Dr. Samantha Cohen

Hello! My name is Dr. Samantha Cohen. I am a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, which means that I am board-certified as a subspecialist in the field of Pediatrics to evaluate, diagnose, and provide support for kids who learn, think and/or behave differently. My goal and approach to care is rooted in helping patients and their families to optimize developmental and behavioral outcomes while embracing neurodiversity. To help you to get to know me better I will share some information about my background below and will conclude with information about my current practice.

I was raised in Southern California and completed my undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz. I then moved to Wisconsin, where I earned my Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2008. I returned to California and completed my Pediatric Residency training through UC San Diego/Rady Children’s Hospital in 2011. Following residency, I worked as a General Pediatrician for San Ysidro Health Center for a few years before completing a 3-year Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics fellowship program at the UC Davis MIND Institute in 2017. While in fellowship, I developed and ran a research study on the effects of yoga for preschool-age children with ADHD symptoms, which was published in the Journal of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics in 2018. After fellowship, I worked as a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician for Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG) in the John Richards Developmental Clinic at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego from 8/2017 to 12/2023. In early 2024, I started a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics private practice called Samantha Cohen, MD, Inc.

I am also the mother of an amazing young boy with Autism and ADHD. He is full of joy, always brings a smile to my face, and is thriving due to early intervention. Being his mother has taught me so much and given me the unique perspective of being both a provider and a parent. The lived experience of receiving a diagnosis, navigating how to get supportive services started, learning to manage behavior challenges in real time, and celebrating the milestones and successes along the way allows me to connect with my patients and their families on a deeper level. Participating in his therapies and being able to share that experience with patients has enriched my practice, and the way I connect with and empathize with my patients and their parents. Being his mother also boosts my innate drive to continue learning and growing in my practice so that I can support him and the patients I care for to reach their fullest potential.

In my private practice, I offer in-person and telehealth appointments. I see kiddos from birth to 18 years of age, and in some cases will continue to provide care until age 21. My areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, and other common co-occurring challenges such as anxiety, difficulties with emotion regulation, social skills support needs, sleep difficulties, and/or picky eating challenges. I am passionate about providing ongoing care and support for children and their families after receiving a diagnosis. I offer medication consultations and/or medication management when needed, as well as lifestyle medicine recommendations for improving ADHD symptom management. I also enjoy providing support for common co-occurring challenges by providing group based care to patients and their families, so that we can all learn and grow together in a supportive environment.