About Dr. Anjeli Desmond
Supporting children and families from the very beginning.
Hello, and welcome! I'm Dr. Anjeli Desmond, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in infant and early childhood mental health.
I am passionate about helping babies, young children, and their caregivers navigate life's earliest challenges with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based care. Whether your family is adjusting to a new baby, recovering from a difficult medical experience, working through big emotions or behavioral challenges, or simply looking for support, I believe that strong relationships are the foundation for healthy development.
Originally from Carmel, California, I returned to California after training across the United States and the United Kingdom with the goal of bringing specialized early childhood mental health services back to the communities that first inspired my love of child development. I currently offer telehealth services from my base in Los Angeles, with active licensure in Virginia and pending licensure in California.
Today, my work combines expertise in pediatric psychology, infant and early childhood mental health, pediatric neuropsychology, and relationship-based treatment. I have had the privilege of working with children and families in hospitals, developmental clinics, neonatal intensive care units, and outpatient settings across the country and around the world, collaborating closely with medical providers, rehabilitation therapists, educators, and caregivers to provide comprehensive, family-centered care.
I believe parents know their children best. My role is not to tell families how to parent, but to help them better understand their child's unique strengths and developmental needs so they can move forward with greater confidence and connection.
My Approach
Children don't exist in isolation—they grow through relationships.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in developmental science. I tailor treatment to each family's unique goals while drawing from evidence-based practices that strengthen emotional regulation, secure relationships, resilience, and healthy development.
I strive to create a space where both children and caregivers feel understood, respected, and supported.
Credentials & Training
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology — University of Kentucky
M.S., Pediatric Neuropsychology — University College London
B.A., Psychology — University of Pennsylvania
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Children's Hospital Los Angeles — Early Childhood/Pediatric Psychology & NICU Consultation
Doctoral Internship, Franciscan Children's at Boston Children's Hospital — Pediatric Rehabilitation & Behavioral Health
Licensed Psychologist, State of Virginia (License #810009453)
Dr. Desmond has completed advanced pre- and post-doctoral training in infant and early childhood mental health, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), pediatric psychology, pediatric neuropsychology, developmental assessment, and evidence-based trauma treatment. Her clinical training affiliations includes Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Franciscan Children's/Boston Children’s Hospital, University of Kentucky/Kentucky Children’s Hospital, and University of Pennsylvania/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she partnered with physicians, therapists, educators, and multidisciplinary medical teams to support children and families across a wide range of medical, developmental, and mental health concerns. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Desmond has presented at national conferences and published original research in peer-reviewed journals.
Please note: Dr. Desmond’s research is published under her previous name, Anjeli R. Elkins.
Professional Affiliations
Member, American Psychological Association (Divisions 53 & 54) · California Association for Infant Mental Health (CalAIMH) · ZERO TO THREE · World Association for Infant Mental Health · Postpartum Support International