Healing Hands For ADHD | ADHD Physician

Our Mission is to provide comprehensive, family, patient and faith centered care to children and adolescents with ADHD and common behavioral problems.

Our company’s philosophy is to treat all patients and families with respect regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation of child or parents.

Operating Hours

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thurs

Fri

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

8:30 am - 12:00 pm Video

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

9:00 am - 5:30 pm

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

New patients cannot be seen after 4:15.

Get to Know Us

Dr. Caballero

Welcome to Healing Hands for ADHD. I have been a board-certified Pediatrician for 30 years. I have always had an interest in ADHD and Advocacy. When I was younger and diagnosed with ADHD my parents were not able to get help for me through the schools. Fortunately for me I have great parents who read and did whatever they could for me, and I turned out to be a doctor, a mother and a wife. As an adult, I was shocked to find that there was not much more being done for children at schools than when I was a child. I also found that some schools did better than others. We learned that through IDEA and part 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973 our children were entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education. I could tell you some fantastic stories of when they tried not to give FAPE (free appropriate public education) to my child. However, a very kind vice-principal told us what to do. My husband and I learned what our children were entitled to under the law, and we were able to get what they needed. My children are successful adults. It took a lot of work on their part and our part and the kindness of a school official.

As well as ADHD, I have Cerebral Palsy. People can easily recognize the signs of Cerebral Palsy. They are offering help constantly. Truthfully, I don’t really need it. ADHD causes me the biggest problem. Sometimes I am easily distracted, messy, not organized and interrupt people. To others this may make me appear lazy and rude. People who really know me know that is not true. I am successful because I have been blessed with a husband who is my teammate and supports my endeavors. Also, I have an experienced behavioral therapist and a doctor who is skilled at managing my medications. Previously I had worked at Hope Pediatrics who worked with me and provided me accommodations.

With the recent acquisition of Hope Pediatrics by UPMC, I decided to establish my practice just for ADHD and Advocacy. The purpose of this practice is to treat children and adolescents with ADHD, ADHD and comorbidities and help them navigate the school system(advocacy). I am collaborating with a behavioral therapist so my patients will be able to have the behavioral piece as well as the school piece and medication. This practice is a gift from us (my husband Chuck and I) to the community especially Children with ADHD and their families.

Approach and Explanation of ADHD

ADHD affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This controls the executive functioning of the brain. Think of this as the boss of the brain. A child may be very smart, but if this is not working right, they cannot filter out extra noises or visual stimuli. They often do or speak before they think, they move around a lot, and it is difficult for them to stay organized.

Other people may perceive this child as naughty, lazy, or rude. They may perceive teenagers with ADHD as troublemakers.

ADHD does not give children an excuse for difficult behavior or not doing their homework etc. They will constantly need to learn to manage their symptoms. ADHD is a medical diagnosis just like Diabetes. Children with diabetes do not have enough Insulin so they learn how to control their blood sugars by monitoring this, giving themselves insulin, diet, and exercise. A child cannot do this on their own. Their parents teach them as they grow. ADHD is a medical diagnosis as well. It is caused by the lack of certain chemicals in the space between the nerve cells in the brain. Medication alone will not cure ADHD. It will make it more manageable so modifications at home and school will work better. So, parents will have to guide them as they grow.

Many children and adolescents with ADHD do well in school. Many parents do not realize that ADHD affects their function at home, their relationship with peers, their self-esteem, and social skills. Even if they have good grades, we recommend that these patients be treated using the model below.

Dr. Caballero, the Child and the Family will create a plan for each child. The best outcomes for children with ADHD occur with a Multifaceted approach which includes collaborating with the schools, behavior management and medication.

At the appointments we will discuss each of the below in more detail. School piece may include different accommodations depending on the child. This is usually in the form of a 504 or IEP.

The behavioral piece, which is usually parent training in behavior management, gives parents the skills and strategies to help their child.

The medication piece: Just as you would give insulin to a diabetic to replace what is missing. ADHD medicine increases the chemical messengers in the space between the neurons in the brain. I will discuss it in more detail at the visit.

What to expect:

Prior to Appointment:

Below are links to PDFs. Review these forms This will streamline the visit, so you do not have to read consents and releases at the visit just sign the signature pad.
Fill out the history when you sign up for the portal. Dr. Caballero (Dr. C) will call you Before the visit. To clarify, any history that you did not fill out through the portal.

Appointments:

Intake appointment: No charge, 90 + min (Because of the length of the visit. Children should not accompany their parents.)
New patient behavioral appointment: 60 + min. Doctor Caballero will examine your child. She will go over her findings with you. If your child is below the age of 11 you need to bring an extra adult with you to supervise them or bring them out of the office.
Education. Visit: 45 min apt., A slideshow will be given concerning your child's diagnosis. Questions will be answered. A plan will be started. Handouts will be given through the portal. “Homework” will be given.
Beginning of the plan: 45 min apt. After a quick exam and giving their input to the plan Children under the age of 11 need to leave. (too long and too detailed)
Follow up: Every two weeks while medication is being adjusted and the plan is being tweaked. This will always be in the office.
After your child is doing well: The appointments will be every three months and 20 to 30 minutes. These may be Telehealth Visits Depending on family preferences and Doctor Caballero’s specific preferences for your child.
Yearly re-evaluation and release signings: This will be 60 minutes in the office in the summer. You will fill out the same assessment forms that you filled out before the first visit. You will sign the yearly releases and permissions. Education and information will be used to update the plan and goals.

Remember to bring a snack and drink for all the visits.

Insurance

We accept the following insurances:

Aetna

Aetna Custom HMO

AmeriHealth

Blue Cross Blue Shield

CIGNA

Gateway

Health Partners

Medicaid

Tricare

United Healthcare

UPMC for You - prior authorization required

Patient Portal

HIPAA Policy

Consent Form

Financial Policy

Telehealth Consent

No Show Policy

Medical Release

Communication Release

School Release

Healing Hands for ADHD utilizes MEDENT for our Electronic Records System. Current and new patients can access the system by clicking the link below to send messages, access patient records, request medicine refills and view upcoming appointments.