SPECIALTIES
Therapy for Children, Adolescents & Families
Children and teens face unique challenges today that are often difficult to navigate. They may be experiencing feelings of sadness or worry. Some children have problems learning in school. Family changes can create conflicts that need to be resolved. I often work with the family together to help improve understanding and communication. My experience includes therapy with toddlers through adolescents.
Therapy for Adults
Most people want to continue to grow and develop new skills throughout their lifespan. I work with young adults to seniors. Some people come to see me because their lives are not going the way they wanted, or they have experienced loss, or are having work stress, or relationship problems. Some people have suffered from traumatic experiences.
Together, we make a plan for how to work on these issues and monitor the progress to make any needed adjustments. I consider the client’s strengths and help them find a new path to improve their functioning.
Forensic Family Court Evaluations
I am a specialty trained Parenting Plan Evaluator (formerly referred to as a Child Custody Evaluator).
I keep my education current by attending conferences and training to learn the best methods to evaluate families and parents to make effective recommendations to the court. The judge appoints me as the evaluator, and I work with both parents to perform comprehensive assessments. I adhere to the standards of practice set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
Parenting Plan Evaluation
The recommendations in a parenting plan evaluation include ones related to custody and a schedule of the parents’ timeshare with their children. This is a full evaluation of the family, including psychological assessments of both parents, home visits, and interviews with the parents, stepparents, and children. Relevant court documents are reviewed, and collateral contacts are interviewed.
A comprehensive report is prepared for the parents, their attorneys, and the court which includes the information obtained and a rationale for the recommendations presented.
Brief Focused Assessment (BFA)
At times the court needs to have a specifically focused issue addressed, such as the evaluation of the mental status of only one parent. This would involve a Brief Focused Assessment (BFA). Both parents are interviewed, but only one parent is administered psychological assessments. The court documents are reviewed, and collateral contacts are interviewed. The report for the court includes information and conclusions made regarding the one parent’s psychological functioning, especially as it pertains to their parenting capacity. There are no custody or parenting plan recommendations made in a BFA.
Please call or email me for a free 15-minute consultation
FEES & OTHER INFO
I provide in-person therapy in my office as well as teletherapy by video in the state of California.
The services I provide are for individuals as well as families. I have training and experience working with ages toddlers to seniors.
Fees
For therapy services, the cost is $160 per session.
I accept cash, check, credit card, or Venmo payments.
All forensic evaluations are by paid by check or cash. Please contact me for a Fee Retainer Agreement that specifies the cost for these evaluations.
Insurance Coverage
Concern EAP
Medicare
Out of Network