Behavioral Pediatrics
Children’s behavioral health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being, yet millions of children go without needed mental health support.
Research shows that half of the 7.7 million U.S. children with a treatable mental health disorder do not receive care from a mental health professional (Whitney & Peterson, JAMA Pediatrics, 2019). At Wildflower Pediatric Psychology, our Behavioral Pediatrics service provides families with a trusted, long-term behavioral health home—offering early detection, expert guidance, and evidence-based strategies to support children through every stage of development.
What is Behavioral Pediatrics?
Behavioral Pediatrics focuses on preventing and addressing common behavioral health concerns before they become significant challenges. This service provides:
Regularly scheduled behavioral health checkups every 1, 3, 6, or 12 months (similar to well-child visits), with frequency of appointments depending on the family’s unique needs and preferences.
As-needed appointments for acute concerns (similar to pediatric sick visits).
Ongoing access to expert guidance through brief scheduled calls, appointments, and/or secure portal messaging.
Sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your child’s needs. Quick questions can be addressed free of charge through secure portal messaging, within two business days.
Behavioral Pediatrics
Behavioral Pediatrics helps families navigate the everyday challenges of childhood and adolescence with evidence-based strategies. Common behavioral challenges we address include:
Infancy & Toddlerhood
Sleep routines & transitions
Separation anxiety
Cooperation with brushing teeth, toilet training, and other health/hygiene practices
Weaning from breastfeeding, bottles, or pacifiers
Managing tantrums, including those that involve hurting self or others
Early communication delays
Sibling issues, such as preparing for a new sibling and ‘sibling rivalry’
Early Childhood
Effective discipline strategies
Emotional regulation skills
School avoidance & anxiety
Concerns about early academic performance
Social anxiety & peer interactions
Sibling issues, such as preparing for a new sibling and ‘sibling rivalry’
Middle & High School
Bullying, self-esteem, & motivation
Rule-breaking, substance use, & risk-taking behaviors
Early detection of concerning patterns
Perfectionism and compulsive tendencies
Who Can Enroll?
Families are eligible to enroll within 6 months of completing a standard service - i.e., Evaluation or initial course (e.g., 10 - 12 sessions) of child-directed therapy or parent consultation.
This provides the patient and provider an opportunity to determine fit for longer-term patient-provider relationship.
Once any child in the family is qualified to enroll in Behavioral Pediatrics, all other siblings (including future siblings) are automatically enrolled, allowing all children in the family to access services via the reduced hourly rate and enabling parents to receive consultation on any of their children, at any time.
Next Steps:
If you're interested in Behavioral Pediatrics, the first step is scheduling a free 20-minute consultation to:
Discuss your child’s history, your family structure, and the kind of support you are seeking.
Answer your questions about enrollment and next steps.
Receive a recommendation about the best next steps for you, based on your unique needs and circumstances.