Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness

Notes from the consulting room.

Essays, explainers, and reading from the clinicians at PBBHW. Written for the people in our waiting room, not for other psychologists.

Meet the Clinicians Supporting Mental Health in Palm Beach County
Practice NotesApril 6, 2026

Meet the Clinicians Supporting Mental Health in Palm Beach County

Recent search trends show growing interest in individual providers at Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness, including Dr. Morgan Thoma…

PT
PBBHW Team
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Sarah Barr
Practice NotesMarch 10, 2026

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Sarah Barr

Dr. Sarah Barr, PsyD, is a psychologist at Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness who is passionate about helping children, teens, and f…

PT
PBBHW Team
Early Autism Assessments in Palm Beach County: Why Clarity Matters
AutismMarch 7, 2026

Early Autism Assessments in Palm Beach County: Why Clarity Matters

When developmental differences appear in communication, social interaction, or behavior, parents often feel uncertain about what to do ne…

PT
PBBHW Team
Do I Need Psychological Testing or Therapy? How to Decide
ADHD & TestingFebruary 17, 2026

Do I Need Psychological Testing or Therapy? How to Decide

If you’re feeling unsure about whether you or your child needs therapy, psychological testing, or both, you’re not alone. This is one of…

PT
PBBHW Team
What Happens After an ADHD or Autism Evaluation? Next Steps for Families in Palm Beach County
ADHD & TestingFebruary 5, 2026

What Happens After an ADHD or Autism Evaluation? Next Steps for Families in Palm Beach County

For many families, scheduling an ADHD or autism evaluation is a big step - and it’s often accompanied by uncertainty about what comes nex…

PT
PBBHW Team
Quantity vs. Quality: Why Meaningful Time With Your Child Matters More
Family & ParentingJanuary 30, 2026

Quantity vs. Quality: Why Meaningful Time With Your Child Matters More

Many parents in Palm Beach County feel stretched thin balancing work, school, activities, and family responsibilities. Even when doing th…

PT
PBBHW Team
Make the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset Last: Mental Health Habits for 2026
Wellness & Self-CareJanuary 20, 2026

Make the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset Last: Mental Health Habits for 2026

You’ve completed the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset! Now it’s time to take these positive changes beyond the two weeks and make them…

PT
PBBHW Team
Week 1 of the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset: Build Habits for a Healthier Mind
Wellness & Self-CareJanuary 6, 2026

Week 1 of the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset: Build Habits for a Healthier Mind

Welcome to Week 1 of the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset! This week is all about laying the foundation for a healthier mind, improved…

PT
PBBHW Team
Week 2 of the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset: Strengthen Your Mind & Mood
Wellness & Self-CareJanuary 6, 2026

Week 2 of the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset: Strengthen Your Mind & Mood

Congratulations! You’ve completed Week 1 of the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset. Week 2 focuses on reinforcing habits, deepening mind…

PT
PBBHW Team
Surviving the Holiday Season Stress Without Burning Out
Family & ParentingDecember 19, 2025

Surviving the Holiday Season Stress Without Burning Out

The holiday season often comes with more pressure than peace. Between family gatherings, packed schedules, financial strain, and emotiona…

PT
PBBHW Team
Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset: Jumpstart a Healthier, Happier You
Wellness & Self-CareDecember 15, 2025

Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mood Reset: Jumpstart a Healthier, Happier You

The New Year is the perfect time to reset your mind, your habits, and your outlook. That’s why we created the Palm Beach 2-Week Mind & Mo…

PT
PBBHW Team
Healing Without Shame: Understanding Your Nervous System’s Protective Role
TraumaDecember 2, 2025

Healing Without Shame: Understanding Your Nervous System’s Protective Role

At Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness in Palm Beach, FL, we often see clients who feel frustrated by their own reactions. You might…

PT
PBBHW Team
When Big Emotions Take Over: Emotional Regulation Testing and Support for Children
Family & ParentingNovember 25, 2025

When Big Emotions Take Over: Emotional Regulation Testing and Support for Children

Every child experiences big feelings - anger, frustration, sadness, or worry. But when these emotions become overwhelming or interfere wi…

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PBBHW Team
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Morgan Thomas
Practice NotesNovember 7, 2025

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Morgan Thomas

At Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness, we’re proud to have Dr. Morgan Thomas on our team. Driven by natural empathy, curiosity, and…

PT
PBBHW Team
Parenting With Connection: 5 Powerful Lessons From Dr. Becky Kennedy
Family & ParentingOctober 31, 2025

Parenting With Connection: 5 Powerful Lessons From Dr. Becky Kennedy

At Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness, we’re inspired by the work of Dr. Becky Kennedy (@drbeckyatgoodinside), a clinical psychologi…

PT
PBBHW Team
Understanding Learning Differences: When to Seek a Psychoeducational Evaluation
ADHD & TestingOctober 28, 2025

Understanding Learning Differences: When to Seek a Psychoeducational Evaluation

Every child learns differently - but when schoolwork becomes a daily struggle or progress seems out of sync with effort, a psychoeducatio…

PT
PBBHW Team
4 Tricks to Calm Your Runaway Brain with Dr. Raquel Anderson and Dory
Wellness & Self-CareOctober 17, 2025

4 Tricks to Calm Your Runaway Brain with Dr. Raquel Anderson and Dory

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Dr. Raquel Anderson, licensed psychologist at Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness, along with Dory -…

Dr. Raquel Anderson, Ed.D., LMHC
Dr. Raquel Anderson
Assessing Anxiety in Children Around Major Life Changes: Moving, Divorce, or Family Relocation
Anxiety & OCDOctober 9, 2025

Assessing Anxiety in Children Around Major Life Changes: Moving, Divorce, or Family Relocation

Major life changes - like moving to a new home, divorce, or a family relocation - can be stressful for children. At PBBHW, our team of li…

PT
PBBHW Team
Understanding Autism Assessments in Palm Beach County: Early Identification and Support for Families
AutismOctober 2, 2025

Understanding Autism Assessments in Palm Beach County: Early Identification and Support for Families

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make a profound difference in a child’s growth and overall well-being. At PBBH…

PT
PBBHW Team
ADHD Testing in Palm Beach County: Signs, Benefits, and Next Steps for Children & Adults
ADHD & TestingSeptember 23, 2025

ADHD Testing in Palm Beach County: Signs, Benefits, and Next Steps for Children & Adults

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions - but it’s also widely misunderst…

PT
PBBHW Team
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Brandi Rials
Practice NotesSeptember 12, 2025

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Brandi Rials

At Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness, we’re proud to spotlight Brandi Rials, Licensed Psychologist and co-owner of PBBHW. Brandi’s…

PT
PBBHW Team
Understanding Psychological Assessments in Jupiter, FL: How They Support Your Well-Being
ADHD & TestingSeptember 5, 2025

Understanding Psychological Assessments in Jupiter, FL: How They Support Your Well-Being

At Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness in Jupiter, FL, understanding how you think, feel, and behave is a vital step toward overall w…

PT
PBBHW Team
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Jaimie St. Ama
Practice NotesAugust 27, 2025

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Jaimie St. Ama

Dr. Jaimie St. Ama brings a unique perspective to Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness, shaped by her military background and deep com…

PT
PBBHW Team
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Kelly Everson
Practice NotesAugust 20, 2025

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Kelly Everson

In this week’s staff spotlight, we get to know Dr. Kelly Everson, a dedicated psychologist at Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness in…

PT
PBBHW Team
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Gretchen Quattlebaum, PsyD
Practice NotesAugust 13, 2025

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Gretchen Quattlebaum, PsyD

Dr. Gretchen Quattlebaum is a Licensed Psychologist at Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness in Jupiter, FL. She specializes in compreh…

PT
PBBHW Team
What to Expect From Therapy
TherapyJune 24, 2025

What to Expect From Therapy

Before meeting with a clinician:Consider carefully what you (and/or your child) want and need. Think through these questions:- What are t…

PT
PBBHW Team
How to Survive Summer and Unstructured Time
Family & ParentingJune 23, 2025

How to Survive Summer and Unstructured Time

Many of the things that are meant to be enjoyable about summer can be miserable for our kids. Loud noises, bright lights, crowds, unstruc…

PT
PBBHW Team
Quick Grounding Technique: The Two Minute Answer to Anxiety
Anxiety & OCDJune 23, 2025

Quick Grounding Technique: The Two Minute Answer to Anxiety

From Dr. Stephanie Larsen‍

PT
PBBHW Team
Tasks to Build Focus Skills Through the Summer
Family & ParentingJune 23, 2025

Tasks to Build Focus Skills Through the Summer

Developmental experts say that, on average, a child through young adult should be able to stay focused on a task for two to five minutes…

PT
PBBHW Team
Fostering Grit and Increasing Your Child's Frustration Tolerance
Family & ParentingMay 27, 2025

Fostering Grit and Increasing Your Child's Frustration Tolerance

Triggers and Situations that Lower a Child's Frustration Tolerance:

PT
PBBHW Team
Understanding the Benefits of Psychoeducational Testing for Children and Parents
ADHD & TestingFebruary 20, 2025

Understanding the Benefits of Psychoeducational Testing for Children and Parents

Our education system is structured around testing and standardized testing is one of the most stressful events for our children and teens…

PT
PBBHW Team
Mastering Time Management When School's Out: Practical Tips for Parents
Family & ParentingFebruary 18, 2025

Mastering Time Management When School's Out: Practical Tips for Parents

Many of the things that are meant to be enjoyable about summer can be miserable for our kids. Loud noises, bright lights, crowds, unstruc…

PT
PBBHW Team
Quality Time vs. Quantity Time: Impact on Child Development
Family & ParentingFebruary 18, 2025

Quality Time vs. Quantity Time: Impact on Child Development

As a busy culture we find often ourselves running between work, school, music, and sports, juggling our time trying to fit everything in.…

PT
PBBHW Team
Are you struggling with obesity?
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 19, 2023

Are you struggling with obesity?

Are you struggling with obesity? Like millions of Americans, you are not alone. Obesity continues to be a major health epidemic in the Un…

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PBBHW Team
Dr. Brandi’s Media and Food 101
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 19, 2023

Dr. Brandi’s Media and Food 101

We have all heard the adage, “You are what you eat” and as important as it is to know this for ourselves it is even more vital to impart…

Dr. Brandi Rials, Psy.D.
Dr. Brandi Rials
EMDR by Dr. Sue Brown
TraumaSeptember 19, 2023

EMDR by Dr. Sue Brown

Dr. Sue Brown is excited to announce that she recently went to part one of an Eye Movement and Desensitization (EMDR) training. Developed…

SB
Dr. Sue Brown
Enhancing the Parent-Child Relationship Through Play by Dennette Hall
Family & ParentingSeptember 19, 2023

Enhancing the Parent-Child Relationship Through Play by Dennette Hall

While independent play at all developmental levels is important, research shows that play with parents and caregivers is equally as vital…

DH
Dr. Dennette Hall
Moving out! Planning for Smooth Transitions
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 19, 2023

Moving out! Planning for Smooth Transitions

High school graduation signifies a time of transition. For most, such major changes are both exciting and scary at the same time. Graduat…

PT
PBBHW Team
Postpartum Depression
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 19, 2023

Postpartum Depression

Pregnancy can be an exciting time in a woman's life. Bringing a new person into the world and enjoying the prospect of motherhood as a be…

PT
PBBHW Team
Self-Injury and Adolescents by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials
TraumaSeptember 19, 2023

Self-Injury and Adolescents by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials

Palm Beach Behavioral Health and Wellness has recently received an increase in calls related to adolescents engaging in self-injury; a to…

PT
PBBHW Team
Simon Says “Go” – Enhancing Self-Regulation with Play by Dr. Dennette Hall
Family & ParentingSeptember 19, 2023

Simon Says “Go” – Enhancing Self-Regulation with Play by Dr. Dennette Hall

Children learn and express themselves through play and imagination. Through play, critical brain development occurs to specifically enhan…

DH
Dr. Dennette Hall
Stress Relief and Self-Care for Parents by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials
Family & ParentingSeptember 19, 2023

Stress Relief and Self-Care for Parents by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials

Stress management is an important skill for all parents. These tips can help you learn to manage your stress and live a happier, more sat…

PT
PBBHW Team
The Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet by Katy Dorendorf, Psy.D.
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 19, 2023

The Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet by Katy Dorendorf, Psy.D.

The Gluten free, casein free diet, By Katy Dorendorf, Psy.D.

KD
Dr. Katy Dorendorf
Traveling with Children of All Ages
Family & ParentingSeptember 19, 2023

Traveling with Children of All Ages

Summer time means vacation time! Most often, family vacations are full of joy, excitement, and fun! While most families enjoy the time sp…

PT
PBBHW Team
When Parenting Gets Difficult! Effectively Parenting Teenagers
Family & ParentingSeptember 19, 2023

When Parenting Gets Difficult! Effectively Parenting Teenagers

A parent’s goal is often to help their teenager become a healthy, happy, and independent individual. In the pre-teen and teenage years th…

PT
PBBHW Team
Adding New Siblings to the Mix by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials
Family & ParentingSeptember 8, 2023

Adding New Siblings to the Mix by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials

Adding New Siblings to the Mix: Helping Transitions for Children

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PBBHW Team
How do you know if our practice is right for you or your child? By Dr. Lee Ann Lehman
Family & ParentingSeptember 8, 2023

How do you know if our practice is right for you or your child? By Dr. Lee Ann Lehman

Before meeting with a PBBHW behavioral health clinician: Consider carefully what you and your child want and need. Try to think through t…

LL
Dr. Lee Ann Lehman
Separation Anxiety: Is it Supposed to be This Hard? By Dr. Stephanie Larsen
Anxiety & OCDSeptember 8, 2023

Separation Anxiety: Is it Supposed to be This Hard? By Dr. Stephanie Larsen

One of the more difficult things for a parent to witness is their child crying and pleading for them to not leave or go to work. These ti…

Dr. Stephanie Larsen, Psy.D.
Dr. Stephanie Larsen
Cover
TraumaSeptember 7, 2023

Assessing your Child for Self-Harming Behaviors

Dr. Stephanie Larsen

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 7, 2023

Evaluating Treatment Research: How do I know what to choose?

By Katy Dorendorf, Psy.D.

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 7, 2023

Food Aversion

Sensory Food Aversion

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Family & ParentingSeptember 7, 2023

How to Survive the Holidays and Unstructured Time

Kelly Everson, PsyD and Brandi Rials, PsyD

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 7, 2023

Perfectionism

By: Stephanie Larsen, Psy.D

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PBBHW Team
Cover
TraumaSeptember 7, 2023

Self-Injury: Making Sense of Your Child’s Pain

Finding out that your child has deliberately harmed him or herself often leads parents down a spiral of fear and anger. Many parents’ fea…

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Family & ParentingSeptember 7, 2023

Special Needs Children and Personal Space

Children on the autism spectrum aren’t the only kids who can benefit from learning about the concept of personal space.  Children with AD…

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 7, 2023

Stress Management: How You Can Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress Today!

Some days it may seem that there is nothing that can be done to reduce stress. We get overwhelmed with bills and sometimes it seems there…

PT
PBBHW Team
Cover
Family & ParentingSeptember 7, 2023

Stress Relief and Self-Care for Parents

Stress management is an important skill for all parents. These tips can help you learn to manage your stress and live a happier, more sat…

PT
PBBHW Team
Cover
Anxiety & OCDSeptember 7, 2023

Test Anxiety and Standardized Testing Prep

With the start of fall comes cooler weather, family holidays, pumpkin pie, and the dreaded season of testing.  It is the time of the year…

PT
PBBHW Team
The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Children by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials
Family & ParentingSeptember 7, 2023

The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Children by Dr. Kelly Everson and Dr. Brandi Rials

With school in full swing, children are (hopefully!) back to studying, spending time on their homework and going to bed at a reasonable h…

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PBBHW Team
Cover
TherapySeptember 7, 2023

The New Treatment on the Early Intervention Scene: What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?

By Dr. Katy Dorendorf

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 7, 2023

What are Complementary and Alternative Methods of Treatment (CAM)?

By Katy Dorendorf, PsyD

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PBBHW Team
Cover
Wellness & Self-CareSeptember 7, 2023

What are executive functions?

The executive functions are a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal.

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PBBHW Team
Cover
TherapySeptember 7, 2023

What to expect from therapy

Before meeting with a PBBHW clinician:

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PBBHW Team
When should I be concerned about my child’s development? by Dr. Katy Dorendorf
Family & ParentingSeptember 7, 2023

When should I be concerned about my child’s development? by Dr. Katy Dorendorf

A child’s development is gauged not only by physical growth, but also by how they play, speak, and learn. Parents and professionals measu…

KD
Dr. Katy Dorendorf
Change Your Life: Two Week Challenge
Wellness & Self-CareAugust 24, 2023

Change Your Life: Two Week Challenge

Listen Up and Take Note!! I’m going to give some therapy secrets away. Now, I usually don’t do this, because I have to make a living too;…

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PBBHW Team
How to Choose a Psychologist
TherapyAugust 24, 2023

How to Choose a Psychologist

At some point in our lives, each of us may feel overwhelmed and need help dealing with our problems. In fact, according to the National I…

PT
PBBHW Team
The New Treatment on the Early Intervention Scene: What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?
TherapyAugust 24, 2023

The New Treatment on the Early Intervention Scene: What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?

By Dr. Katy Dorendorf

PT
PBBHW Team
What to Expect: First Therapy Session
TherapyAugust 24, 2023

What to Expect: First Therapy Session

So you’ve decided to give therapy a try. You have no idea what to expect and are starting to second guess whether or not you want to go t…

PT
PBBHW Team
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