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Services
Evaluations
Neuropsychological Evaluation:
A neuropsychological evaluation is recommended if your child is struggling in school or on standardized tests, or if you feel they may be having difficulties with learning, memory or attention. If you or school professionals have questioned whether your child may have a specific learning disability, ADHD, or an autism spectrum disorder, this type of evaluation would be recommended. A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functions such as learning and memory or problem solving. Standard testing procedures are used to assess the various abilities that relate to learning and using knowledge and skills. As part of this evaluation, I typically communicate with school professionals who are working with your child such as teachers, therapists, or tutors. SInce I will only be seeing a snapshot of your child at the evaluation, this gives me a more complete picture of their strengths and weaknesses and allows me to view the child within the context of their learning environment.
Psychological Evaluation:
A psychological evaluation is recommended when you have concerns about your child's social or emotional development. This may include symptoms of anxiety, depression, difficulties with social relationships, or behavioral problems. This type of evaluation will look more closely at self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and emotional development..
Developmental Evaluation:
A developmental evaluation is a specialized assessment of infants and preschool aged children with a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and learning difficulties. Developing brain systems are assessed in order to obtain a profile of the child's cognitive abilities, pre-academic skills ,play skills ,adaptive skills (or ADLs), language and communication skills , motor skills , social interaction skills , social-emotional skills, as well as a sensory profile.
School Visit/Observation:
This might include an observation of the child in the classroom, attendance at a team meeting or an IEP meeting, or conference with the child's teachers. Meeting with school professionals and/or observing the child can be very useful in helping to develop a successful individual educational plan (I.E.P.).
IQ Testing:
This includes a cognitive assessment (typically the WISC-IV) as well as a written report.
Counseling
I provide individual therapy to children and adolescents from preschool through adolescence. I strongly adhere to a strength based model of treatment and work to help patients more clearly understand themselves (with their strengths and struggles) in order to enhance self-esteem and coping skills. I use a combination of therapeutic approaches to help children and adolescents who are struggling with various issues including anxiety, depression, social relationships, or working through a difficult life transition. My approach to therapy is largely influenced by my background in early childhood development as I often look at children within the context of their relationships with important figures in their lives, both past and present. My style is very relaxed and collaborative and I frequently use humor to put patients and ease. I utilize play therapy techniques, talk therapy, and psycho-education when appropriate and involve families as an essential part of the treatment.
Parent Consultation
Often, families seek my assistance with a variety of issues that don't necessarily require ongoing therapy or may be addressed over the course of a few sessions. This can range from concerns about their child's behavior child rearing, talking with their child about a life change, or considering a new school placement. I can help explore your concerns in some more detail and help develop a plan for change.
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