Empowering you to Navigate Life's Challenges
Helping children, teens, and young adults navigate life's challenges, particularly those with medical conditions and chronic illness.
Request an AppointmentAbout PHS
At Psychological Health Specialists (PHS), we specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults who have medical conditions and chronic illness. Our goal is to help individuals function in daily life – not to just get by, but to live the life they want to live.
We are uniquely qualified to provide psychological services for illness management, including adjustment to medical conditions and medically related treatment. In addition to chronic illness, we treat kids, adolescents, and young adults with a range of emotional difficulties including anxiety and depression.
We are here to take the step with you and/or your child toward the path of improved psychological health and wellbeing.
Our Services
Individual Therapy
Our psychologists use evidence-based therapy modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and integrative approaches to tailor treatment to your child, teen, or young adult's individual needs.
Pain and Chronic Illness Support
We have specialty training in working with children and adolescents with medical conditions and chronic illness that affects psychological health and/or quality of life including: migraines, chronic pain, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune disorders, cardiac conditions, genetic disorders, asthma, sickle cell, epilepsy, spina bifida, sleep disorders, and cancer.
We treat not only the emotional aspects but also assist in coping with medical procedures (e.g., blood draws, shots, MRI, dental visits) and pill swallowing.
Consultations
We believe in taking a multidisciplinary approach and offer consults to schools, medical providers, and others involved in your child’s care to ensure comprehensive support. We are also available for consultation to hospitals, medical facilities, schools, and other providers seeking professional support.
Meet Our Specialist
Rachel Kovacs, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist (Maryland)
Dr. Rachel Kovacs has extensive experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She trained at several pediatric hospitals across the country, including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Primary Children’s Hospital, and Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins Medicine.
She specializes in working with children facing chronic medical conditions and has significant experience treating mood disorders and anxiety in individuals aged 7 to 40. Dr. Kovacs is also a published researcher, focusing on the psychological impact of chronic illness on children and families.
Insurance
Please note: Patients must be physically located in Maryland at the time of their session due to state licensing regulations.
We are in-network with the following insurance plans:
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- United Behavioral Health/UMR
- Johns Hopkins EHP
For other plans, we are considered an out-of-network provider. We can provide you with a detailed statement (superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. We strongly recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to scheduling to verify your out-of-network benefits for mental health treatment.
Fees
- Initial Evaluation (60 minutes): $220
- Follow-Up Session (45 minutes): $175
- Consultations (per 30 minutes): $150
Payment is accepted via check, cash, credit card, or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA).
Get In Touch
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule an initial evaluation or consultation.
Phone: 410-240-3708
Location: 1009 Frederick Rd, Catonsville MD 21228
For your privacy, please note that we ask that you call our office for any sensitive matters.
Call Us Request an Appointment