6320 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Monday - Saturday 08.00 - 18.00
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Disruptive Behavior Disorder Treatment in Bethesda, MD

HomeDisruptive Behavior

Fast, Science-Based Help for Disruptive Behavior

Nothing gets a kid referred faster for mental health care than annoying an adult. Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder can dramatically unsettle a classroom and a home life, making them a top stress for all involved. Our goal is to use science-based treatments to eliminate ODD. In a child who is 12 years or younger this work often happens in 8 sessions. A central goal is to accomplish over 90% compliance by the third time a child is told to do something, both at home and at school. The transformation can be so quick and dramatic that many parents have asked us things like, “Why isn’t this information taught on maternity units in hospitals?!” The treatment can also include those parent practices that promote resilience in children. Dr. Dave has written a book on the 10 parent practices that promote resilience in kids titled, Working Parents, Thriving Families: 10 Strategies that Make a Difference. What are those practices, you wonder? Here they are:

Handout listing practices for promoting healthy behavior in children

Why Treat Disruptive Behavior in a Child or Teen?

  • Disruptive behavior in a child or teen is often the number one stress parents say they experience.
  • Disruptive behavior can often take over many aspects of a family’s life, leaving other goals and siblings receiving less attention.
  • Untreated disruptive behavior in a child or teen often leads to more serious problems.
  • Setting up a tailored and science-based behavioral program, at both school and home, can bring transformative change in a matter of a few months in a disruptive child.
  • While work with teens is more complex, behaviorally oriented family therapy often realizes numerous important goals: enhanced closeness with parents, adaptive coping strategies (e.g., learning to effectively manage big feelings), effective problem solving both individually and on a family level, learning to do things when the teen doesn’t feel like it, promoting healthy independence, establishing effective and age-appropriate monitoring and learning to have difficult conversations effectively.

Common Concerns We Address

Anxiety & Stress

We help clients manage overwhelming stress, trauma, constant worry, and anxiety-related challenges.

Depression & Low Mood

Supporting individuals experiencing sadness, hopelessness, or loss of motivation in daily life.

Grief & Loss

Guidance through the grieving process, helping clients cope with the loss of a loved one.

Relationship Challenges

Counseling for individuals struggling with family conflict, breakups, or communication issues.

Self-Esteem Issues

Helping clients build confidence, overcome self-doubt, and develop a healthier self-image.

Life Transitions

Support for major changes such as career shifts, moving, retirement, or new life stages.
“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

Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health

Our counseling services offer a safe space to talk openly, gain clarity, and develop healthier ways to handle stress, anxiety, relationships, and life challenges.
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