Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd, M.D., Psychiatrist
We verify the medical license of each FindaTopDoc Verified Doctor to ensure that their license is active and they are in good medical standing.

Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd, M.D.

Adolescent Psychiatrist | Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

4/5(6)
4284 William Flinn Hwy 304 Allison Park PA, 15101
Write A Review
Rating

4/5

About

Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd practices Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in Allison Park, PA. Dr. Spyridaki-Dodd evaluates patients throughout childhood and adolescence using many different procedures, in order to determine what treatments must be carried out in order to properly assess their symptoms. Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists are trained and certified to administer psychotherapy, medication, and many other means of treatment. Dr. Spyridaki-Dodd seeks to improve each patients quality of life.

Education and Training

Charles University Prague M.D. 2001

Allegheny General Hospital Residency 2008

Allegheny General Hospital Fellowship 2010

SAMHSA Early Psychosis 2019

Board Certification

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Psychiatry and Neurology)

Provider Details

Female English
Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd, M.D.
Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd, M.D.'s Expert Contributions
  • Childhood Mental Health History and Struggles

    From the methods the scientists use to create new medicine to the strategies, physicians use to manage and treat psychiatric illnesses, evidence shows a bias against children and adolescents. Historically, the concept of childhood mental illness did not exist prior to the late 19th century, the...

  • Is my child having panic attacks?

    Thank you for your questions at FADT. It sounds like a type of anxiety. There are things you can do at home first. If this does not work, or the disorder interferes with the child's life, then it is advisable to seek a specialist. Things to do at home is expose the child into incrementally more and more anxiety provoking situations, and allow the child to feel incrementally bigger amounts of anxiety. You start small and going up. For example let the child alone in the dark room for one minute while you are waiting at the door. The final exercise for example maybe let the child sleep alone in their room the whole night while you are sleeping in your room. This way the child masters and tolerates larger amounts of anxiety little by little, exactly as we strengthen a muscle gradually by lifting weights. I hope this helps. Thank you, Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • How is anxiety diagnosed in children?

    Thank you for your questions at FADT. Anxiety is diagnosed in children typically by a child psychiatrist. The main criteria include feelings of stress and anxiety which interfere with the child's life. Typically symptoms also include body pains and aches, inability to sleep, fatigue. I hope this helps. Thank you, Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Does depression damage your brain?

    Generally speaking depression (if correctly diagnosed) is a serious illness that if left untreated can have serious consequences for the person's life and health, and sometimes leads to suicide. Depression has been connected to increased inflammatory processes in the brain, which means that there is a possibility that if depression is left untreated it could affect the brain in an adverse way. It is strongly advised that a child with suspected depression is seen by a specialist sooner rather than later. I hope this helps, Thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • At what age is it still ok for your child to have an imaginary friend?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. So, typically as the child's brain matures and is more able to think abstractly, then the need for an imaginary friend gradually decreases. Generally speaking the human brain starts gradually maturing in adolescence, but the full brain maturation does not complete until age 25-26 years. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD READ MORE

  • Why is my child wetting the bed at age 9?

    Thank you for your questions at FADT. Generally speaking if a child presents with "new onset" bed wetting (meaning the child starts bed wetting after he was potty trained in the past) then this may have several potential etiologies, including but not limited to: recent trauma, expression of anger or other feelings that the child feels are not allowed to be expressed at home or school, stress related to school/ friends/ sports. In addition there maybe dysfunctions related to the child genito-urinary system including kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder. Optimally the child's pediatrician and a mental health specialist will work together to diagnose and treat. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • What is behavioral therapy for autism?

    Thank you for your questions at FADT. Behavioral therapy for autism typically involves helping the child learn social skills, as this is one of the typical difficulties in autism. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • What is the cause of sleepwalking?

    Sleepwalking is a disorder of the sleep control centers of the brain. The causes maybe neurological or psychological or a combination of both. It is advised that the child seeks the professional opinion of a specialist, especially if there are safety concerns. I hope this helps, than you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • How do I help my child who keeps having nightmares?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. So typically nightmares is a symptom of an underlying disorder, typically anxiety or trauma. So that we must first identify the underlying disorder, then treat appropriately. How you can help your child at home is by making the sleeping routine as calming as possible. However it is advised to seek specialist help if common home remedies do not seem to work. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • What medicine is good for children's sleeping issues?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. So I will start by saying that the first advise for a child with sleeping issues is non-pharmacological. Typically in medicine we use the milder treatments first, going to stronger treatments gradually if the previous treatment did not work. So it is advised that the first step would be home remedies including sleep hygiene, then going up to psychotherapy, and then going up to taking medication under the advise of a doctor. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • What are the benefits of speech therapy for anxious children?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. Speech therapy for anxiety maybe beneficial in the case that the child's anxiety is mainly induced when the child speaks. However, if the child's anxiety is triggered by numerous things and situations, then a more comprehensive approach is advised, including formal psychotherapy, and/or medications. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Is long-term use of Prozac safe?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. It depends what is the illness prozac is used for. For example, if the illness is clinical depression, then most of the disadvantages of prozac (example some risk of interference with calcium metabolism, or changes in appetite) are of smaller significance compared to the risk of suicide if depression is left untreated. In addition, I think it is important to point out that approximately 30-60% of individuals age 25 years or younger with depression or anxiety, are able to stop their medication after two years of successful treatment. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Can stomach problems make it difficult for a child to sleep?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. Yes of course it can. In fact, gastrointestinal problems and sleeping difficulties can affect each other. For example "I am anxious and this leads to my belly hurting and inability to sleep" or "my belly hurts, and this leads to inability to sleep due to the pain, plus it stresses me out because I am afraid there is something wrong with my health". I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • How to help a friend addicted to opiods?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. Opioid addiction is a serious illness and typically needs very comprehensive treatment. The best outcomes come from cases who received comprehensive treatment, i.e. including going to therapy, receiving medications for underlying co-occuring mental health condition (e.g. depression), attending drug and alcohol specific intensive classes almost daily, and at the same time having good social support from family, friends, employer. So, the lesson from that is it is advisable that you help your friend together with a team of other people (friends, family, professionals). I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • What are the benefits of using cognitive behavioral therapy versus using behavioral therapy?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. I think you are talking about bereavement and how to help it. The differences between cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral therapy are basically in the depth of changing the behavior and mindset of the individual. Behavioral therapy just changes the behavior (e.g. I practice not to cry about my grandpa). Cognitive behavioral therapy changes the behavior and mindset (e.g. I hurt gradually less of my grandpa's loss because more and more I rationally understand that I can still feel happiness without him, should not feel guilty about it, and that it is ok to miss him forever without feeling deep emotional pain). I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Can old concussions cause headaches?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. Yes absolutely they can. It is advisable to seek professional help by a concussion specialist. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Is depression a serious condition?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. Clinical depression is in most cases a relatively serious condition, the main reason for this in a lot of cases is the high risk of suicide and cognitive problems. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • What is the best way to treat an eating disorder?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. According to most recent scientific studies, the best outcomes regarding eating disorders are coming from cases that were treated via "family based therapy". This is a type of therapy which involves the entire family, it is very intense, and focuses on the well-being of the individual as she functions in the family unit, and the family's roles and behaviors towards the individual. Generally speaking, some severe cases of eating disorder need inpatient hospitalization at an eating disorder specialized clinic to prevent cardiovascular complications. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Stopping my teenage son's addiction to prescription medicine?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. Generally speaking, it is advisable that children, adolescents and young adults do not use narcotics for any reason, even after surgery, due to the high risk of addiction. It is advisable that doctors do not prescribe this in most cases, and also it is advisable that if it is absolutely necessary to prescribe, that it is only a very short course of medication, e.g. a week or less at very small doses. Of course there are exceptions. I would advise in your specific case that your son, under your support, seeks the advise of a psychiatric team. In addition it would be beneficial to seek psychotherapies that treat pain via mindfulness strategies, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Is ADHD a serious condition?

    Thank you for your question at FADT. So ADHD can be mild, moderate or serious, depending how much it interferes with the person's life. For example, in mild cases, the person has only mild difficulties completing some of her math work, but otherwise no other problems. In severe cases, the person's difficulty to pay attention is so significant that for example, the person may forget to look at both sides before crossing a road. The treatment options follow the severity, that is, mild ADHD may just need a quiet room to do math work. Moderate ADHD may need mind-fullness-based psychotherapy and maybe medications, severe ADHD may need a combination of therapy and medications. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

  • Can you have a psychiatry consultation for an eating disorder?

    Thank you for your questions. Yes, a psychiatrist, including myself, can examine and diagnose eating disorders. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Early PsychosisPTSDBipolar DisorderAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAnxietyDepressionSuicidal Risk AssessmentOppositional Defiant DisorderConduct Disorder

Faculty Titles & Positions

  • Preceptor Chatham University 2014 - 2019
  • Executive Secretary Pittsburgh Psychiatric Society Executive Committee 2016 - Present
  • Preceptor University of Pittsburgh Nurse Practitioner School 2017 - Present
  • Preceptor Robert Morris University 2017 - 2019

Treatments

  • Bipolar Disorder

Professional Memberships

  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  
  • American Psychiatric Association  

Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd, M.D.'s Practice location

Pediatric Psychiatry, PLLC

4284 William Flinn Hwy 304 -
Allison Park, PA 15101
Get Direction
New patients: 412-996-2165
https://pediatricpsychiatry.org/

Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd, M.D.'s reviews

(6)
Write Review

Patient Experience with Dr. Spyridaki-Dodd


4.0

Based on 6 reviews

Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd, M.D. has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 6 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Adolescent Psychiatrist | Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Recommended Articles

  • Recognizing Anxiety Disorders In Children

    It’s sometimes difficult to understand your kids and their behavior. One moment they are happy and the next moment, they seem sad or irritated. Well, this kind of innocent behavior in children can be considered normal under certain conditions, but not always. For example, anxiety is useful and...

  • Learning About the Beck Depression Inventory

    Depression and AnxietyDepression and anxiety are disorders that are different from each other, but people suffering from depression often have symptoms that closely resemble those of anxiety. The disorder, in fact, starts out as anxiety, and if not treated at the right time with the right diagnosis,...

  • Choosing the Right Education for Your Autistic Child

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can cause issues in crucial areas of development, such as social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, creative and imaginative play, and sensory processing.Children with ASD may have difficulty understanding and communicating their needs and wants to...

  • Symptoms of Atypical Depression

    Depression is usually signified by extended moods of sadness and a generally low mood even when events occur that should normally lift someone’s spirits. Patients generally ignore all positive stimuli, preferring to remain in a cocoon irrespective of external circumstances. At one stage, the loss...

  • Autism and Its Additional Complications

    Since autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, there are a variety of different symptoms. Different children with ASD will have different reactions, symptoms, and complications on different levels. Typically, autism impairs social and communication skills; however, the...

  • What Causes Eating Disorders

    An eating disorder is usually classified as any one of a broad range of psychological disorders, but more specifically ones that demonstrate eating habits that are abnormal or absurd. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Anorexia refers...

Nearby Providers

See all nearby providers

Nearest Hospitals

UPMC ST MARGARETl

815 FREEPORT ROAD PITTSBURGH PA 15215

Head south on William Flinn Highway (PA 8) 5.3 mi
Continue straight onto Butler Street (PA 8) 3738 ft
Continue straight onto William Flinn Highway (PA 8) 2422 ft
Take the ramp on the left towards PA 28 North: Kittanning 1817 ft
Merge right onto Allegheny Valley Expressway (PA 28) 2.1 mi
Take the ramp on the right towards Delafield Avenue 707 ft
Keep left at the fork towards Delafield Avenue 191 ft
Make a slight left onto Delafield Road 507 ft
Turn left 265 ft
Turn right 229 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the right

9.3 miSee direction

UPMC PASSAVANTl

9100 BABCOCK BOULEVARD PITTSBURGH PA 15237

Head south on William Flinn Highway (PA 8) 1.2 mi
Turn right onto Duncan Avenue (Green Belt) 2.6 mi
Continue slightly left onto Duncan Avenue 121 ft
Continue right onto Duncan Avenue 5013 ft
Turn right onto Babcock Boulevard 2699 ft
Turn right 152 ft
Make a slight right 61 ft
Turn left 486 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the right

5.4 miSee direction

CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH OF UPMCl

4401 PENN AVENUE PITTSBURGH PA 15224

Head south on William Flinn Highway (PA 8) 5.3 mi
Continue straight onto Butler Street (PA 8) 3738 ft
Continue straight onto William Flinn Highway (PA 8) 2347 ft
Take the ramp on the right towards PA 28 South: Pittsburgh 2676 ft
Merge left onto Allegheny Valley Expressway (PA 28) 1.8 mi
Take the ramp on the left towards 40th Street Bridge 281 ft
Continue left onto 40th Street Bridge 5090 ft
Turn left onto Penn Avenue 1243 ft
Turn left onto 44th Street 190 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the right

10.0 miSee direction