Dr. Michael Axler is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing a range of difficulties, including behavioral issues and emotional struggles. In addition to his work at MindWell, Dr. Axler currently works as a school psychologist with Fairfax County Public Schools in a program for students with emotional disabilities. In this capacity, he not only works directly with children and adolescents with a variety of mental health concerns, but also provides parent and teacher consultation regarding behavior management and other clinical issues such as mood regulation, anxiety reduction, aggression, and impulse control. Dr. Axler has also served as a primary supervisor to school psychology doctoral interns, and as a mentor to newly practicing psychologists.
EDUCATION: University of Rochester, B.A. with high honors in psychology, 2003; University at Albany, State University of New York, M.S. in educational psychology, 2005, and Psy.D. in school psychology, 2008
INTERNSHIPS: Northeast Parent and Child Society, residential and emergency care facilities in Schenectady, NY; Center for Disability Services, residential and day treatment programs in Albany, NY
POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AND EXPERIENCES: Comprehensive Emotional Disabilities Services Site, FCPS; Primary Supervisor, FCPS Clinical Internship Program; Crisis Intervention Team Leader, FCPS Department of Intervention and Prevention Services
CREDENTIALS: Doctorate in School Psychology, License in Clinical Psychology in the Commonwealth of Virginia
SERVICES PROVIDED: Individual psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and young adults; family therapy
EXPERTISE:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Disruptive Behavior Disorders (ODD, CD)
- Trauma (PTSD)
In clinical practice, Dr. Axler has developed expertise working with youth who are depressed, anxious, impulsive, and prone to oppositional behavior. He has also worked extensively with children with autism spectrum disorders, and with youth who have a history of trauma (PTSD). Dr. Axler believes that the most effective treatment must be comprehensive, and he takes particular care to work with families as a whole in addition to his individual work with children and adolescents. He recognizes that when youth struggle, their entire families are affected, and he works to equip all family members with the skills they need to create and sustain healthy, supportive relationships. Contact MindWell today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Axler.
Dr. Axler is an avid musician, and he regularly works as a professional pianist and music director in the Washington, D.C. region. He has been known to take requests.