Usman Ghumman, MD MPH, 76 Bedford St, Lexington, MA (2025)

07/29/2025

Now Accepting New Patients!

03/21/2025

Trust the Progress: Every Step Counts

When it comes to kids' mental health, progress isn’t always a straight line—it’s a journey of small victories, quiet resilience, and gradual healing. 💙✨

Some days will feel like breakthroughs, while others may feel like setbacks. But remember: every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress. Celebrate the little wins, offer patience on the tough days, and trust that growth is happening. 🌿

If you’re supporting a child through their mental health journey, remind them (and yourself) that healing takes time. Keep showing up, keep believing, and keep trusting the process. 💛

03/20/2025

One Step at a Time is Still Forward Progress

From a psychological lens, growth isn’t always loud or dramatic — often, it’s found in the quiet, consistent steps we take each day.

Whether you're helping your child regulate their emotions, setting gentle boundaries, or simply staying present through the chaos — you're building resilience, in them and in yourself.

Progress in parenting isn’t linear. Some days feel like leaps, others feel like standing still — but every step you take lays the groundwork for emotional security, healthy attachment, and lifelong coping skills.

So if today felt like “just surviving,” please remember:
Showing up, trying again, and staying connected — that’s powerful work.
Small steps shape strong minds. Yours and theirs. 💛

03/10/2025

I am honored to step into the role of Director of Autism-Depression Comorbidity at the MGH Bressler Clinical & Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

With over a decade of experience in autism and a deep commitment to supporting neurodivergent individuals, I am eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and clinical advancements in understanding and addressing the intersection of autism and depression. This comorbidity is often underrecognized, yet it significantly impacts quality of life, and I look forward to working alongside incredible colleagues to drive meaningful change.

Grateful for this opportunity and excited for what’s ahead!

03/03/2025

🧠 Thoughts Are Not Facts! 🧠

Just because we think something doesn’t mean it’s true. Kids (and adults!) experience cognitive distortions—automatic, unhelpful thought patterns that twist reality.

🔍 “No one likes me.” → Mind reading
⚠️ “I failed this test, so I’ll never succeed.” → Catastrophizing
💭 “I made a mistake. I’m a terrible person.” → Black-and-white thinking

Kids need to learn how to catch these distortions and challenge them! Ask:

✅ What’s the evidence for and against this thought?
✅ Is there another way to see this?
✅ What would I tell a friend who had this thought?

Teaching kids to verify their thoughts helps them build resilience and emotional regulation.

🛠️ Let’s help them shape realistic, balanced thinking!

03/01/2025

🌿 Holistic Mental Health: Healing Mind, Body & Soul ✨

Mental health is more than just the absence of illness—it’s about THRIVING in all aspects of life. A holistic and integrative approach to mental health care considers the mind, body, emotions, and environment, helping individuals heal in a balanced and sustainable way. 💙

🔹 Mind & Emotions – Therapy, mindfulness, self-awareness
🔹 Body – Nutrition, movement, sleep, gut health
🔹 Environment – Social connections, nature, lifestyle
🔹 Spiritual Well-being – Purpose, gratitude, inner peace

By integrating therapy, lifestyle changes, and evidence-based alternative practices, we create a comprehensive path to healing and resilience.

🌟 Mental wellness is a journey—let’s embrace it with compassion and balance. 💕

02/26/2025

✨ You Don’t Have to Do It All—And Neither Does Your Child ✨

As a child psychiatrist, I see so many parents feeling overwhelmed—juggling work, home, school, and endless to-do lists.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all. Neither does your child.

📌 It’s okay to set limits.
📌 It’s okay to say no.
📌 It’s okay to choose rest over perfection.

Trying to do it all leads to burnout —for both parents and kids. Children thrive when they have balance, not pressure. And parents can’t pour from an empty cup.

Give yourself (and them) permission to slow down.

Some of the most meaningful moments happen in the quiet spaces between all the doing. 💛

02/25/2025

🌟 Do Things That Spark Joy – for Kids! 🌟

Behavioral Activation (BA)—engaging in fun, meaningful activities—can help boost mood, motivation, and emotional well-being in kids.

This therapeutic approach encourages individuals—both kids and adults—to engage in activities that bring them a sense of joy, accomplishment, or connection. It’s often used to help treat depression and low motivation by breaking the cycle of avoidance and inactivity.

For kids, BA focuses on:
✔️ Encouraging fun and rewarding activities (playing, drawing, sports)
✔️ Helping them build routines that support positive emotions
✔️ Teaching them to identify activities that make them feel good
✔️ Boosting confidence by setting small, achievable goals

Encourage your child to explore what brings them joy!

Whether it’s drawing, playing outside, building Legos, or even helping in the kitchen, small activities can make a big difference in their mental health. 🧠💖

When kids engage in activities they love, they build confidence, resilience, and emotional balance. Let’s help them discover their joy sparks! 🔥

✨ What’s one activity that always brings a smile to your child’s face? Share below! ⬇️

02/19/2025

Are Positive Affirmations Really Helpful for Kids?

You’ve probably heard about positive affirmations—those simple, encouraging phrases like “I am strong,” “I am loved,” or “I can do hard things.” But do they actually work for kids?

The answer is YES—when used the right way! ✅

🔹 Boosts Self-Esteem: Repeating affirmations helps kids develop a positive self-image.

🔹 Encourages a Growth Mindset: Saying “I am a problem solver” can help children face challenges with confidence.

🔹 Reduces Anxiety & Stress: Affirmations can calm nerves and promote resilience.

🔹 Shapes Inner Self-Talk: Kids absorb what they hear—let’s make sure it’s uplifting!

✨ Pro Tip: Instead of forcing generic phrases, let kids create affirmations that feel true to them. Example: If “I am brave” feels too big, try “I can try new things, even if they feel scary.”

Affirmations work best when paired with action & encouragement. So, keep cheering them on and leading by example! 💕

💬 Do you use affirmations with your kids? What’s their favorite one? Share below! ⬇️

02/17/2025

💙 Boosting Your Child’s Mental Health: Simple Tips for Parents! 💙

A happy mind starts with healthy habits! Supporting your child’s mental well-being is just as important as their physical health.

Here’s how you can help:

🌙 Sleep is Non-Negotiable – Kids need 9-12 hours of quality sleep. Keep a consistent bedtime, limit screens before bed, and create a relaxing nighttime routine. 💤

🥦 Food Fuels Mood – A balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, protein, and healthy fats supports brain function. Avoid too much sugar and processed foods to keep energy and mood stable. 🍎🥑

🏃‍♂️ Move That Body – Exercise isn’t just for physical health; it releases feel-good hormones that reduce stress and anxiety. Aim for at least 60 minutes of activity daily—whether it’s dancing, biking, or just playing outside! 🚴‍♀️💃

🧘 Manage Stress Together – Teach simple coping strategies like deep breathing, journaling, or mindfulness. Encourage open conversations about emotions so kids feel safe expressing their feelings. ❤️

Small changes can make a BIG impact! Let’s raise happy, resilient kids together. ✨

02/16/2025

Integrative Psychiatry: A Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness

When it comes to mental health, one size does not fit all. Integrative psychiatry combines the best of traditional medicine with evidence-based holistic approaches—nutrition, mindfulness, therapy, and lifestyle changes—to create a personalized treatment plan.

This whole-person approach helps kids and teens thrive by addressing the root causes of emotional and behavioral challenges, not just the symptoms. 💙✨

That’s why I use this approach with my patients—because every child deserves the best care possible.

📅 Book an appointment today and give your child the support they need to flourish!

02/14/2025

🧠 Your Child’s Brain: The Magic of Neurons!

Did you know your child’s brain is made up of billions of tiny messengers called neurons? These amazing cells help kids think, learn, feel, and grow!

🌟 First 5 years = Supercharged Growth!
In early childhood, neurons make millions of new connections every second! This is why love, play, and learning are so important during these years.

🛑 Stress vs. Support
Too much stress can slow brain growth, but positive relationships help neurons build strong, healthy pathways for emotional resilience.

💡 Boost Brain Power!

✅ Talk, read, and sing with your child
✅ Encourage play & curiosity
✅ Show love & support—hugs build connections too!

Tag a fellow parent who’d love this brain fact! 🧠✨

Usman Ghumman, MD MPH

07/29/2025

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