Founder and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Meet Dr. Marie Akers
DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, PMHS
Discover the experience, clinical philosophy, and personal mission behind SHIELD Psychiatry. Dr. Akers brings more than two decades of advanced pediatric and neurological expertise to compassionate, culturally responsive psychiatric care for children, adolescents, college students, and young adults throughout Florida.
Protecting Young Minds, Empowering Futures™
About Dr. Marie Akers
A Different Standard of Psychiatric Care
I founded SHIELD Psychiatry to create a different experience — one where children, teens, and families feel heard, supported, and guided with clarity at every step.
As a doctoral-prepared, triple board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health, pediatric primary care, and pediatric mental health specialization, I bring over two decades of clinical experience caring for children across complex medical, developmental, and behavioral settings.
My clinical foundation was shaped in pediatric neurology and developmental-behavioral health, where I worked closely with children navigating ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and neurological conditions.
This experience allows me to move beyond surface-level symptoms and understand the full developmental, emotional, academic, family, and environmental context of each child.
At SHIELD Psychiatry, every evaluation is comprehensive, individualized, and designed to provide meaningful answers — not just labels. My goal is to help families feel more confident, informed, and supported in the path forward.
What Families Can Expect
In-depth, thoughtful evaluations that go beyond checklists and rushed visits
Clear, personalized care plans tailored to each child’s emotional, developmental, and practical needs
Guidance on therapy, school support, parent strategies, and real-life next steps
Medication support when clinically appropriate, with careful follow-up and continuity of care
SHIELD Psychiatry was intentionally designed as a concierge practice to allow for greater time, accessibility, and continuity of care — creating space for meaningful relationships, responsive support, and a level of attention that many families have been unable to find elsewhere.
Every young mind deserves time, trust, and a personalized path to healing.
What Our Families Say
Real words from parents and young adults partnering with SHIELD for ADHD, anxiety, sleep, and transition care.
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.
