Graham T. Atkins, MD

I was lucky to have the freedom to pursue any career I wanted. I decided to use that opportunity to help others. My work as a doctor allows me to do that best. With support from a dedicated team and state-of-the-art medicine, I care for the sickest patients during a time of profound vulnerability. It is hard to watch a loved one going through a complex critical illness. Those closest to the patient may be suffering from a sense of helplessness, guilt, sadness and uncertainty. Attending to those emotions is as much a part of my job as ensuring my patient gets the best possible care. At the end of the day, my goal is to provide patients with more time on this earth to do the things they love. When that isn’t possible, I protect my patients and their friends and family from unnecessary suffering. Some of the most meaningful moments in critical care surround patients who can't be saved. Even when I can't control my patient's illness, I can control their experience of that illness. I’m here to help patients leave their lives gracefully. That is gratifying work in its own way. Hard work, but gratifying.

As a child psychologist, my goal is to provide children and families with evidence-based treatments in the context of a strong therapeutic relationship. My work is aimed at providing services to a diverse group of patients and help them address common behavior problems that occur in children and adolescents. In my therapeutic work, I strive to treat each child or teen as an individual and match their specific challenges and strengths with a treatment approach capable of improving their quality of life and supporting a successful future. I provide behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy to children and adolescents ages 2-19. My clinical interests are foremost in the treatment of aggressive, defiant, and disruptive behaviors. Many of my clients present with challenges related to diagnoses of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Conduct Disorder. I have a deep interest in the treatment of sleep disorders and elimination disorders (e.g., bedwetting, difficulties toilet training). I also welcome referrals for children and teens seeking help for anxiety, OCD, depression, somatic distress, and family conflict. In addition to my clinical work, I also conduct research and provide training to developing therapists. My research interests are in the areas of bullying prevention and the development of treatments for children with aggressive and defiant behaviors that do not have access to traditional mental healthcare. I currently serve as the Lead Supervisor of Child Psychotherapy Training for both the Psychiatry and Psychology trainees within the Department of Psychiatry. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from our remarkable trainees.

It’s important that my patients feel supported throughout their diagnosis and treatment. Receiving stressful news isn’t easy, so I want them to find comfort in my insight and guidance toward the right treatment path. Clear communication is a critical part of my process. In my care, both patients and loved ones are well informed. By answering their questions thoroughly in uncomplicated terms, I ensure everyone understands the diagnosis. I am just a phone call away. I follow up on results in a timely fashion. Patients are always able to contact me after an appointment with their questions or concerns. My goal is to ease the angst and anxiety that often comes with a new diagnosis. I really enjoy my work and finding ways to connect with, comfort and guide people of varying backgrounds makes it all the more fulfilling.