Pans/Pandas

PANS & PANDAS Support for Children and Families

Sudden Changes? We Can Help.

Sometimes a child’s behavior can shift almost overnight—anxiety, OCD, tics, restrictive eating, mood swings, or withdrawn behavior. For some children, these changes may be linked to PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)  or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) , conditions that affect emotions, behavior, and daily functioning.

At New Heart Therapy, we offer specialized, compassionate support to help children feel safe and families regain stability and hope.

What to Know

• PANDAS: Triggered by strep infections, affecting brain areas linked to behavior and emotions.
  
  

• PANS: Sudden symptoms from other infections or immune responses.
  
  

• Symptoms often appear quickly and may be mistaken for stress, illness, or typical development.
  
  

Signs to Watch For

• Obsessive or compulsive behaviors

• Sudden anxiety or fears

• Mood swings or irritability

• Tics or repetitive movements

• Sleep or appetite changes

• Regression in skills

• Trouble concentrating or declining grades
  
  

How Therapy Helps

• Manage anxiety, OCD, and emotional distress

• Support regulation and resilience

• Strengthen family connection and communication

• Guide parents in responding to challenges

• Coordinate with doctors and schools
  
  

Family-Centered Healing

Therapy focuses on the whole family, helping restore safety, reduce stress, and build connection and hope.

Take the Next Step

You don’t need a confirmed diagnosis to start support. If your child has sudden changes in behavior, reach out today for guidance and a consultation.

Helpful Resources

(Optional learning and support — explore at your own pace)

If you’d like to learn more about PANS and PANDAS, these trusted organizations offer education, advocacy, and family support:

• Northwest PANS and PANDAS Network

• PANDAS Network

• PANDAS Physicians Network

• Aspire 

• International OCD Foundations Pans/Pandas

• National Institute of Mental Health – PANS and PANDAS
  
  

Podcasts

• Demystifying Pans and Pandas Podcast by Dr. Nancy O'Hara

• Untangling PANDAS & PANS: Conversations about Infection-Associated, Immune-Mediated Neuropsychiatric Disorders

• Flying Through Fog:  A Podcast for Pans/Pandas Caregivers

Documentaries

• Stolen Childhood

• My Kid is Not Crazy: A Search for Hope in the Face of Misdiagnosis

You’re Not Alone

Watching your child change so suddenly can be one of the hardest experiences a parent faces—but there is hope. With the right combination of medical care and therapeutic support, many children recover and return to thriving.

At New Heart Therapy, we are here to help you and your child navigate this journey with compassion, clarity, and care.

Serving families in person in Bellingham, Washington  and telehealth therapy options within Washington state to make support accessible and flexible for your family’s needs.

Get in Touch

If you believe your child may have pans/pandas and you’re seeking guidance, I’d be honored to support your family.

📞 Call: (360) 218-4115
💬 Email: andrea@newhearttherapy.com
📅 Schedule a Consultation by clicking the button below

Together, we can help your child feel safe, supported, and strong again.