Helping young children and the people who love them through life's earliest challenges.
When behavior problems, anxiety, sleeping issues, picky eating, or other child mental health concerns leave your family overwhelmed,
you don't have to figure it out alone.
Expert early childhood mental health care, from the convenience of your living room.
Welcome to compassionate, evidence-based parent coaching & family therapy - all via secure telehealth.
Currently booking appointments for families across Virginia & Florida.
In-network with Virginia & Florida Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Independence Blue Cross, & Horizon Blue Cross plans. I am also in-network with Virginia CareFirst BCBS & Kaiser and Florida Ascension plans. Private-pay also available.
Meet Dr. Desmond
Parenting isn't meant to feel stressful all the time.
I'm Dr. Anjeli Desmond, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in early childhood mental health. I work with young children and their families to address the wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges that can arise during the early years of life—from delayed potty training and picky eating to medical fears, separation anxiety, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors.
After training and providing care at leading children's hospitals across the country, I'm proud to now offer specialized early childhood mental health services to families throughout Virginia & Florida. No referral or diagnosis is needed. Through secure telehealth, I provide consultation, parent coaching, and therapy, making expert support accessible from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you're trying to help a picky baby, support an anxious toddler, or simply wondering, "Is parenting supposed to feel this hard?” I’m here to help.
My goal is to help parenting feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more manageable—through developmental science, evidence-based interventions, and treatment tailored to each family’s needs.
Services
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Free 15-Minute Consultation
A complimentary 15-minute phone consultation is an opportunity to briefly discuss your concerns, ask questions about my approach, and determine whether my services are the right fit for your family. If appropriate, we'll discuss next steps for scheduling an initial appointment.
Comprehensive Initial Intake
Following your consultation, you can schedule a comprehensive initial intake. During this appointment, we'll take a detailed look at your child's development, current concerns, family history, strengths, and goals. Together, we'll develop a shared understanding of what's going on and create a personalized plan for treatment.
Early Childhood Consultation
A one-time early childhood consultation offers a focused space to ask questions and receive guidance about your child’s development. We’ll discuss your concerns, your child’s strengths, and what you’re noticing at home, at school, or in other settings. I’ll provide developmentally informed recommendations and practical guidance, and help you identify next steps—including evaluations, services, or interventions that may be helpful. This consultation is designed to offer clarity and direction as a standalone service.
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Family therapy helps strengthen the relationship between you and your child while addressing the emotional and behavioral challenges that make everyday life feel harder than it should.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, tantrums, challenging behaviors, medical or NICU-related trauma, or simply feeling like you don't understand what your child is trying to communicate, treatment is tailored to your family's unique needs and goals.
I specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Parent Management Training (PMT)—evidence-based approaches that help children thrive by strengthening the relationships that matter most.
Family therapy sessions are typically 60 minutes, once per week.
Think family therapy might be right for you? Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss.
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Sometimes you don't need therapy—you just need expert guidance.
Parent coaching offers practical, evidence-based support for everyday challenges like potty training, picky eating, sleep difficulties, and other developmental concerns. Together, we'll understand what's driving your child's behavior, create a plan that fits your family's values and routines, and troubleshoot along the way.
Whether you're getting started, feeling stuck, or simply looking for reassurance, parent coaching can help you feel more confident and make everyday parenting a little easier.
Parent coaching typically takes place in 30- or 60-minute sessions scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.
Think your family could benefit from parent coaching? Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss.
What Families Are Saying
“The best doctor - of any kind - we’ve ever had.”
-Mother of D., 6 y/o M, treated for toileting issues. “My daughter began working with Dr. Des when she was struggling with significant anxiety, panic attacks, and fears related to dental care and being away from home. She connected with Dr. Des immediately and genuinely looked forward to their sessions. Dr. Des helped her understand her emotions, develop coping skills, and gradually conquer her fears, while also giving us practical guidance for supporting her at home. As a parent, I always felt included while knowing my daughter’s privacy and autonomy were respected. She has grown tremendously in confidence, and I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation Dr. Des helped her build. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Des to other families.”
- Mother of N., 9 y/o F, treated for anxiety.“We loved working with Dr. Des and are so grateful for how much she helped our family. She strengthened our relationship, helped us better understand our daughter’s needs, and gave us practical strategies that made a lasting difference at both home and school. Dr. Des was consistent, communicative, understanding, and never shied away from challenges. I truly don’t know where we would be without her.”
-Mother of L., 4 y/o F, treated for behavior challenges.