Services
We understand that your children’s healthcare needs are as unique as their personalities.
Scheduling a Visit
Standard office visits are scheduled Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but a provider will be in the office every day for additional hours.
For urgent visits, appointments may be scheduled after 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, and after 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. The office will close at different times based on patient volume, so call early to make sure you get an appointment.
We require an appointment for your child to be seen. To schedule a sick visit, please call early in the day and ask to speak with a nurse. This will help us to see your child during office hours and before pharmacies close.
Holiday Hours:
Thanksgiving: closed*; Christmas Eve: closing at noon*; Christmas: closed*; New year’s Eve: Limited hours for emergency sick call only*; New Year’s Day: Limited hours for emergency sick call only.
*A provider will be on call for emergencies after hours. Call the office to be connected to the answering service.*
Well Child Care
Well-child check-ups (sometimes called “physical exams” or “well visits”) are a vital part of your child’s health care. During a check-up, we evaluate growth, development, vision, speech and hearing. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss child safety, nutrition, accident prevention and anticipated changes in behavior and development. During some visits your child will receive immunizations and screening tests of blood and urine.
Scheduling
We schedule well child check-ups a few days after birth, at two weeks, and at two, four, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, twenty-four and thirty months. After three years of age, we schedule yearly check-ups. Well child visits should be scheduled several months in advance.
Condition Management
Some chronic health conditions (such as asthma or allergies) and mental health conditions (such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety) require regular follow-ups and medication checks with your chosen pediatrician at least every 6-12 months, or more frequently based on a child’s individual situation.
Sports and Camp Physicals
Many school sports and summer camps require an annual physical exam to participate. Please schedule these appointments well in advance. If camp forms need to be completed, please give this paperwork to our office as soon as possible. School sports forms will be provided at the physical starting at age 12.
Well Child Visit Schedule
- 2-5 Days
- 2 Weeks
- 2 MonthsPentacel, Hep B, Prevnar, Rotavirus
- 4 MonthsPentacel, Hep B, Prevnar, Rotavirus
- 6 MonthsPentacel, Prevnar
- 9 MonthsHep B
- 12 MonthsPrevnar, HIB, Varivax, MMR / Hemoglobin, Lead
- 15 MonthsPentacel, Hep A / Developmental check-in with nurse practitioner
- 18 MonthsDevelopmental check-in with primary care provider
- 2 YearsHepatitis A / Hemoglobin, Lead
- 2.5 YearsDevelopmental check-in with nurse practitioner
- 3 YearsHearing and Vision
- 4 YearsMMR, Varivax / Hearing and Vision
- 5 YearsDTap, IPV / Hearing and Vision
- 6-10 YearsHearing and Vision
- 11 YearsTdap, Menactra, HPV (3) / Hearing and Vision
- 12+ YearsThe teen years are a time of tremendous growth and change. Physical exams are recommended annually.
Same-Day Sick Visits
We understand that children can become ill quickly and unexpectedly, which is why we reserve a portion of our daily schedule for sick children. To schedule a sick visit, please call us early in the day and ask to speak with a nurse. This will help us to see your child during office hours and before pharmacies close.
When should you call us?
Don’t hesitate to call our office whenever you feel uncomfortable or worried about your child’s medical condition. Be certain to call us for any of the concerns listed below.
In addition, the Symptom Checker at HealthyChildren.org can help you determine whether your child should see a doctor.
- High or prolonged fever (or any temperature over 100.4 rectally if less than 4 months old)
- Persistent headache lasting more than 12 hours
- Vomiting that is persistent (more than every 1/2 hour or 6 times over 24 hours) or projectile (past the child’s outstretched hand) or green (bile) fluid
- Diarrhea (stools more often than 1 per hour)
- Unusual drowsiness or sleepiness
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, chest retraction at rest
- Persistent chest pain
- Wheezing
- Inconsolable crying for more than 3 or 4 hours
- Croupy, hoarse, barking cough
- Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing
- Seizure
- Severe fall or injury associated with loss or consciousness or vomiting
- Cuts possibly needing stitches
Essex Pediatrics Mental Health Group
Essex Pediatrics has developed a relationship with a diverse group of private practice therapists to provide mental health services to our patients and to allow for wrap-around care and collaboration among providers.
Mental Health Care Referrals
Essex Pediatrics will coordinate referrals for their patients to the mental health group. If your child is struggling with symptoms of mental illness please make an appointment with your Essex Pediatrics provider. After that appointment, our mental health coordinator will reach out to talk more about the process. Your child will be matched with a therapist based on their age, concerns, and insurance. Please be aware that there is a waitlist for individual counseling. Children must be patients at Essex Pediatrics to participate in Mental Health Group services.
Therapy Groups
Structured group work has been a successful alternative to individual counseling for many of our patients who are seeking mental health support. Attendees receive evidence-based information from our counselors on topics such as parenting, anxiety, depression, and strategies to support their well-being.
Current and upcoming therapy groups »
New! Caregiver Information Series
Join us for an evening of learning and discussion about requested topics related to mental health and wellness. This evening is hosted by a member of our mental health team, and there will be an opportunity for question and answers at the end of the session. Upcoming topics include parenting while experiencing grief, supporting emotional regulation, navigating divorce and parenting strategies for children with ADHD.
2024 Caregiver Information Series Schedule »
Parent Consult Clinics
Schedule a one time meeting with a provider on our mental health team to discuss challenging behavior you may be experiencing with your child. This one time session is tailored to your specific needs. During the consult, you will be provided with resources, interventions to implement at home, and next steps. If clinically indicated, your child will be referred to our internal mental health team or to a provider within our local community.
Mental Health Providers
- Eliza BehrsingClinical Social Worker
- Nicole BreslendLicensed Clinical Psychologist
- Cath BurnsPsychologist
- Cara CorneauPsychotherapist
- Nicole Giard-JeterLCMHC
- Nick HunterLicensed Psychologist - Master
- Megan MayoCurrently Enrolled: Antioch Clinical Psychology Doctorate Program
- Sarah McCrackenClinical Social Worker
- Clara RiversClinical Social Worker
- Jessica ScottRostered Psychotherapist
- Sarah SoltsovRostered Psychotherapist, Specialization: Marriage and Family Therapist
- Jenn SpagnuoloLCMHC, LADC
- Ali WaltienLicensed Psychologist - Master
- Gina WatsonClinical Social Worker
- Kathy YanulavichClinical Social Worker
- Shannon PorterMental Health Coordinator
- Marley PowdenClinical Social Worker
- Mental Health Interns
Prenatal & Newborn Care
Prenatal Visits
If you are expecting a child, we encourage you to make an appointment to meet one of our doctors before your child is born. Please call for this appointment several weeks before your baby is due. This visit gives you a chance to meet a physician in our office and to ask any questions you might have. There is no charge for this appointment.
When you receive the pre-admission form from the hospital, you will be asked to list your pediatrician. When your baby is born, the hospital will automatically call our office with the information regarding your child. This phone contact notifies the doctor to see your child during morning rounds.
Newborn Care
Newborns will be seen by one of our providers in the hospital each morning of their stay. Newborns are seen in our office within 48-72 hours after going home from the hospital. In some cases, we may need to see your baby sooner. At the time of discharge your doctor will let you know when your baby should come to the office.
A nurse from Essex Pediatrics will call you to check-in and schedule your first appointment.
Family Home Support
We are pleased to offer a team of Family Home Support Specialists that provide free pregnancy and postpartum support. Our goal is to provide continuous support to our pregnant and parenting patients before and after welcoming a baby. We recognize the importance of this support in order to keep you and your baby healthy. These services are tailored to each patient’s individual needs, to help you to transition into a healthy family life.
Antepartum/Pregnancy Services (including but not limited to):
- Emotional Support
- Informational support, advocacy, and referrals
- Postpartum planning (birth planning, sibling preparation, household preparation, etc)
- Support if you are on bedrest
- Connecting to resources in the community
Postpartum Services (including but not limited to):
- Emotional support
- Informational support, advocacy, and referrals
- Arrange and provide breastfeeding support
- Teach newborn care techniques
- Support with infant
- Support with sibling adjustment
- Connecting to resources in the community
For more information, call Stephanie Roberts at 802-355-7616. We will be happy to get you setup with the support that you need.
Lactation Consulting
We know that breastfeeding can sometimes be challenging. If you are having any problems nursing your baby, please call our office and speak with one of our certified lactation consultants.
Our knowledgeable certified lactation consultants are here to help!
Top row: Karol, Yvonne, Becky
Bottom row: Patty, Patty
Adolescent Care
Adolescence is an important transition from childhood to adulthood. During these years, patients will be offered and encouraged to have a portion of the visit alone with their provider. We try to pay special attention to the personal needs, confidentiality and privacy of our adolescent patients. During these visits, we will discuss issues such as alcohol, smoking, substance abuse and sexual activity. Patients may schedule appointments through their late teens and college years.
After age 18, patients are legally considered adults and need to give their written permission for us to speak with their parents.
We know that adolescence can be a challenging period. As a young adult moves towards independence, problems may develop between a child and his or her parents. If you have concerns about family relationships, please feel free to discuss them with us.
