Angela H. Brantley, M.D.
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist
Board Certified Pediatrician
My greatest joy as a psychiatrist is to meet individuals and provide them with the comfort of feeling heard and understood, an experience which many have not had before. My approach is collaborative and supportive. I work with each patient to reach an understanding of the underlying causes of their discomfort. Together, we develop a treatment plan.
I have been actively practicing as a psychiatrist seeing children, adolescents, and adults for the past ten years, following my training in both psychiatry and pediatrics. I worked with college students at the University of Maryland, and, most recently, I served as the Medical Director of a psychiatric clinic that serves people of all ages.
My pediatric training gives me a unique perspective as a psychiatrist, with a strong grounding in medical conditions that may present as psychiatric illness. My focus is always on the interface between brain functioning and how it interfaces with physical health.
This medical/psychiatric perspective is especially important when evaluating individuals for ADHD. It is critical for the prescribing physician to be aware of the multiple conditions that may mimic ADHD and those that often co-exist with ADHD.
At the Chesapeake ADHD Center I work as an integral part of a treatment team providing a range of services offered by the Center. I work with individuals who are undergoing evaluation for ADHD, who have already been diagnosed with ADHD, or who may deal with other mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD. I emphasize the importance of adequate nutrition, exercise, sleep, and structure within the home, the school, and the community, no matter what mental health disorder may be encountered.
As part of the treatment regimen, I may recommend medication. I understand that parents are often reluctant to begin their child or adolescent on medications. Therefore, I will make an extra effort to educate parents about the risks and benefits of medications as a treatment option, while simultaneously helping parents to understand that they in no way are obligated to chose medication as a treatment.
Prescribing medication for children and adolescents is always part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include individual therapy, family therapy, parent coaching, school consultations, ADHD coaching, or professional organizing services. I work as a member of a treatment team at the Chesapeake Center, to provide whatever services may be necessary to help your child succeed.
Upon coming to the Center, children and adolescents who have previously been evaluated and diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may see me directly for a psychiatric evaluation that includes an evaluation for medication. However, children or adolescents who have not previously undergone evaluation for ADHD, will be recommended to see one of our clinicians before proceeding to see the child psychiatrist. The clinician may perform psychological and educational evaluations to assess not only ADHD, but other disorders that are commonly found with ADHD.
Adult patients have the option of evaluation for ADHD through a clinician before seeing the psychiatrist, but may choose to see the psychiatrist directly for evaluation and consideration for medication. The center also offers the experience of seasoned therapists, professional ADHD coaches, and professional organizers.
However the assessment process, I am excited to welcome you and assist you in understanding the importance of medication as a treatment option in your own care, or in care of your most treasured asset…your child.