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Behavioral Health

Whole-person support for mental and emotional wellness

NCQA Recognition Badge

National Recognition

Alabama's Only NCQA Recognized Practice with Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration

This distinction reflects our commitment to making behavioral health care more accessible, coordinated, and connected to each patient's overall medical care.

Compassionate Behavioral Health Care for All Ages

At Preferred Medical Group, we believe mental health is health. Our Behavioral Health team provides psychiatry and counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults in a supportive, respectful, and compassionate setting.

Behavioral health concerns can affect every aspect of life — from school and work to relationships, family routines, sleep, confidence, and overall well-being. We take the time to listen, understand, and create a care plan that fits the patient and family.

Our integrated approach brings together medical care, psychiatry, counseling, and support services so patients do not feel like they are navigating their mental health journey alone.

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Our Behavioral Health Services

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Evaluation and treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and behavioral concerns. Thoughtful medication management with family education and ongoing follow-up.

Adult Psychiatry

Support for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, attention concerns, stress-related symptoms, and sleep issues. Our goal is to help patients feel heard, supported, and equipped with a treatment plan that helps them function and feel better.

Child & Adolescent Counseling

A safe space for children and teens to express feelings, learn coping skills, and work through anxiety, sadness, anger, grief, family changes, school stress, and social challenges.

Adult Counseling

Supportive counseling for anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and parenting challenges. Building insight, confidence, coping skills, and healthier patterns.

Meet Our Providers

Ritu Chandra Pediatrics

Ritu Chandra

MD, FAAP · Pediatrician
Pediatrics

Ritu Chandra

Founder of Preferred Medical Group and a board-certified pediatrician with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Chandra leads a multidisciplinary team committed to the whole-child, whole-family model of care.

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Benita Tonti Behavioral Health

Benita Tonti

LPC · Licensed Professional Counselor
Behavioral Health

Benita Tonti

Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in individual and family therapy. Benita provides a safe, supportive space for children, teens, and adults navigating life's emotional and behavioral challenges.

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Abran Luevano Behavioral Health

Abran Luevano

Counselor · Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health

Abran Luevano

A compassionate counselor dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families through behavioral and emotional challenges. Abran brings a patient-centered approach to every session at Preferred Medical Group.

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All providers are fully licensed, experienced, and committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care.

A Team-Based Approach to Behavioral Health

At Preferred Medical Group, patients benefit from a team that understands the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. Our behavioral health providers work alongside our medical team when appropriate, allowing for more coordinated care.

For children and families, this may include communication with pediatric providers. For adults, this may include coordination with primary care. This team-based approach helps us support the whole person, not just one symptom.

When behavioral health and medical care work together, patients experience better outcomes, fewer gaps in care, and a treatment plan that reflects their full picture of health.

Behavioral health team-based care at Preferred Medical Group

Conditions We Commonly Support

Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Mood disorders
Behavioral concerns
Stress and adjustment
Grief and loss
School and family challenges
Sleep-related concerns
Emotional regulation difficulties
Medication management needs
Compassionate counseling at PMG

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, our behavioral health team is here to help. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.

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Dr. Ritu Chandra

Welcome from the Founder

Dr. Ritu Chandra, MD, FAAP

Welcome! I'm Dr. Chandra, a pediatrician and the founder of Preferred Medical Group. My family and I are proud to call Alabama home, and I've had the privilege of caring for this community since 2007.

As a pediatrician, I've always been passionate about providing the best care for children, but I recognized the need for both primary care and mental health services, which is why I've made it a priority to offer these services alongside pediatric care in my practice. It's important to me that every family has access to comprehensive care in one place, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to support the health and well-being of our community.

It's truly an honor to be trusted with your family's health, and I'm grateful to serve this community with the love and care that it deserves. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives — I look forward to supporting you and your family for many years to come.