04/26/2026
This personal memory came across my page from 10 years ago and really hit home for me today:
The services in this state for kids is unacceptable. This was my day:
"Hello, PCH. I'd like to get my daughter established with a developmental pediatrician."
PCH: "Well, do you have a referral?"
Me: "No, but we have a PPO and a secondary insurance".
PCH: "That doesn't matter, we need a referral".
Me: "Dr. Pediatrician, can I have a referral for a developmental ped to PCH?"
Pediatrician: "She's too old for PCH, they won't take her."
Me: "She's 7!"
Pediatrician: "The only place that will take her is Dr. Your kid is a $$, not a child".
Me: "I refuse to take her there. What are my options??"
Pediatrician: "Psychiatry at PCH"
Me: "I'd like to get my daughter established with a psychiatrist"
PCH Psychiatry: Literally laughing at me, "As a new patient? Honey, we're booked through July with existing patients and there is a waiting list a mile long for new patients".
Me....."So what are my options?"
PCH: "A shady clinic on 19th Ave and Camelback.”
Soooo..... Another child falls through the cracks?? This is ridiculous. Fine, I will open my own clinic.
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Ten years ago, I was a parent desperately trying to get my child in for a psychological evaluation. The barriers were real, the wait was long, and the frustration was overwhelming. In that moment, I made myself a promise: one day, I would open a practice that made this easier for families. One year ago, that promise became Miller Psychological Services. 🎉
Though I’m based in California, I built MPS to serve families in Arizona, with a deeply skilled team administering assessments and my direct supervision on every single evaluation. Distance has never meant disconnection. Our commitment is to truly know each child we work with.
I am also lucky enough to have a thriving practice in California where I work directly with families.
Just yesterday, after completing evaluations for two children in one family in Arizona, a mother told us she felt like we were right there in her home with her, that’s how well we understood her children.
That moment is exactly why I opened this practice. And it’s exactly why I’ll keep going.
If your family is navigating the evaluation process and you’re not sure where to turn, we’re here. 💙 www.millerpsych.org
Comprehensive evaluations for autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, mood/behavior, and trauma.
