Sarah J. Palmer MD
Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist providing in person and telehealth appointments in Central MA
Psychiatry with a family feeling.
I am a dual board-certified child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist who specializes in in therapy and medication management. While my training and credentials are couched in traditional (Western) academic medicine, I emphasize human connection in my therapeutic approach to make space for the wide range of human experiences. Through building that connection, I work with individuals and families to create a shared plan that may include various therapy modalities, medication options, and resource navigation to support the systems within and around the family unit. I work with families, parents, children and adolescents to help them reach their goals and identify roadblocks. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, I'm ready to meet you where you are and find a way forward together.
Mental Health Services
Explore your mental health needs through personalized therapy and expert consultations.
Individual Therapy Sessions
I provide weekly therapy appointments with the option for medication management. My approach is specifically tailored to each individual based on their developmental age, desired approach, prior experiences in therapy, and specific goals. Adolescents (16+) and adults (18+) can expect a flexible, psychodynamic approach where the majority of our work will center on understanding the emotional life at their core. These conversations may bring up insights that we can discuss and connect together. Or we may find ourselves stuck, as often our emotional life remains hidden from our consciousness. Through consistency, modeling, metaphor and a few ventures into cognitive behavioral or dialectical frameworks if indicated, together we navigate a way to bring the emotional life into the conscious.
Child Psychiatry Services
I provide specialized care for children and adolescents to support their mental and developmental well-being. For children and pre-teens, I use my office as a playroom with a full suite of toys, fidgets, art supplies and building blocks to allow children to express their inner life through play. In regular parent meetings I will share insights gained from the play therapy and discuss questions from parents to help guide the family system to support their goals. Having the space for self-expression in a supported environment helps kids build confidence and make connections to their observations or emotions in new ways. I also answer questions and provide recommendations for medications in cases where they might be considered.
Consultation Services
This is where I begin with all of my patients. Over the course of up to 3 visits we will explore what is bringing you to seek support. At the culmination of these visits I will offer my recommendations, answer questions, and provide a written evaluation. Consultations are particularly helpful for those who are feeling stuck, seeking a second opinion, or curious about therapy and want to get to know the therapist before making a commitment. During consultation for children under 18 I make sure to provide ample time for parents to discuss their concerns with me directly.
Dr. Palmer brings warmth, humor, and intelligence to their work in child psychiatry. Their thoughtful approach helps children and families feel supported while navigating challenges with care and understanding.
Bennett W.
★★★★★