Developmental Medical Care

Medical care is provided either by a developmental pediatrician or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Developmental Pediatricians
A developmental pediatrician would perform a medical assessment that would incorporate various history taking tools, a physical, laboratory work, neurodevelopmental testing and developmental assessment.

Neurodevelopmental testing assesses the underlying functions of a child's attention, memory, language and other skills that are pertinent to academic performance and behavior. While no scores are given and the test is neither passed nor failed, the child's developmental functions are assessed in a criterion-based format that looks at the way they interact with each other and how they impact on developmental and behavioral functioning. A profile of a child's strengths and weaknesses emerges as a result of this testing format.

Developmental assessment consists of measures obtained from the child or adult, parents and school personnel, along with observations made through the course of the assessment in the office. Coupled with standardized testing and the neurodevelopmental approach as outlined above, a comprehensive description of the individual's unique profile emerges.

Treatment begins once an accurate and comprehensive diagnostic picture emerges. Now the prescription for a wide variety of therapeutic modalities can begin. Our integrative treatment philosophy fosters a team approach keeping the family central to all decision making. 

A holistic orientation whereby the emotional, developmental, educational, family as well as medical needs are addressed in a coordinated and collaborative manner. 

Our integrated treatment philosophy incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities. We place emphasis on developmental, educational and behavioral treatment.This may also include nutriceutical, pharmacological treatments.

We integrate the most appropriate treatments to best serve the individuals needs. 

Click here to view biographies of our developmental pediatricians

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are an integral part of our team approach. Within our model, they act as a touchstone to all of the disciplines under our roof. They are often our liaison to outside professionals including the primary healthcare provider. They also refer our families to agencies and community resources that can improve quality of life and/or provide specialized services.

Consistent with the nursing model, psychiatric nurse practitioners' holistic approach also focuses on general health issues that can have a major impact on the success of any intervention. In short, psychiatric nurse practitioners at Melmed Center are the key component in assuring continuity of care for all of our patients. Once you, a Melmed Family, understand all that these dedicated professionals can do for you and your children, you will look forward to every opportunity to benefit from their empathy and insight.

Here is just a sampling of how psychiatric nurse practitioners can help you and your entire family:

• Review, prescribe and monitor medications, assessing efficacy, and possible side-effects, adjusting or changing medications to assure optimal benefit
• Ensuring that recommended interventions are acted upon and appropriate follow-up takes place

• Matching patient/family needs for additional assessments and interventions

• Recognize need and arrange additional testing as appropriate

• Referring families to support organizations for assistance and support

• Expedite resources in times of extreme need

• Advocate on the family's behalf when appropriate
• Provide comfort and support in the face of trying circumstances 

Click here to view biographies of our nurse practitioners