expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Phyllis Heffner, M.D.

Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Phyllis Heffner practices child & adolescent psychiatry in Halethorpe, MD. Dr. Heffner evaluates patients throughout childhood and adolescence using many different procedures, in order to determine what treatments must be carried out in order to properly assess their symptoms. Child & adolescent psychiatrists are trained and certified to administer psychotherapy, medication, and many other means of treatment. Dr. Heffner seeks to improve each patients quality of life.
39 years Experience
Dr. Phyllis Heffner, M.D.
  • Columbia, MD
  • Penn State Hershey Medical Center
  • Accepting new patients

What is light therapy for depression?

It is the use of a light box that produces 10,000 LUX of natural light early in the morning for 30-60 minutes focused on your forehead. It has been shown to help both seasonal READ MORE
It is the use of a light box that produces 10,000 LUX of natural light early in the morning for 30-60 minutes focused on your forehead. It has been shown to help both seasonal depression and general depression. Getting outside into sunlight is also very beneficial as an antidepressant.

Can yoga help my son improve his concentration?

Yes, activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, QiGong, Meditation, and even general exercise can help with concentration, as can stress management. Getting good quality sleep and having READ MORE
Yes, activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, QiGong, Meditation, and even general exercise can help with concentration, as can stress management. Getting good quality sleep and having a regular schedule as well as a nutritious healthy diet are also helpful.

Phyllis J. Heffner, MD, FAPA, IFMCP
Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner
Holistic Child Psychiatry, LLC
10801 Hickory Ridge Rd, Suite 215
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 260-0344
www.holisticchildpsychiatry.com

Is my child having panic attacks?

It sounds like he is having separation anxiety and possibly other forms of anxiety. I strongly recommend that he be evaluated by a child psychiatrist (ideally one who looks for READ MORE
It sounds like he is having separation anxiety and possibly other forms of anxiety. I strongly recommend that he be evaluated by a child psychiatrist (ideally one who looks for both psychiatric and medical causes for his anxiety) and have him start working with a therapist. I do not recommend that you try to handle this yourself.

Phyllis J. Heffner, MD, FAPA, IFMCP

Why is my child all of a sudden losing interest in his schoolwork?

There are many reasons a child can lose their interest or focus on school - undiagnosed learning or attentional issues, anxiety or depression, stress from family or peer relationships, READ MORE
There are many reasons a child can lose their interest or focus on school - undiagnosed learning or attentional issues, anxiety or depression, stress from family or peer relationships, poor match with the teacher, being bullied, a medical condition or pain, increasing interest in other activities or peers are just a few of the possibilities. First step is to talk with him as well as his teacher. If things don't become clear, he would benefit from being evaluated by a child psychiatrist or other child mental health professional.

Phyllis J. Heffner, MD, FAPA, IFMCP