Counselling Service

Counselling Service
💙 Caring for the Whole Child

Mind, Body & Spirit

because mental health is health

At Healthy Children Pediatrics, Dr. Sundaram understands that raising a healthy child means caring for the whole child — body, mind, and spirit. He provides thoughtful, unhurried counseling at every visit, helping families navigate the behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges that are a natural part of growing up.

When additional support is needed, Dr. Sundaram personally coordinates referrals to trusted specialists so your family never feels alone in the process.

Mental Health Screening

Mental health is health. Dr. Sundaram screens for emotional and behavioral concerns at every well-child visit so that no child’s struggles go unnoticed or unaddressed.

  • Integrated into every well-child visit as a standard of care
  • PHQ-A (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents) for depression screening
  • GAD-7 for anxiety screening
  • CRAFFT screening for adolescent substance use concerns
  • Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) for broad behavioral and emotional assessment
  • Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale offered to new mothers at early infant visits
  • Immediate guidance and support provided when concerns are identified
  • Warm referrals coordinated to trusted local pediatric mental health professionals when further care is needed

Developmental Screening

Every child reaches milestones at their own pace — but early identification of developmental delays opens doors to intervention that can make a lasting difference.

  • Standardized developmental screening conducted at every well-child visit per AAP recommendations
  • Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) to monitor social, emotional, communication, fine motor, and gross motor milestones
  • M-CHAT-R autism spectrum disorder screening at 18 and 24 months
  • Surveillance and follow-up for children with previously identified developmental concerns
  • Coordination with Early Intervention (under age 3) and school-based services (ages 3 and up)
  • Referrals to developmental pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists as needed
  • Families receive clear explanations of screening results and a concrete next-steps plan at every visit

Behavioral & Parenting Guidance

There is no instruction manual for raising children — but Dr. Sundaram is here to help. From toddler tantrums to teenage attitudes, he provides practical, family-centered guidance that works in real life.

  • ADHD evaluation using standardized parent and teacher rating scales (Vanderbilt Assessment Scales)
  • Behavioral guidance for oppositional behavior, impulse control, and emotional regulation
  • Age-appropriate sleep counseling for infants, toddlers, and school-age children
  • Discipline strategies rooted in positive reinforcement and consistent boundaries
  • Screen time guidance aligned with current AAP recommendations
  • Support through major life transitions including starting school, new siblings, divorce, and moving
  • Feeding and picky eating guidance for toddlers and young children
  • Referrals to behavioral therapists and child psychologists coordinated when indicated

Adolescent Counseling

The teenage years bring unique challenges that require a trusted, nonjudgmental provider. Dr. Sundaram creates a safe space where teens feel heard and respected.

  • Private, confidential time with Dr. Sundaram built into every adolescent visit
  • Discussions cover mental health, body image, peer relationships, bullying, and social media
  • Academic stress, performance anxiety, and school avoidance addressed
  • Inclusive, affirming care provided in a respectful and supportive environment
  • Guidance on healthy relationships and sexual health for older adolescents
  • Substance use education and early intervention counseling
  • Referrals to adolescent therapists and psychiatrists coordinated promptly when needed

School & Learning Support

Academic struggles can have medical and developmental roots. Dr. Sundaram works closely with families and schools to ensure every child has the support they need to succeed.

  • Evaluation and management of ADHD in the school setting
  • Completion of school accommodation forms, IEP documentation, and 504 plan support letters
  • Collaboration with teachers and educational specialists on behalf of your child
  • Referrals for educational testing, neuropsychological evaluation, and tutoring resources as appropriate
🌱 Whole-Child Focus

Caring Beyond the Checkup

Your child’s health includes physical, emotional, and developmental wellbeing — and so does our care.

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Mental Wellbeing

Mental health screening at every well visit. Depression, anxiety, and substance-use screening using validated tools. Warm referrals to trusted specialists when needed.

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Development & Learning

Developmental and autism screening at the right ages. ADHD evaluation with parent and teacher rating scales. School-based support including IEP and 504 documentation.

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Family-Centered

Practical parenting guidance from toddler years through teens. Confidential, judgment-free conversations for adolescents. Real-life strategies that work for real families.

Professional Support

20+ years of trusted pediatric care

Quality Care

Evidence-based & compassionate

Protect Health

Every stage, every age

Worried about your child’s behavior, mood, or development?

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out yourself. Schedule a counseling visit with Dr. Sundaram for thoughtful, evidence-based guidance.

Talk to Dr. Sundaram →