Helping Professionals Interview Series: Pediatrician Joel Koenig, MD
As anxiety therapists in St. Louis, we know that finding a pediatrician can be daunting.
Just like the search for a great therapist can feel overwhelming, so can finding the right pediatrician for your kids. The great thing about working with a therapist is that they can also help you find the best pediatrician for your family’s needs - and vice versa!
As counselors, we like to work with a lot of professionals in the area so we can tailor our approach to you and refer you other awesome resources for your kid, teen or college student. When we all work together, the search can feel a little less overwhelming.
This is why we wanted to share our interview with Dr. Joel Koenig, MD about his experience as a pediatrician in St. Louis. He shares what happens in a first appointment with him, how he approaches anxiety with his clients, and even lets us in a few famous relatives he has! Check out the interview below.
What kind of treatment do you provide?
I provide screening for anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I prescribe medication when appropriate and provide a small degree of counseling.
What ages do you work with?
I work with children up to age 21. I have referred children as young as four years of age to therapists for help with anxiety.
What can parents expect to leave with after working with you?
After meeting with families I hope that they have an understanding of the diagnostic process and of any reservations I may have as to the working diagnosis. I expect them to have an understanding that behavioral health requires a team approach including family members, a therapist, a physician, and possibly medication specialists or even occupational therapists and the like. If I am prescribing medications the family should be comfortable with the decision and understand how they work and what side effects may be expected. I also stress that I am a pediatrician and not a psychiatrist. There is a shortage of child psychiatrists in St. Louis so I feel it is my obligation to treat children with relatively uncomplicated behavioral health issues. Parents are told that I may at some point need to refer their child to a psychiatrist, depending on their clinical course.
Who are your favorite types of patients to work with?
I like children (even teenagers) so I can’t say that I really have favorites other than families with loving parents who are willing to accept that behavioral conditions are nothing to be ashamed of. We all have our issues and the happiest people acknowledge their problems and address them in an adult fashion without concern for “blame” or “disgrace."
What happens during a first appointment with you?
Most of the patients I see for behavioral health assessments are kids I’ve known for years, but sometimes a family will transfer their children to my care because they know that I am willing to treat these problems.
Before the first appointment for behavioral assessment
I like to review the child’s past medical history (if I don’t already know it) as well as the family medical and mental health history. Usually when the family calls for a behavioral assessment appointment my staff will send them a set of diagnostic questionnaires for me to review beforehand. That makes the actual appointment more efficient.
During the appointment
I will ask for the parents to recite their narrative and will ask clarifying questions.
I discuss the diagnostic test results and offer my opinion as to the diagnosis and possible co-morbidities.
I usually refer to a psychotherapist and whatever specialists might be warranted.
I discuss medication options, if appropriate, including how they should be used and which side effects may become a problem. Sometimes genetic testing is appropriate to help choose which medication would be best.
The parents are told that like other serious persistent medical conditions, there will be a need for frequent follow up visits. The first appointment usually lasts about 45 minutes but the follow up appointments are generally briefer. I am able to offer telemedicine visits when appropriate.
Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from anxiety?
I encourage the children and their families to be honest with me and try to help them feel comfortable in doing so. I reassure them that they are not alone and that many of their friends or relatives likely are dealing with similar issues. I encourage them to establish a trusting relationship with a therapist and to ask questions of me whenever they need. I advise the older children that I serve as their advocate and am always on their side no matter what.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for anxiety disorders?
I wish that fewer people felt that there is some sort of stigma attached to anxiety disorders. I explain that all human beings (animals too) experience anxiety and that it is actually a helpful and potentially life-saving characteristic. I explain that some people have excessive anxiety responses that either get in the way of normal activities or that cause distress. I wish people realized that they don’t have to suffer and that they can start the process of recovery quickly.
How can people learn more and contact you?
My practice, Town and Country Pediatrics, has a website and corresponding Facebook page, The easiest way to contact us is to call (314) 994-0209 or email us at tcpediatrics@yahoo.com
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
I am a quiet, introverted intellectual type, and am a third generation physician. My extended family has boasted professional musicians for at least six generations including Grammy-winning artist Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend and rock icon Bebe Buell (mother of Liv Tyler).
Curious to learn more about finding a pediatrician for your kids? Wondering if you need to connect with a therapist for anxiety or anger management in St. Louis? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based therapists or pediatricians like Joel!
Compassionate Counseling St. Louis provides specialized anger management and anxiety therapy in St. Louis for kids, teens, and college students. We work in Clayton, MO and serve kids, teens, and college students throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood.
Thumbnail images provided by: Marisa Howenstein and Jonathan Borba.