Paula Gravitt

Watching your child or teen struggle can feel isolating, but you are not alone.

My name is Paula Gravitt, and I'm a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a proud Virginia Commonwealth University alum. My professional focus is solely on young people. My extensive clinical background—combined with a deep personal perspective—allows me to connect with families and guide them toward lasting change.

I specialize in treating children and teens facing complex challenges, including:

• Autism (co-occurring mental health issues)

• ADHD, OCD

• Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders

• Challenging Behaviors and Self-Injurious Behaviors

• Improving Parent-Child Communication and Family Dynamics

I practice Integrative Psychiatry, which means I believe in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. My approach is holistic and comprehensive. We partner to look at how a child's mental and emotional states are connected to their physical well-being (sleep, nutrition, environment, school stressors) before finalizing a plan.

I offer comprehensive, evidence-based care including both medication management and supportive psychotherapy. I use a strength-based approach to empower your child and family, fostering a collaborative, non-judgmental space where we build on your child’s unique resilience and skills to achieve their long-term wellness goals.

The first session is a comprehensive evaluation designed to establish a strong, trusting foundation for our work. Please note that this initial appointment is required to be held in person.

During this time, I will listen intently, gather extensive history (including your child's symptoms, medical background, and family dynamics), and clarify your primary concerns. My goal is to work collaboratively to develop a working diagnosis and initial treatment recommendations. By the end of our first session, you will walk away with a clear, actionable plan. The modality for follow-up sessions (in-person or virtual) will be determined collaboratively based on your child's clinical needs, my professional judgment, and your family's circumstances.