Therapy Services · Ages 5–25
Therapy for Children, Teens & Young Adults in Florida
Evidence-based, skills-focused therapy with Dr. Marie D. Akers, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), insomnia treatment (CBT-I), and parent coaching, in person in Lutz or by secure telehealth anywhere in Florida.
- In person in Lutz
- Telehealth across Florida
- Family-centered
- Measurement-based care
Our therapy programs
Find the right kind of support
Adolescent CBT Pathway
A structured 12-session CBT program for teen anxiety and depression, with parent check-ins every session, family sessions, and weekly progress tracking.
Explore the program Ages 5–25Individual & Family Therapy
CBT-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and stress, plus family sessions that improve communication and reduce conflict at home.
- CBT coping tools and practice
- Emotion regulation and resilience
- Executive function skills
Sleep Reset & Rise™
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, the recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, adapted for children, teens, and young adults.
- Sleep routines and environment
- Stimulus control and sleep scheduling
- Relaxation tools (PMR, breathing, imagery)
Parent Coaching
Practical, evidence-based strategies for ADHD, anxiety, autism, and behavior challenges, so you can respond with confidence at home and at school.
- Calm communication and problem-solving scripts
- Behavior plans and reinforcement systems
- Shared routines and roles
The approach
What is behavioral therapy?
Behavioral therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most studied treatments for anxiety, depression, and insomnia in young people, and behavioral strategies are a core part of ADHD care.
Sessions are structured and goal-directed. Your child or teen learns specific skills, practices them between sessions, and we track progress with brief questionnaires so the plan can be adjusted along the way.
Core techniques
- Cognitive restructuring: noticing and challenging unhelpful thoughts
- Exposure: facing fears gradually, one step at a time
- Behavioral activation: rebuilding routines and rewarding activities
- Parent coaching: communication and reinforcement systems at home
- Executive skills training: organization, planning, and time management
What we help with
Concerns we treat with therapy
Anxiety
Worry, panic, and avoidance, treated with exposure, relaxation, and coping skills.
Depression
Low mood and withdrawal, treated with behavioral activation and thought restructuring.
ADHD
Focus, impulse control, and task systems that work at home and school.
Sleep
Trouble falling or staying asleep, treated with CBT-I through Sleep Reset & Rise™.
Every plan is developmentally tailored: younger children work with more parent involvement, while teens and young adults take more ownership of their goals.
Why families choose SHIELD
Therapy built on evidence and structure
Evidence-based
Aligned with APA, AACAP, and NIH guidance for child and adolescent mental health.
Measurable
Clear goals and brief progress questionnaires, so you can see what is changing.
Coordinated
Therapy and medication management can be provided by the same clinician, with separate visits.
Accessible
In-person visits in Lutz and secure telehealth for families anywhere in Florida.
Getting started
What to expect
Prescreener
Complete our online prescreener so we can confirm therapy at SHIELD is the right fit.
Evaluation
New families begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Current SHIELD patients can move straight to a therapy intake.
First therapy session
We review history, symptoms, and strengths, set goals together with your family, and build a plan using CBT, exposure, activation, CBT-I, or coaching.
Transparent pricing
Fees
Therapy, CBT-I, and parent coaching are self-pay services. You’ll receive a written Good Faith Estimate before services begin, as required by the No Surprises Act. See our full pricing.
| Psychiatric evaluationNew families | $349 |
| Therapy session50–60 minutes | $150 |
| Adolescent CBT Pathway12 sessions · Good Faith Estimate | $1,800 |
| Sleep Reset & Rise™ (CBT-I)Per session | $150 |
| Parent CoachingPer session | $250 |
Appointments cancelled, rescheduled, or missed with less than 48 hours’ notice carry a $100 fee. Arriving 15 or more minutes late counts as a missed appointment.
Questions parents ask
Frequently asked questions
Is therapy in person or online?
Both. Sessions are available in person at our Lutz office or by secure telehealth anywhere in Florida. Patients must be physically located in Florida during telehealth sessions.
Does my child need a psychiatric evaluation first?
New families begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation so the diagnosis and the right level of care are clear before therapy starts. Current SHIELD patients can begin with a therapy intake.
Does my child have to take medication?
No. Medication is recommended only when it is clinically appropriate. Therapy can stand on its own or be combined with medication management.
How is the Adolescent CBT Pathway different from regular therapy?
The Adolescent CBT Pathway is a structured 12-session program for teens 12–17 with anxiety or depression, with a set sequence of skills, scheduled family sessions, and weekly measurement. Individual therapy is more flexible and is planned around each person’s goals.
Do you accept insurance for therapy?
Therapy, CBT-I, and parent coaching are self-pay. Your Good Faith Estimate lists the expected cost before services begin.
Is SHIELD Psychiatry a crisis service?
No. We are not available around the clock. If your child is in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
If your child is in crisis right now: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Related services
More ways we support your family
SHIELD Psychiatry
Take the first step
Complete the prescreener and our team will follow up about next steps. Current SHIELD patients can ask about therapy at their next visit.
Sources: AACAP Clinical Practice Guidelines for anxiety disorders (2020) and depressive disorders (2023); American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidance on behavioral treatment of insomnia; NIMH. Individual results vary.