MSA The Child & Adolescent Center 10005 Old Columbia Road, Columbia, MD 21046

"I wouldn't normally leave a review but the reviews tend to be so negative and my experience has been the opposite. Everyone has been kind and helpful. Selvi Chellaiah's art therapy has been excellent for my child."

"We've had several sessions now for our adolescent -- would NOT recommend. The overall impression is a poorly organized practice that prioritizes billing over patient care. Their mechanism for sending the zoom link prior to each appt is unreliable and you are charged for the full visit immediately when the visit starts (regardless of how much time was spent). We are charged for the full 45 mins even though sessions at times last barely 30 minutes. Moreover, they are billing more than insurance allows [confirmed by insurance company] and MSA's response on the phone was that this issue could only be handled by e-mail). We haven't been with our therapist long enough to know how effective the relationship might be (initially, it's not overtly spectacular)."

"I currently have 3 children in treatment at MSA, one for depression and anxiety, one for intermittent explosive disorder and emotional issues, and one for ADHD and ODD. My oldest son has been going for two years, my next son for a year and a half, and my daughter for about a year. The quality of therapy they have received, combined with the close proximity to my home, has totally been worth it. The therapists really develop a good rapport with my children, which gives them a safe space to explore their feelings and work on challenging issues in the ways best suited to each of them (play vs talk vs art, etc). My children look forward to their time with their therapist. I have seen significant improvements in my children after therapy, and even greater gains after some of them see their psychiatrists, who are very willing to make adjustments, take sooner than suggested follow up appointments, and are never pushy with the meds. That being said, it is a busy center, and if you don't stay on top of making appointments, you may not get your preferred time(s). The front desk is extremely busy because of the huge client pool and the sheer number of therapists on staff. The online check in system saves us a bunch of time, and we are rarely kept waiting for any appointment. Trust me, I'm in there every week, sometimes twice a week, with how many kids need therapy in our family. Some of our first appointments did take many weeks to finally get it, but I found that to be true with my own therapy appointments--it just comes with the territory. Hopefully those seeking a good therapist for their children will not be discouraged by negative reviews from angry (former) clients. Solid mental health issues take time to resolve, and are a lifelong journey for many. If you are looking to be "cured" anywhere by anyone, you will be looking for a long time."

"MSA helped my daughter tremendously. I was impressed that the first suggestion wasn't medication, so in that sense, there wasn't a rush to judgment. While in time, my daughter needed and benefitted from going on medication, it felt like we had tried other avenues first, and that was important to me. I've found the doctors on staff to be very compassionate and understanding. I've found the front desk staff to be helpful. Perhaps the front desk staff is not overly friendly, but they've been efficient, and helpful in my experience. My daughter had a very positive experience in the IOP program, save for another child who acted inappropriately, and that child was asked to leave the program. My daughter got so much from the group meetings, that she didn't want to stop going, when she "graduated." I feel very fortunate to have found MSA."

"MSA helped my son and my family. MSA helped him avoid another hospitalization for his depression and cutting. The art therapy program gave him an outlet, and to this day, he still uses art to cope with his emotions. This is a good and safe place. No, it isn't fancy, but fancy decor isn't what gets children better. I did find the receptionist rude at first, but once I called her on it, I could tell she felt awful that I felt that way, and we got along fine after that. It isn't cheap, but it is worth it."