As Sarasota and Venice families prepare for the new school year, many children and teens face more than just academic pressure—they’re navigating anxiety, social stress, and emotional transitions. That’s why Dr. Keri Downs, a licensed psychologist at Davenport Psychology, is leading a Back-to-School Reset initiative to help families start the year with confidence and clarity.
Why Back-to-School Can Be Emotionally Challenging
Parents and caregivers aren’t alone in feeling the pressure—students nationwide are navigating anxiety, social stress, and emotional transitions. Recent national data confirm that nearly 60% of teens report experiencing some form of mental health challenge, such as anxiety or depression (DCPS Mental Health, 2025). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of adolescents have experienced anxiety symptoms in the past two weeks, and 40% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year (CDC).
These challenges are especially common in children with ADHD, giftedness, or a history of trauma—populations that face even higher risk for emotional dysregulation and school-related stress (Boston University, 2024).
The return to school often brings:
- Disrupted routines and sleep schedules
- Academic stress and performance anxiety
- Social reintegration struggles
- Emotional dysregulation in gifted or neurodiverse students
Meet Dr. Keri Downs, Psy.D.
Dr. Downs is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience specializing in child, adolescent, and family therapy. She holds a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Roosevelt University and a B.A. from Dartmouth College, and is a Licensed Psychologist in Florida (PY11909) with PSYPACT authority (17577) to provide telehealth in over 40 states
Her therapeutic approach is:
- Strengths-based and relationship-focused
- Grounded in CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy
- Enhanced by creative modalities like art therapy and play therapy
She is especially skilled in supporting:
- Gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children
- Teens with executive functioning challenges
- Parents navigating behavioral and emotional concerns
Services Offered in Sarasota & Venice
Dr. Downs’ Back-to-School Reset includes:
- Individual Child Sessions: Build emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence
- Parent Support Sessions: Learn strategies to support your child at home
- Family Therapy: Improve communication and reduce conflict
- ADHD & Gifted Support: Tailored interventions for neurodiverse learners
📍 Available in Sarasota and Venice
💻 Virtual or In-Person Appointments
Why Local Support Matters
As a trusted provider in the Sarasota and Venice communities, Dr. Downs understands the unique pressures local families face—from school transitions to hurricane-related anxiety. Her work is rooted in local relevance, clinical excellence, and compassionate care.
Ready to Reset?
If your child is struggling with the transition back to school—or if your family could use support—now is the time to act.
📞 Call (941) 702-2457
🌐 Schedule an appointment
📍 View our Sarasota location
📍 View our Venice location
Get Professional Help from Licensed Psychologists
Our doctoral-level psychologists in Sarasota and Venice can help with your mental health needs.
Call (941) 702-2457 to schedule a consultation.
