Concierge Telepsychiatry · Lutz, FL · Ages 5–25 · Florida
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,
Delivered Across Florida
ADHD · Anxiety · Autism · Depression · Insomnia
Expert, concierge-level psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults ages 5–25 via telehealth across Tampa Bay, Lutz, and all of Florida — led by Dr. Marie Akers, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Self-pay and insurance accepted through Headway.
Now in-network with Aetna, Cigna, SmartHealth Ascension, and Carelon Behavioral Health Florida.
Child & Adolescent Telepsychiatry · Lutz, FL · Ages 5–25 · Florida
Meet Dr. Marie Akers
Dr. Marie Akers, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, PMHS
is a triple board-certified pediatric and psychiatric nurse practitioner and the founder of SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC — a concierge child and adolescent telepsychiatry practice serving families across Tampa Bay, Lutz, and all of Florida.
With 20+ years of experience in pediatric neurology, developmental-behavioral care, ADHD evaluation, autism support, and evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders in children and teens, Dr. Akers helps Florida families move from overwhelm to clarity — with structure, compassion, and a personalized plan that actually fits your child's life.
A Personal Welcome from Dr. Akers
Dr. Akers shares her approach to concierge child, adolescent, and young adult psychiatric care — including ADHD evaluation, anxiety and mood treatment, autism support, and medication management via telehealth across Florida for ages 5–25.
Why Choose SHIELD Psychiatry?
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Our Values and Missions
At SHIELD Psychiatry, our name is our mission.
S — Support & Safety: A secure, judgment-free space for children, teens, and young adults.
H — Healing: Evidence-based care for ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and trauma.
I — Innovation: Telehealth access for families across Florida, including rural communities.
E — Empowerment: Building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness for life.
L — Learning: Mental health education and resources for families and schools.
D — Development: Guiding emotional, behavioral, and social growth for lifelong wellness.
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A Family-Centered Approach
Family-Centered Mental Health Care
Involving families in psychiatric care leads to better outcomes, stronger treatment adherence, and reduced stigma. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we partner with parents and caregivers to support children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. This collaborative approach ensures care strategies fit each child’s home and school life—helping families grow stronger together.
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Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care
Family-Centered, Evidence-Based Care
At SHIELD Psychiatry, we emphasize a holistic treatment model that places families at the center of recovery for children and young adults (ages 5–25). Guided by AACAP and APA best-practice guidelines, we create personalized, culturally competent treatment plans for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism.
Our approach combines detailed assessments, evidence-based therapies, and continuous feedback, ensuring care aligns with each family’s unique needs and values. By encouraging active family participation, we strengthen bonds, reduce stigma, and build resilience—creating lasting outcomes that go beyond traditional psychiatric services.
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Family Education and Resources
Families trust SHIELD because we provide resources that build confidence and self-efficacy:
🎯 Tailored support: Personalized tools for each child and family.
📘 Education: Clear guides on mental health conditions and care.
🧩 Therapeutic strategies: Practical coping tools to use at home.
🤝 Community: Connections with families facing similar challenges.
🩺 Expert guidance: Ongoing support from skilled professionals.
🛡️ Stigma-free care: A safe, respectful environment for growth.
🎓 Workshops: Training and skill building.
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Accessible Telehealth Services
At SHIELD, we provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults (ages 5–25). Our focus includes ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism, delivered in a stigma-free and culturally competent environment.
The CDC reports rising mental health crises among youth, with suicide rates increasing sharply in the past decade. Telepsychiatry has become a vital solution, offering families timely access to care without the barriers of in-person visits.
Endorsed by the WHO and supported by Johns Hopkins research, telepsychiatry shows outcomes comparable to traditional services while reducing wait times and access challenges.
Concierge Telepsychiatry · Ages 5–25 · Florida
Child & adolescent psychiatric care that helps young minds feel seen, supported, and understood.
SHIELD Psychiatry provides premium, evidence-based telepsychiatry for children, teens, and young adults ages 5–25 across Tampa Bay, Lutz, and all of Florida — through comprehensive evaluation, family-centered treatment planning, and concierge-level support with no referral required.
- Priority scheduling: same-week telehealth availability for SHIELD Access members with extended visit options for children and teens.
- Secure messaging: portal-based support for timely ADHD, medication, and care guidance between visits.
- Long-term continuity: pediatric-to-young-adult psychiatric care with relationship-based support across Florida.
- CBT & CBT-I sleep therapy: support for anxiety, insomnia, stress, and emotional dysregulation in children and teens across Florida.
- ADHD evaluation & QbCheck™: comprehensive ADHD assessment with FDA-cleared objective attention, impulsivity, and activity metrics.
- ADHD medication management: safety-focused prescribing with shared decision-making, titration, and monitoring for children and adolescents.
- IEP & 504 plan support: clinical letters and documentation for Florida school accommodation requests when clinically appropriate.
- College transition: executive function coaching, sleep stabilization, and ADA/504 planning for teens and young adults ages 18–25.
- Care coordination: thoughtful communication with Florida schools, pediatricians, therapists, and campus disability services.
- Clarity: a written psychiatric care plan with a clear diagnosis, measurable goals, and personalized next steps for your child or teen.
- Warmth: youth-centered, culturally responsive, stigma-free psychiatric care across Tampa Bay, Lutz, and all of Florida.
- Transparency: clear visit pricing, self-pay and insurance options through Headway, membership expectations, and practice policies.
Our Services
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🔍 Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations
Our comprehensive psychiatric evaluations offer detailed insights and personalized recommendations for managing ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. Through thorough assessment and evidence-based practices, we help children, teens, and young adults gain a clearer understanding of their challenges and available treatment options.
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🧠 ADHD Evaluation
Concerned about ADHD in your child? Our comprehensive ADHD evaluation offers a thorough and accurate diagnosis, followed by personalized treatment plans tailored to your child's unique needs. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we focus on evidence-based care delivered with compassion and cultural competence to help your child thrive.
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🧩 Autism Support Services
Autism Support at SHIELD Psychiatry
At SHIELD Psychiatry, we understand that each child or adolescent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has unique needs. Our specialized telepsychiatry services offer comprehensive, compassionate care designed to support children, teens, and young adults ages 5-25 living with autism.
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😟 Anxiety & Mood Disorders
Is your child experiencing anxiety or mood changes? At SHIELD Psychiatry, we understand how challenging it can be for young people to navigate these feelings. Our compassionate, evidence-based treatment approaches are tailored to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, providing support in a kid-friendly and stigma-free environment.
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🧑🏫 Behavioral Services
Behavioral therapy at SHIELD employs proven, evidence-based techniques designed to support children, teens, and young adults in managing and modifying challenging behaviors. Our skilled therapists work closely with families to develop individualized strategies tailored to each child's unique needs. These customized plans focus on improving emotional regulation, enhancing social skills, and building effective coping mechanisms.
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🌙 CBT-I for Insomnia
Is your child having difficulty falling or staying asleep? Addressing childhood insomnia early can improve their mood, behavior, and overall health. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we offer evidence-based, child-friendly insomnia treatments tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our approach includes behavioral strategies, establishing healthy sleep routines, and when appropriate, medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
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👪 Parent and Child Coaching
Need support navigating your child’s behavioral or learning challenges? Our parent coaching and school consultation services offer expert guidance designed to empower you and support your child’s success. With personalized strategies and professional insights, we help address ADHD, anxiety, autism, and other developmental concerns, ensuring your child thrives academically and socially.
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🔄 Healthcare Transition Services
SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC offers a healthcare transition program for ages 14 to 25, guiding youth from pediatric to adult mental health services. It includes tailored education, personalized planning, and ongoing support to ensure care continuity. We empower youth with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism to navigate this transition confidently, promoting stability and long-term wellness through culturally competent, stigma-free care. Effective planning fosters independence, reduces care gaps, and improves health outcomes during this key developmental stage.
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🏫 School & College Consultations
At SHIELD Psychiatry, we partner with schools and colleges to support the mental health and academic success of children, teens, and young adults. We offer expert consultations, tailored behavioral support, and detailed documentation for IEPs and accommodations. Collaborating with educators, we help meet each student’s unique needs for better learning and well-being.
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QbCheck ADHD Testing
QbCheck is an objective, FDA-cleared diagnostic tool designed to assist in the evaluation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It combines a computerized continuous performance test with a motion-tracking system to measure attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—key symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents, and young adults.
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Pharmacogenomic Testing
Pharmacogenomics studies how genetics affect medication response. In child and adolescent psychiatry, it guides personalized treatment by identifying effective drugs and reducing adverse effects. This approach improves outcomes for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism while minimizing trial-and-error. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we use pharmacogenomic data to provide culturally competent, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s genetic profile, ensuring safer, more precise treatments for children, teens, and young adults.
