and staff at both Carithers locations!!!”
“I was looking for a better pediatrician for my 17-month-old and newborn. A friend referred me
to Carithers after raving about them. I have to say that they were worth the rave. I love how
professional and friendly everyone is. They have a very efficient system. The doctors do not rush
you and they make you feel like no question is the wrong question. The office and every room are
clean and tidy. I am so glad that I switched my children over to Carithers.”
“Always a wonderful experience with the very personable doctors and nurses!!”
“Overall, our experience with Carithers has been very good. Both my husband and I were patients
at this practice as children and we are glad our children have the opportunity to receive the
same wonderful care that we did. We have seen a wide range of Dr. S at the practice and would
feel good about many being our children’s primary physician.”
“I was a patient of Carithers Pediatrics in the 1970s, and my three kids will age-out of the practice
too! Terrific doctors, well-run practice. The doctors are experts and “present” – we aren’t
numbers …and holy cow do they listen. After I explained an ongoing medical problem to the
doctor, I heard her repeat the issue to another doctor – thoroughly and concisely … she had
absorbed it all. They always call back in a timely fashion, no insurance problems … we are 100%
thrilled with the medical care and office-care we receive. Thanks all!”
