Concierge Psychiatry · Lutz, FL · In-Office & Telehealth · Ages 5–25
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
in Lutz — and Across Florida
ADHD Testing, Anxiety, Autism, Depression & Sleep Care for Ages 5–25
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Depression
- Insomnia
See Dr. Marie Akers in person at our Lutz office, or by secure telehealth anywhere in Florida. Evaluations, QbCheck™ ADHD testing, and ongoing care for children, teens, and young adults across Tampa Bay — Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood, Odessa, and New Tampa.
Self-pay and insurance accepted through Headway — in-network with Aetna, Cigna, SmartHealth Ascension, and Carelon Behavioral Health Florida.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry · Lutz, FL · In-Office & Telehealth · Ages 5–25
Meet Dr. Marie Akers
DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, PMHS
Dr. Akers is a triple board-certified pediatric and psychiatric nurse practitioner and the founder of SHIELD Psychiatry PLLC — a concierge child and adolescent practice seeing families in person at the Lutz office and by secure telehealth across 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 care for children, adolescents, and young adults — including ADHD evaluation, anxiety and mood treatment, autism support, and sleep care for ages 5–25, in person in Lutz or by telehealth anywhere in Florida.
Concierge Psychiatry · Lutz, FL · In-Office & Telehealth · Ages 5–25
Why Florida Families Choose SHIELD Psychiatry for Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Care
Compassionate, doctoral-level psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults ages 5–25 — in person at the Lutz office or by secure telehealth across Florida. Support for ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, autism-related concerns, emotional regulation, and school struggles, with no referral required.
Trusted Child, Teen & Young Adult Psychiatry in Florida
SHIELD Psychiatry provides safe, supportive, evidence-based psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults ages 5–25. Families come to us when they want thoughtful care that is unrushed, personalized, and built around their child's specific developmental needs — not a generic 15-minute visit.
Visits take place at our Lutz office or by secure telehealth, whichever fits your family. You'll get transparent pricing, same-week availability, and a clinician who talks directly to your child's school and pediatrician when it helps.
A Family-Centered Approach to Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Children and teens achieve better psychiatric outcomes when parents and caregivers are meaningfully included in the care process. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we partner with families to understand the full picture — home life, school performance, sleep patterns, behavioral changes, emotional symptoms, stressors, and developmental history — before building a treatment plan.
That whole-child approach matters most for the situations families find hardest to untangle: an ADHD evaluation that keeps getting deferred, anxiety that looks like defiance, school refusal, or a college student managing their mental health away from home for the first time.
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Psychiatric Care for Children & Teens
Mental health care should feel safe, respectful, and deeply human — especially for children and teenagers who may be struggling to articulate what they are experiencing. SHIELD Psychiatry offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, emotional dysregulation, and autism-related psychiatric needs in young people ages 5–25.
Our approach is guided by AACAP and APA best-practice guidelines and combines detailed developmental assessment, evidence-based treatment strategies, and continuous outcome monitoring — so every family receives care that is clinically sound, culturally responsive, and aligned with their values.
Mental Health Education & Resources for Florida Families
Many parents begin searching for answers long before they know exactly what kind of help their child needs. SHIELD Psychiatry provides family-centered education, practical guidance, and clinical support to help parents recognize symptoms, understand diagnoses, and take confident next steps — whether their child is struggling with focus, mood, sleep, behavior, or social challenges.
Most families arrive with the same two questions: is this something my child will grow out of, and what do we do next? You will leave the first visit with a clear answer to both, in writing.
Swipe to explore more family-centered care options.
Concierge Psychiatry · Lutz, FL · Ages 5–25
Child & adolescent psychiatric care that helps young minds feel seen, supported, and understood.
SHIELD Psychiatry provides premium, evidence-based psychiatric care for children, teens, and young adults ages 5–25 — in person at the Lutz office or by secure telehealth across Tampa Bay and all of Florida. Comprehensive evaluation, family-centered treatment planning, and concierge-level support, with no referral required.
- Priority scheduling: same-week availability for SHIELD Access members, in office or online, with extended visit options for children and teens.
- Secure messaging: portal-based support for timely questions 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.
- Ongoing treatment planning: shared decision-making, careful monitoring, and regular review of what is and isn't working for your child.
- 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.
