Behavioral Issues Psychiatrists in Newton, MA
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin on your mental health journey? Perhaps you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or complex mood symptoms. Maybe you're dealing with ADHD, psychosis, or long-standing patterns that keep resurfacing. As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Julia can help. She specializes in helping those who seek clarity, stability, and emotional relief from their symptoms and mental health issues. She's passionate about working with those who want to understand what’s happening, feel supported, and work collaboratively toward meaningful, sustainable change.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin on your mental health journey? Perhaps you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or complex mood symptoms. Maybe you're dealing with ADHD, psychosis, or long-standing patterns that keep resurfacing. As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Julia can help. She specializes in helping those who seek clarity, stability, and emotional relief from their symptoms and mental health issues. She's passionate about working with those who want to understand what’s happening, feel supported, and work collaboratively toward meaningful, sustainable change.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I work with adult patients from diverse backgrounds and complex histories who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, attention deficits, early childhood adversity, identity conflicts, and relationship concerns. I have comprehensive training in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy and strongly believe in an integrated approach to treatment, combining medications when clinically recommended with psychotherapy to promote symptom relief and self-consolidation.
I am licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and see patients in Newton and Providence.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I work with adult patients from diverse backgrounds and complex histories who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, attention deficits, early childhood adversity, identity conflicts, and relationship concerns. I have comprehensive training in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy and strongly believe in an integrated approach to treatment, combining medications when clinically recommended with psychotherapy to promote symptom relief and self-consolidation.
I am licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and see patients in Newton and Providence.
As a Harvard-trained board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, I believe that excellent psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or a specific medication. With all that life demands, most people oftentimes struggle with complicated and conflicting feelings. The decision to seek help for your mental health is a big one and the path that leads to meaningful, positive change is not always an easy one. I hope to make this path as comfortable as possible by providing you with an understanding, warm environment that fosters positive change.
As a Harvard-trained board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, I believe that excellent psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or a specific medication. With all that life demands, most people oftentimes struggle with complicated and conflicting feelings. The decision to seek help for your mental health is a big one and the path that leads to meaningful, positive change is not always an easy one. I hope to make this path as comfortable as possible by providing you with an understanding, warm environment that fosters positive change.
If you have made it this far, I am proud of you for taking the initiative to get the help you deserve! Your mental health is as important as your physical health. No one should feel alone on this journey and I am here to help support you on the road to become the best version of yourself. I provide caring, compassionate, and comprehensive care to my clients and their loved ones. I understand that there is no one size fits all approach, I take the time to listen to my clients and work with them to find what will work for them from talk therapy to medication management.
If you have made it this far, I am proud of you for taking the initiative to get the help you deserve! Your mental health is as important as your physical health. No one should feel alone on this journey and I am here to help support you on the road to become the best version of yourself. I provide caring, compassionate, and comprehensive care to my clients and their loved ones. I understand that there is no one size fits all approach, I take the time to listen to my clients and work with them to find what will work for them from talk therapy to medication management.
My philosophy is simple: listen first, treat second. I believe mental health care works best when you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take part in your own treatment decisions. I take the time to explain diagnoses, explore how medications work, and ensure you leave sessions feeling informed, not rushed.
My philosophy is simple: listen first, treat second. I believe mental health care works best when you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take part in your own treatment decisions. I take the time to explain diagnoses, explore how medications work, and ensure you leave sessions feeling informed, not rushed.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. Services provided include psychiatric diagnostic evaluation/consultation and individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for adults ages 18 to 65. While medication management is not my specialty, I do prescribe medications when appropriate for my patients in regular psychotherapy with me. I am academically affiliated with McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, the MGH/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program, where I supervise residents, and the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, where I teach in a psychotherapy course.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. Services provided include psychiatric diagnostic evaluation/consultation and individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for adults ages 18 to 65. While medication management is not my specialty, I do prescribe medications when appropriate for my patients in regular psychotherapy with me. I am academically affiliated with McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, the MGH/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program, where I supervise residents, and the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, where I teach in a psychotherapy course.
I am a nurse practitioner offering medication management, and other treatments for mental health through Empowered Psychiatry. I am Johns Hopkins-educated, LGBTQ+ positive, sex-positive, poly-, body- and kink positive, and I am pretty calm, casual, and relaxed, with some dry humor sprinkled in. I prioritize mutual open communication in order to work with each individual's goals. I try to avoid stigma and shame, including about substances, neurodivergence, and unfortunate past events, and I aim to work together to define and pursue health and wellness goals.
I am a nurse practitioner offering medication management, and other treatments for mental health through Empowered Psychiatry. I am Johns Hopkins-educated, LGBTQ+ positive, sex-positive, poly-, body- and kink positive, and I am pretty calm, casual, and relaxed, with some dry humor sprinkled in. I prioritize mutual open communication in order to work with each individual's goals. I try to avoid stigma and shame, including about substances, neurodivergence, and unfortunate past events, and I aim to work together to define and pursue health and wellness goals.
Valerie Zelonis, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed to practice across the lifespan, and specialized in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry. She provides comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluations as well as ongoing therapy and medication management. She considers possible psychological, developmental, genetic, biological, cultural, spiritual and social influences to deliver bio-individualized care.
Valerie Zelonis, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed to practice across the lifespan, and specialized in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry. She provides comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluations as well as ongoing therapy and medication management. She considers possible psychological, developmental, genetic, biological, cultural, spiritual and social influences to deliver bio-individualized care.
I provide medication management, behavioral strategies, and school/IEP support.
Our clients are people who are smart, self-aware, and trying but something keeps getting in the way. Maybe it's the anxiety that never fully quiets, the focus that slips right when you need it most, or the moods that feel impossible to predict. Maybe it's a child whose school days are harder than they should be, or a family that loves each other but can't seem to find the rhythm. You might have tried to manage on your own, or felt dismissed by systems that didn't understand your full picture. We do because we do more than a quick appointment and a prescription; people who need a provider who actually knows them.
I provide medication management, behavioral strategies, and school/IEP support.
Our clients are people who are smart, self-aware, and trying but something keeps getting in the way. Maybe it's the anxiety that never fully quiets, the focus that slips right when you need it most, or the moods that feel impossible to predict. Maybe it's a child whose school days are harder than they should be, or a family that loves each other but can't seem to find the rhythm. You might have tried to manage on your own, or felt dismissed by systems that didn't understand your full picture. We do because we do more than a quick appointment and a prescription; people who need a provider who actually knows them.
Dr. Swaminathan Thangaraj is a double-board certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist in the Boston area. He is currently an assistant professor at Drexel College of Medicine. Dr. Thangaraj also worked at McLean Hospital/Harvard University and Sheppard Pratt establishing various inpatient units. He is one of the few doctors who treats patients of all ages from toddler, adolescence to adulthood.
Dr. Swaminathan Thangaraj is a double-board certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist in the Boston area. He is currently an assistant professor at Drexel College of Medicine. Dr. Thangaraj also worked at McLean Hospital/Harvard University and Sheppard Pratt establishing various inpatient units. He is one of the few doctors who treats patients of all ages from toddler, adolescence to adulthood.
I help adults understand what they’re experiencing and build stability in daily life. My approach is calm, clear, and collaborative. We look at everything affecting your mental health, including stress, routines, sleep, hormones, diet, self-esteem, boundaries, biology, individual predispositions, and life events. I often work with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, bipolar disorder, and overwhelm. Many appreciate that I blend CBT and therapeutic techniques with medication management, so you get practical tools between visits, not just a prescription.
I help adults understand what they’re experiencing and build stability in daily life. My approach is calm, clear, and collaborative. We look at everything affecting your mental health, including stress, routines, sleep, hormones, diet, self-esteem, boundaries, biology, individual predispositions, and life events. I often work with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, bipolar disorder, and overwhelm. Many appreciate that I blend CBT and therapeutic techniques with medication management, so you get practical tools between visits, not just a prescription.
Medication Management/Pharmacology | Medford, MA
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MD, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Online Only
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD/PTSI, OCD, ADHD, bipolar, or other mental health concern? We can help! Stella Mental Health Boston has clinics in Brookline and Newton, and offers virtual medication management and advanced in-office treatments. We specialize in medication management, Spravato (esketamine), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine-assisted therapy, and more for various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, OCD, trauma, and PTSD/PTSI. We're accepting new patients for initial virtual intakes!
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD/PTSI, OCD, ADHD, bipolar, or other mental health concern? We can help! Stella Mental Health Boston has clinics in Brookline and Newton, and offers virtual medication management and advanced in-office treatments. We specialize in medication management, Spravato (esketamine), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine-assisted therapy, and more for various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, OCD, trauma, and PTSD/PTSI. We're accepting new patients for initial virtual intakes!
As a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult care, I offer my patients an exceptional level of expertise and knowledge. To further our commitment to providing comprehensive and specialized care, I have collaborated with two academic psychiatrists to establish a group private practice called ReThink Minds, LLC. We offer a broad range of services tailored to our patients' needs. I strongly believe in the importance of personalized care, as every patient has unique circumstances and experiences. My aim is to deliver personalized treatment that addresses not only symptoms, but also individual needs.
As a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult care, I offer my patients an exceptional level of expertise and knowledge. To further our commitment to providing comprehensive and specialized care, I have collaborated with two academic psychiatrists to establish a group private practice called ReThink Minds, LLC. We offer a broad range of services tailored to our patients' needs. I strongly believe in the importance of personalized care, as every patient has unique circumstances and experiences. My aim is to deliver personalized treatment that addresses not only symptoms, but also individual needs.
I am an adult and child psychiatrist with over a decade's experience working with people who have overwhelming emotions and problems that block them from building the life they really want. Worry, shame, feeling down or empty may compound stress when someone already has difficulty from depression, anxiety, bipolar, or ADHD. I help kids, teens, and adult professionals who may function alright or even pretty well in some areas, but at the cost of feeling like you are connected to other people and to who you really are, with your own goals, strengths, and creativity to get what you want out of life.
I am an adult and child psychiatrist with over a decade's experience working with people who have overwhelming emotions and problems that block them from building the life they really want. Worry, shame, feeling down or empty may compound stress when someone already has difficulty from depression, anxiety, bipolar, or ADHD. I help kids, teens, and adult professionals who may function alright or even pretty well in some areas, but at the cost of feeling like you are connected to other people and to who you really are, with your own goals, strengths, and creativity to get what you want out of life.
He evaluates and treats emotional/ behavioral difficulties including ADHD, depression, trauma, stress, anxiety, and selective mutism, and those preventing weight loss.
Dr. Toppelberg teaches and conducts research at the renowned Judge Baker Children's Center and Harvard Medical School (see photo gallery and website). He formerly directed psychiatric services at Judge Baker's Manville School. His broad experience as a physician and psychopharmacologist has taught him a cautious science-based approach to medications, minimizing adverse effects.
He evaluates and treats emotional/ behavioral difficulties including ADHD, depression, trauma, stress, anxiety, and selective mutism, and those preventing weight loss.
Dr. Toppelberg teaches and conducts research at the renowned Judge Baker Children's Center and Harvard Medical School (see photo gallery and website). He formerly directed psychiatric services at Judge Baker's Manville School. His broad experience as a physician and psychopharmacologist has taught him a cautious science-based approach to medications, minimizing adverse effects.
I am a Harvard-trained, double board-certified, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, providing a high level of expertise and knowledge to my patients. As part of my commitment to delivering comprehensive and specialized care, I have collaborated with two fellow academic psychiatrists to establish a group private practice, ReThink Minds, LLC, which offers a broad spectrum of services to our patients. I believe that every patient is unique and therefore requires a personalized approach to their care. My goal is to provide personalized care that addresses not just symptoms, but also unique circumstances and experiences.
I am a Harvard-trained, double board-certified, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, providing a high level of expertise and knowledge to my patients. As part of my commitment to delivering comprehensive and specialized care, I have collaborated with two fellow academic psychiatrists to establish a group private practice, ReThink Minds, LLC, which offers a broad spectrum of services to our patients. I believe that every patient is unique and therefore requires a personalized approach to their care. My goal is to provide personalized care that addresses not just symptoms, but also unique circumstances and experiences.
I use elements of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and psychodynamic therapy in my practice, in additional to elements from other schools of therapy.
Welcome to my practice, Raphael Psychiatry, where I see patients from age 2 to 102! My approach to care is to gain a thorough understanding of you and your life, and then work with you to figure out what we can do to allow you to live your best life — whether that is medication, therapy, finding resources and support, liaising with schools and families, and more. I believe that the keys for unlocking your best life are unique to each patient, and we work together to identify and use them.
I currently practice at Massachusetts General Brigham community clinics in Chelsea and Revere, and I am an Instructor at Harvard Medical School.
I use elements of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and psychodynamic therapy in my practice, in additional to elements from other schools of therapy.
Welcome to my practice, Raphael Psychiatry, where I see patients from age 2 to 102! My approach to care is to gain a thorough understanding of you and your life, and then work with you to figure out what we can do to allow you to live your best life — whether that is medication, therapy, finding resources and support, liaising with schools and families, and more. I believe that the keys for unlocking your best life are unique to each patient, and we work together to identify and use them.
I currently practice at Massachusetts General Brigham community clinics in Chelsea and Revere, and I am an Instructor at Harvard Medical School.
My approach to therapy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Psychodynamic, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).
I am a dually board certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatry. I have over a decade of experience working across the lifespan helping people find their way to the healthy life that they desire. I really enjoy getting to know my patients as individuals and celebrating the accomplishments each person makes in their path to a rewarding life. When I'm not working or learning more, you can find me hiking with my dogs, exploring New England, sailing, skiing, mountain biking, running, baking, and quilting.
My approach to therapy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Psychodynamic, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).
I am a dually board certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatry. I have over a decade of experience working across the lifespan helping people find their way to the healthy life that they desire. I really enjoy getting to know my patients as individuals and celebrating the accomplishments each person makes in their path to a rewarding life. When I'm not working or learning more, you can find me hiking with my dogs, exploring New England, sailing, skiing, mountain biking, running, baking, and quilting.
I help clients struggling with treatment-resistant depression, and mood disorders. I provide comprehensive ADHD evaluations and thoughtful medication management, with a personalized, evidence-based approach. I also specialize in women’s mental health concerns, including PMDD and perimenopause. In addition to medication management, I offer supportive psychotherapy incorporating DBT-informed techniques. I accept all major commercial insurance plans and offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments. I am currently accepting new clients and I also see clients after hours during the week and on weekends.
I help clients struggling with treatment-resistant depression, and mood disorders. I provide comprehensive ADHD evaluations and thoughtful medication management, with a personalized, evidence-based approach. I also specialize in women’s mental health concerns, including PMDD and perimenopause. In addition to medication management, I offer supportive psychotherapy incorporating DBT-informed techniques. I accept all major commercial insurance plans and offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments. I am currently accepting new clients and I also see clients after hours during the week and on weekends.
I specialize in medication management for a range of disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum, trauma, psychosis, ADHD, behavioral issues, and substance use challenges.
Whether you are looking for support with understanding your feelings, managing symptoms, addressing relationship conflicts, improving your quality of life and functioning, or you would like help with other issues, I hope to provide services to support you.
I specialize in medication management for a range of disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum, trauma, psychosis, ADHD, behavioral issues, and substance use challenges.
Whether you are looking for support with understanding your feelings, managing symptoms, addressing relationship conflicts, improving your quality of life and functioning, or you would like help with other issues, I hope to provide services to support you.
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FAQ - Behavioral Issues Psychiatrists
How can a behavioral psychiatrists help?
Behavioral issues is a general term used to encompass conditions like Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD), which significantly impact the behavior and emotional functioning of children and adolescents. These disorders are characterized by disruptive behaviors that create substantial challenges for children and their family across emotional, academic, and social domains. Psychiatrists specializing in behavioral issues have expertise in diagnosing these conditions and crafting treatment plans. Their approach typically integrates therapy and medication while helping families navigate supportive services. Psychiatrists may also address underlying factors—such as trauma—that may fuel behavioral disturbances.
What treatment approaches are used for behavioral issues?
Because behavioral issues can present in a variety of ways, treatment is usually very individualized. Psychotherapeutic approaches—such as age-appropriate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), or play therapy—are commonly used to help children improve emotional regulation and communication skills. For parents and caregivers, psychiatrists can also offer support—such as by helping them manage challenging behaviors and strengthen parent-child trust. Medications can also be effective in some cases to help manage symptoms and help regulate mood. When medication is recommended, it is typically paired with behavioral strategies and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How can I find a psychiatrist who specializes in behavioral issues?
Psychology Today's online directory serves as a valuable resource for families seeking qualified psychiatrists (MDs) or psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) who specialize in behavioral issues. The platform's search filters enable users to identify providers with specific expertise in areas such as oppositional behavior, medication management, and psychological evaluation. Families can refine their search based on multiple criteria including age group specialization (e.g. children or adolescents), accepted insurance plans, geographic location, and session fees. When evaluating potential psychiatrists, families should inquire about their specific treatment philosophy, as well as their commitment to collaborating with school professionals and other members of the child's care team.