Dr. Patty Richardson, PhD, LP

Welcome to Bluebird Child & Family Psychology. To share a bit about my background, I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Metro Detroit and the San Francisco Bay Area for over 10 years. I specialize in harnessing evidence-based, cutting edge psychological interventions to help children, teens, young adults, parents, and families overcome anxiety, depression, school challenges, suicidality/self-harm, parenting stress and family conflict, academic challenges, chronic pain, sleep concerns, physical symptoms (somatic, conversion/FNSD), and cope with chronic medical illness. I'm especially the person to call when you or your loved one are facing more than one (or all) of the above.

I want you to know that it is possible for your child and family to feel better, tap into your resilience, and when helpful, become "unstuck"and tilt toward the kind of life you desire.

​

I started Bluebird CFP with the goal of providing families with the kind of treatment that I would want for myself or for one of my loved ones. We all deserve effective and collaborative therapy, where we feel comfortable sharing our most vulnerable truths. Good therapy involves remembering (or learning how) to celebrate our strengths and successes--no matter how big or small. In fact, the science tells us that we tend to do best when we enhance positive aspects of our lives as opposed getting stuck in cycles of guilt, regret, and shame. It is also essential that treatment is personalized, actionable, and based on latest psychological science. I often collaborate with schools and medical teams to ensure continuity of care and I may recommend consultation with speciality providers when helpful to your goals.

​

I will help you develop a personalized coping toolkit to overcome any challenges that come their way.

​

As a pediatric specialist, I have dedicated my career to supporting the wellbeing of children, teens, and young adults. I have worked with families across multiple contexts, including premier hospital systems (Stanford University, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Children's of Michigan, University of Michigan Dept. of Psychiatry, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, & Helen DeVos Children's), inpatient psychiatric settings, and schools. My research has been published in leading scientific journals on topics that include:

​

• Promoting child resilience

• Enhancing child-caregiver relationships

• Integrating technology into mental health treatment

• Supporting the psychological wellbeing of children with chronic medical conditions

In truth, there is nothing more rewarding to me than learning about my patients' passions--robotics, friends/family, music, social media, anime, artistry, video games, athletics ... and helping them to harness that positive energy and motivation to enhance other domains of their wellbeing. I prioritize creating a positive environment, with a lot of laughter, where my patients can feel comfortable being real about their successes, challenges, worries, and fears.

Individual wellness blooms in concert with whole-family wellness.

​

Let's be real: as a parent, you've never received a manual on how to raise a child, teen, or young adult with anxiety, depression, or and/or other adjustment challenges. I will be happy to help you learn new parenting strategies tailored to your child's needs that will help you feel more secure and confident in your caregiving. I also enjoy working with families to improve communication and enjoyable quality time--and reduce conflict and getting "stuck" in cycles of repetitive arguments. I want you to know that you don't have to figure this all out alone. I will have your back every step of the way.

​

In addition to leading my team at Bluebird, I also hold a faculty appointment at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. In my free time, you will find me outside in the sunshine with my two little nephews and pug–Blue, traveling and adventuring, practicing yoga, or watching real housewives :)

Learn More About My Research

Care Location: I work with patients who reside in Michigan, California, and any state affiliated with PSYPACT.

Accepting New Patients? Yes

Schedule Your First Session With Dr. Richardson