INTEGRATED THERAPY SERVICES PSYCHOLOGICAL AND LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES (ITS-PALSS)
A holistic approach addressing interpersonal,
social and emotional, mood regulation, learning
and educational needs in individuals
ITS-PALSS, Inc.
Providers of Integrated Therapy Services
10605 Concord Street, Suite 100
Kensington, MD 20895-3819
Phone: (301) 962-0800 ext 2
Fax: (301) 962-9200
www.its-palss.com
OVERVIEW OF SERVICES
Comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, educational and consultative services are provided for
infants, children, adolescents, adults and their families. Integrated therapy approaches are used to
address the child's social and emotional needs, self-regulatory capacities, coping and learning
needs. Individuals and families learn specific ways to help themselves at home, at school or
work, in play or leisure time, and in everyday activities that present challenges for them. In
addition to gaining insights underlying problem behaviors and school difficulties, relationship
dynamics are addressed through parent-child therapy, family interactions, couple dynamics, and
the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. Consultation is provided to day care
providers, teachers, or other professionals as needed to address the person’s functioning in
different settings. Both short-term and long-term treatment and tutoring is available as well as
individual and group therapies. Services to support all aspects of learning including school
placement, advocacy for services that are federally regulated and a variety of tutoring and
academic therapies are provided.
CLIENTS
A range of services is offered to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults, and their
families. Some of the types of problems that are addressed include:
 learning disabilities including problems with organization and time management
 developmental disabilities including genetic and other chromosomal abnormalities
 attention deficits or hyperactivity that interfere with school and job performance
 sensory integrative problems that impact social-emotional functioning
 autistic spectrum disorders including Asperger’s syndrome
 eating and sleep disorders
 high irritability, temper tantrums, anger management problems, and low frustration
tolerance
 anxieties and phobias, excessive shyness, fearfulness, or withdrawn behavior
 attachment and separation problems
 oppositional, aggressive, impulsive, or disruptive behaviors
 depression and other mood disorders
 problems with interpersonal and social skills
 obsessive-compulsive behaviors
 adoption issues
 post-partum depression
SERVICES
Assessment and Diagnosis
Diagnostic services that are available include:
 educational evaluations to assess learning abilities and academic performance
 assessment of personality, mood problems, attention, and dynamic interpersonal
interactions
 complete school and developmental record review for school planning
Treatment
Comprehensive and integrated treatment and school consulting and tutoring services are
provided that address the specific needs and concerns of individuals and families. Therapies may
be provided as short-term or long-term interventions. Small groups are also available that
integrate the multiple needs of children and adults. Ongoing parental guidance and consultation
to teachers and day care providers is considered an important aspect of the intervention process
for children. The following services are available:
 play therapy provided individually and in small groups
 parent-child dyadic therapy
 psychotherapy
 parental guidance
 social skills groups for school aged and teen-aged children
 insight oriented psychotherapy for school-aged children, adolescents, and adults
 cognitive-behavioral therapy
 EMDR (eye movement desensitization response therapy)
 family psychotherapy
 weekly or bi-weekly tutoring and academic therapy
 comprehensive educational planning
SCHEDULE AND POLICIES
Appointments are generally scheduled during weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Some
evening and Saturday appointments are available. Fees vary according to the type of service
rendered. To make an appointment, referral, or to obtain further information, please call (301)
962-0800 and leave a message on the extension of the clinician you are interested in speaking
with, or go to our website at www.its-palss.com.
LIST OF PROFESSIONALS AT ITS-PALSS
Georgia DeGangi, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA is practicing as a clinical psychologist but also has
experience as an occupational therapist. She has over 25 years experience working with children,
adults, and their families. She has extensive experience with diagnosis and treatment of a range
of developmental, behavioral, social and emotional problems. Dr. DeGangi has conducted
research to examine effective ways of treating individuals with regulatory problems and is
especially interested in how problems of self-regulation early in life impact interpersonal
effectiveness, coping, mood regulation, personality and learning as individuals grow older.
Among her recent publications are her books entitled Effective Parenting for the Hard-toManage Child and Pediatric Disorders of Regulation in Affect and Behavior: A therapist’s guide
to assessment and treatment. Dr. DeGangi is internationally recognized as a leading expert in
the assessment and treatment of children with problems of self-regulation, sensory processing,
attention, and interactional problems. She is also co-chair of the Infant/Child Mental Health
Program at the Washington School of Psychiatry.
Cheryl Holland, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience
working with children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Holland earned her Ph.D. from the
University of Maryland at College Park, including internship training at Children’s National
Medical Center in Washington, DC. She previously held staff appointments at the Kennedy
Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD and the Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Young
Children in Rockville, MD. Dr. Holland has extensive experience providing psychological
evaluations, treatment, and consultation addressing a broad array of emotional, social,
developmental, and behavioral concerns. Particular specialty areas include early intervention
with young children including those with challenging temperaments, anxiety, sensory-motor
difficulties, or language delays that impact development. Dr. Holland emphasizes interventions
that build on an individual’s strengths and that support positive coping skills. She also provides
integrated parent and school consultation to support effective behavioral strategies. Dr. Holland
conducts training seminars in the community with parents and professionals on topics of
development and healthy family relationships. Dr. Holland is also a consultant providing early
childhood mental health supervision and training for staff at the Reginald S. Lourie Center.
Daniel Griffin, Ph.D. has over 25 years of experience working with a variety of children and
families. He is a child clinical psychologist who has pursued extensive post-doctoral training in
family therapy and has taught family and child interventions at Children's National Medical
Center, New York University Hospital Child Study Center The George Washington University
and The Minuchin Center for the Family. Dr. Griffin adopts a family friendly systemic approach
in working with children that are struggling with behavioral, emotional and learning issues. He
works with children across the age spectrum.
Suzanne Keith Blattner, M.S. Ed. is a special education consultant who has worked in various
capacities in special education for 28 years. Her experiences include a variety of teaching,
diagnostics and administrative responsibilities in public schools and major medical facilities. For
the past 15 years, Ms. Blattner has served as a consultant for families who are seeking expert
counsel regarding the process of evaluating their child’s needs and securing school and services
options that best meet those needs. Ms. Blattner’s educational background brings in-depth
training not only in special education, but also in child development and neurodevelopment. In
addition, her teaching experiences with young children have provided her with hands on
knowledge of best practices in early childhood education. As an advocate, Ms. Blattner provides
guidance during Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and expert testimony in legal
proceedings as necessary. Ms. Blattner is committed to providing tailored guidance to each client
based on his or her individual needs.
In addition to consultation services, tutoring and academic therapy is provided to students who
require specialized learning supports. All of the tutors who work with Ms. Blattner are highly
skilled and experienced with educational backgrounds in Special Education along with a wide
range of teaching experiences.