Samantha Cohen
MD
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician
Dr. Samantha Cohen is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, board-certified as a subspecialist in Pediatrics, dedicated to evaluating, diagnosing, and providing ongoing support for children who learn, think, and behave differently. Her approach focuses on helping patients and their families optimize developmental and behavioral outcomes while embracing neurodiversity, fostering understanding, confidence, and lifelong growth.
BACKGROUND
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Raised in Southern California, undergraduate degree from UC Santa Cruz.
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Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin (2008).
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Pediatric Residency training at UC San Diego/Rady Children’s Hospital (2011).
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Worked as a General Pediatrician for San Ysidro Health Center before completing a 3-year fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at UC Davis MIND Institute (2017).
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Published research on yoga for preschool-aged children with ADHD symptoms (Journal of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, 2018).
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Served as a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician for Southern California Permanente Medical Group in San Diego (2017–2023).
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Opened private practice, Samantha Cohen, MD, Inc., in 2024.
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Mother of a wonderful young boy with Autism and ADHD, giving her the unique perspective of being both a provider and a parent navigating services, therapies, and milestones firsthand.
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SERVICES
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Comprehensive Evaluations: Developmental and behavioral assessments for children and teens (birth–18, with continued care through 21 in some cases).
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Areas of Expertise: Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, emotional regulation, social skills support, sleep difficulties, and picky eating challenges.
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Medication Consultations & Management: Thoughtful guidance on whether medication is indicated and on-going monitoring and care, as needed.
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Lifestyle Medicine: Evidence-based recommendations to improve ADHD symptom management and overall well-being.
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Group-Based Care Social Skills Programs:
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Secret Agent Society: 22-session program for ages 8–12 to build emotion recognition, regulation, problem-solving, and friendship skills.
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PEERS® for Preschoolers: 16-week program teaching children (ages 4–6) social skills for making and keeping friends, with a strong parent-coaching component.
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TEACH ME ADHD: 8-week program for kids ages 8–12 and their parents to learn about ADHD, healthy habits, emotional regulation, executive function tools, and family support strategies.
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Dr. Cohen offers both in-person and telehealth appointments, working collaboratively with families to create individualized care plans that support thriving at home, in school, and in life.