Kim Siegrist is a CPNP with advanced training in child and adolescent developmental and behavioral medicine.  With over 30 years working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings, I am laser focused on the needs of children and the support systems that they rely on for their care.  I pride myself on looking at the patient holistically and ensuring that behavioral health symptoms are evaluated including concerns of medical health problems, trauma history, prenatal exposure and other environmental factors.  I favor building a skill over giving a pill.  Medication has a role in addressing mental health issues but without skills building, we are not getting to the root of the problem.  I love sharing education about neurotransmitters and how our emotions and behaviors are impacted by chemistry as well as environmental factors.  

 

Most of the behavioral and mental health needs of pediatric patients are within the scope of primary care but not always in the comfort level of providers.  That is why I focused my training and education on this gap in care.  My goal is to be the link that helps patients access care quickly and get early intervention.  Most adult mental health and substance use disorders have their roots in unresolved or undiagnosed concerns that we can effectively address in childhood.  I start with early screenings for Autism for children 18-36 months and am a preferred provider for diagnosis of FASD.  I am a board member of the NC FASD organization.  I also diagnose and treat ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression and manage Autism Aggression.  

 

Empowering families through education and resources is so important.  I live in the community where I work and it is important to me that we provide treatment options that are accessible to all patients.  My new clinical home will be announced soon.