In-Person in Sarasota, FL 34236
In-Person in Venice, FL 34292
Online in
PSYPACT states
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience, I, Dr. Keri Downs, specialize in child and adolescent therapy. My extensive experience spans various emotional, behavioral, and social challenges faced by children, adolescents, and young adults, including sadness, behavioral problems, ADHD, giftedness, social difficulties, and trauma. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based therapy to help my clients navigate these challenges and achieve personal growth.
I hold degrees from Dartmouth College and Roosevelt University, and my therapeutic approach is rooted in strengths-based, relationship-based, and cognitive-behavioral theories. I strive to understand how my patients’ environments and experiences shape their self-perception, relationships, and worldview. Believing in the power of the therapeutic relationship, I use it as a tool to help patients gain deeper awareness and insight into their emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns.
At Davenport Psychology, I take pride in my ability to see the big picture and utilize creative, innovative interventions to help children and families reach their greatest potential. I offer individual and group therapy, parent support, and comprehensive psychological evaluations. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and achieve lasting change.
Client Focus
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Teen, Young Adult
Treatment Approach
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Object Relations Therapy Focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current relationships. It aims to improve patterns of attachment and trust.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Transactional Analysis Explores interactions through the lens of Parent, Adult, and Child roles. It aims to improve communication and self-awareness.
Approach Description: Dr. Keri Downs employs a comprehensive and integrative approach to therapy, utilizing a variety of evidence-based techniques to address the unique needs of each client. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in strengths-based, relationship-based, and cognitive-behavioral theories. Here are the specific treatment approaches Dr. Downs offers:
-Art Therapy: Dr. Downs incorporates creative techniques such as drawing, painting, and other forms of artistic expression to help clients explore their emotions and experiences in a non-verbal way. This approach is particularly effective for children and adolescents who may find it challenging to express themselves through words.
-Behavioral Therapy: This approach focuses on modifying harmful behaviors through reinforcement strategies. Dr. Downs helps clients develop healthier behavior patterns by identifying triggers and implementing positive behavioral changes.
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Dr. Downs uses CBT to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. This evidence-based approach is effective in treating a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
-Family Systems Therapy: Recognizing the importance of family dynamics, Dr. Downs works with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. This approach helps to create a supportive environment for the client’s growth and development.
-Transactional Analysis: Dr. Downs uses this approach to explore social interactions and communication patterns. By understanding these dynamics, clients can improve their relationships and develop healthier ways of interacting with others.
-Biopsychosocial Approach: Dr. Downs considers the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence a client’s mental health. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a client’s life are addressed in the treatment plan.
-Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dr. Downs integrates DBT techniques to help clients manage intense emotions and develop coping skills. This approach is particularly effective for individuals with mood disorders and those experiencing high levels of stress.
-Play Therapy: Dr. Downs utilizes play therapy techniques to engage children in the therapeutic process. Through play, children can express their emotions, process experiences, and develop problem-solving skills in a safe and supportive environment.
-Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Dr. Downs employs SFBT to help clients identify and build on their strengths to achieve specific goals. This approach is goal-oriented and focuses on finding practical solutions to current challenges.
Dr. Downs is committed to providing personalized and effective therapy that empowers clients to achieve their full potential. By integrating these diverse approaches, she ensures that each client receives comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.
Education & Credentials
Keri Downs, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist
- Female
- License # PY11909
- Licensed in Florida
- PSYPACT Mobility # 17577
- Practicing Since 2005
Education: Dr. Keri Downs holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Roosevelt University, where she received comprehensive training in clinical psychology. Her education provided a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $250
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Dr. Keri Downs is committed to making mental health care accessible and affordable for all clients. She offers sliding scale therapy, which adjusts the cost of sessions based on the client’s income. This flexible payment structure ensures that individuals with lower incomes can receive the mental health services they need without financial strain.
- Out of Network
Keri Downs, Psy.D. Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Sarasota, FL 34236 and Venice, FL 34292
- Available Online for residents of PSYPACT states Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- Online Therapy Details: Microsoft Teams
At Davenport Psychology, Dr. Keri Downs is dedicated to providing high-quality psychological services to children, adolescents, and their families in Sarasota and Venice, FL. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Downs specializes in addressing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and social challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, giftedness, social difficulties, and trauma.
Dr. Downs’s practice is founded on the principles of empathy, respect, and evidence-based care. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework, and Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). Additionally, she incorporates creative approaches like animal-assisted therapy, play therapy, and art therapy to engage her clients in the therapeutic process.
Dr. Downs is committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment where children and adolescents feel safe to express themselves and explore their emotions. She believes in the importance of building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust and mutual respect. This foundation enables her to work collaboratively with clients and their families to develop effective treatment plans and achieve meaningful progress.
In addition to her therapeutic services, Dr. Downs offers comprehensive psychological evaluations to better understand each client’s unique strengths and challenges. These assessments help to inform targeted interventions that support the growth and development of her clients.
Dr. Downs also provides parent coaching and support groups to empower parents with the tools and strategies they need to support their children’s mental health. Her holistic approach ensures that the entire family is involved in the therapeutic process, promoting overall well-being and resilience.
At Davenport Psychology, Dr. Downs is passionate about mental health education and advocacy. She strives to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and provides resources to support her community. She believes that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care and is committed to making her services accessible to all. To further this commitment, Dr. Downs offers telehealth services in over 40 states, ensuring that clients can receive the care they need, regardless of their location.