6320 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Monday - Saturday 08.00 - 18.00
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About Our Practice

Compassionate Psychological Support for Emotional Well-Being

To use the truth of our clients’ lives to promote healing and happiness, providing specialized, science-based mental health care tailored to each person and family, built on over 50 years of combined experience.

A safe, caring space where individuals, children, adolescents, families, and couples can explore, heal, and self-actualize, breaking free from emotional distress to lead enriching lives.

Empathy, understanding, DEIB awareness, and evidence-based practice.

Dr. David Palmiter
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About US

Dr. David Palmiter &
Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter

Helping Families is led by Dr. David Palmiter and Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter, highly experienced and credentialed clinicians, published authors, media consultants, and leaders in their fields. Dr. Dave is a former President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and serves on the national Board of Directors for CHADD. Dr. Lia is on the faculty of an HBCU and has delivered countless trainings on DEI for schools, employers, and nonprofits. Together they bring science, warmth, and decades of expertise to every family they serve.

Our Team

Meet the Team

Helping Families is led by Dr. David Palmiter and Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter, highly experienced and credentialed clinicians, published authors, media consultants, and leaders in their fields. Dr. Dave is a former President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and serves on the national Board of Directors for CHADD. Dr. Lia is on the faculty of an HBCU and has delivered countless trainings on DEI for schools, employers, and nonprofits. Together they bring science, warmth, and decades of expertise to every family they serve.

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Dr. David Palmiter

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Dave is a clinical psychologist in full-time private practice, a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and sits on the national board of directors for CHADD. A past President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and Professor Emeritus at Marywood University, he has authored two books and over three dozen publications, completed 250+ professional presentations, and completed 300+ media projects for outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN.

Download Dr. Dave’s CV
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Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dr. Lia is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of the District of Columbia and a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and Maryland. She has extensive clinical experience with depression, anxiety, ADHD, racial identity, and trauma-informed care, with a special focus on girls and women, and has delivered over 150 DEIB trainings for schools, corporations, and nonprofits.

Download Dr. Lia’s CV
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Dr. David Palmiter

Clinical Psychologist
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Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Our History

A Journey of Compassionate Mental Health Support

Repurpose as the practice's care process:

1

Free Consultation

We start with a free conversation to understand your concerns and goals.

2

Thorough Evaluation

A structured evaluation using interviews, rating scales, and record review.

3

Personalized Feedback

A clear feedback session with a slideshow of findings and recommendations.

4

Skill-Building Treatment

Structured, evidence-based therapy tailored to your goals.

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Years Combined Experience
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Professional Trainings Delivered
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Any Questions?

What age ranges do you work with?

We work with kids, teens, and adults, starting at age 4.

In what areas do you have the most experience with children and teens?

For children and teens, we have the most experience with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, autism, and helping kids overcome bullying and experiences of racism and microaggressions. We also treat less common conditions such as Juvenile Onset Bipolar Disorder and Reactive Attachment Disorder.

What is your evaluation process for children and teenagers?

Our evaluations follow a standard of care Dr. Dave helped develop. They include an in-depth interview, behavior rating scales, a review of relevant records, and a personalized feedback session with a summary of strengths, a problem list, a diagnostic impression, and recommended interventions.

What sets you apart from other practices?

We are closely aligned with the available science. We do a thorough evaluation, set measurable goals, and empower clients to verify how the science supports our recommendations. We are also highly credentialed clinicians, published authors, media consultants, and leaders in our fields.

What is your approach to couples counseling?

We blend behavioral methods (Gottman Institute) with emotionally focused therapy (EFT). Our work is structured, skill-building, and usually time-limited, teaching skills that promote resilience in a couple's life.

Do you work with individual adults?

Yes, we do. The evaluation consists of a 90-minute interview, the use of behavior rating scales, a review of relevant records, and a feedback session that incorporates a slideshow that includes sources of information, strengths, results of rating scales, a problem list, a diagnostic formulation and a list of recommended interventions. We usually spend about two hours preparing the feedback for a standard adult evaluation.

We also specialize in ADHD adult evaluations; these include the additional elements of collaterals filling out rating scales, a review of academic records and any other records that might be helpful (e.g., performance evaluations at work). (Dr. Dave is formerly the Clinical Director of a nationally recognized ADHD specialty clinic and currently serves on the national Board of Directors for CHADD.)

The areas in which we have the most experience are ADHD, anxiety disorders (including OCD and PTSD), mood disorders, self-esteem, self-compassion, existential crises and self-actualization. We also focus on identifying and overcoming the effects of isms and microaggressions when that is relevant. (Dr. Lia is on the faculty of an HBCU and has offered countless trainings on DEI issues for schools, employers, corporations and non-profits.)

What is the cost of your services?

Our services are based on $280/hour, a little under what clinicians at our level tend to charge in the DMV. While we are out-of-network providers, we arrange for clients, at no cost, to use Reimbursify.com to submit statements to insurance for reimbursement. Under federal law, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. Download our Good Faith Estimate Notice.
“I have had the privilege of working with David Palmiter for the past two years in my role as a school counselor. David is an exceptional clinician with a vast amount of experience treating children and adolescents with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and Oppositional Defiance. He takes a holistic approach to treatment, regularly collaborates with school personnel, and creates trusting relationships with both children and families. I confidently recommend David Palmiter to any family looking for a caring, experienced psychologist who is deeply committed to supporting children's mental health and overall well-being.”
— Meghan Keller, MA, NCC
School Counselor
“Dr. David Palmiter is an expert in the field of ADHD and anxiety, working closely with children and couples to create meaningful change. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Palmiter is committed to helping his clients reach their goals. Dr. Palmiter blends years of experience with a strong dedication to evidence-based practice, often using biofeedback as a method to help clients better understand and work through anxiety in real-time. He takes the time to really connect with those whom he works and I feel honored to have learned so much from him.”
— Gabrielle Gross, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
“Dr. Palmiter is an excellent mentor and colleague. I have referred many families and patients to him for consultation, and have been thrilled by our collaboration. Patients frequently rave about his approach and his seemingly unending treasure trove of magic tricks! For families navigating anxiety, ADHD, and oppositional behaviors -- Dr. Palmiter is absolutely a trustworthy resource.”
— Lin Gyi, MD
Child Psychiatrist
Watch Dr. Hazzouri’s video testimonial.
— Lauren Hazzouri, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist and owner of HeyLauren.com
Watch Dr. Luchansky’s video testimonial.
— Amanda Luchansky, Psy.D.
Owner, Luchansky Psychological Services, LLC
Watch Dr. Norford’s video testimonial.
— Brad Norford, Ph.D.
Practice Director, Bryn Mawr Psychological Services & Past President, Pennsylvania Psychological Association
“Dr. Palmiter, thank you for your work with our staff....your insight is much needed in our line of work...it was a balm–especially during these trying times.”
— Ryan Brunsink, Esq.
Immigration Attorney
“It was our absolute pleasure having you. I have had employees thanking me for your wonderful presentation. I don’t think there was one person who kept a dry eye the entire time! A colleague, who is a personal friend, confided in me that she is already trying to apply some of what she heard.”
— Dana Zaldivar
Sr. Manager of a financial institution

Organizations We’ve Consulted With