Dear Valued Patients and Families,
We are writing to inform you of some significant changes to our mental health services at Howard County Pediatrics. We are committed to providing comprehensive care to our patients, and part of that commitment involves the continual evaluation and optimization of our services.
Over the past year, we have had an in-house psychologist who was credentialed with insurance companies and provided services directly to our patients to help meet the significant need for mental health services in our community. However, after careful consideration, we have concluded that continuing to accept insurance reimbursements for mental health care is no longer a sustainable model for our practice. As such, Dr. Anna Kaufman will be transitioning to her own private practice called Ellicott City Behavioral Health.
Moving forward, we are excited to announce a collaboration with Crossroads Psychological Associates, a longstanding quality provider of mental health services in Howard County. Starting in mid-January, Crossroads will assign select mental health experts who will see our patients in our office. These providers will diagnose and provide treatment for most psychiatric conditions. Based on the severity of the condition, our clinicians can provide medication management when appropriate. This collaboration will allow us to continue to offer mental health services directly within our office, maintaining the familiar and comfortable environment you have come to know.
If you need diagnostic, treatment, or counseling services for mental health issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, ODD or behavioral challenges), then please contact Crossroads Psychological Associates at 410-964-0425, identify yourself as a patient of Howard County Pediatrics, and ask about having an appointment to be seen in our office. The pediatricians and nurse practitioners in our office can do initial ADHD evaluations; however, appointment availability is more limited compared to the access to our colleagues from Crossroads Psych Associates.
Please note that Crossroads Psychological Associates are considered out of network with most insurance companies. Despite this, they will submit claims to your insurance as a courtesy. All scheduling and payment details will be handled directly through Crossroads. Importantly, while they are out of network, Crossroads offers flexible reimbursement arrangements to make their care as affordable as possible. Should your needs include more long-term care, then you may be asked to continue those appointments at the offices of Crossroads Psychological Associates in Columbia, MD.
Thank you for your understanding during this transition. We believe this change will enhance our ability to provide your family with the high-quality care you deserve.
Best Regards,
The Team at Howard County Pediatrics