Child psychology

Individual and family psychotherapy sessions are generally 45-60 minutes in length. Treatment and theoretical modalities depend upon the presenting problem and can include cognitive behavioral, humanistic, systems theory, and psychodynamic.

Play therapy incorporates an active approach to working with young children and persons for whom traditional "talk" therapy is not possible or indicated. Using age-appropriate play equipment, games, and psychoeducational materials, the client is engaged in an active process of learning and change. Because this form of therapy is generally less direct, observable progress may be a bit slower.

Involving the entire family, especially parents, is crucial to making lasting and meaningful positive change in the lives of children. For this reason, we incorporate parents into our treatment. Our clinicians will develop a behavior plan, contracts, or role play into treatment. Our clinicans can also support client progress by being active in a child's school program, guiding teachers, and consulting with other professionals to create a consistent approach.

Our licensed psychologist specialize in evaluating children and adults suspected of having learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, behavioral disorders, or other clinical issues. We provide gifted testing, psycheducational evaluations, and psychological testing for a wide range of purposes. Our evaluations are generally more thorough and comprehensive than those provided by school psychologists and have been accepted by both public and private schools. Complete batteries cost $2000 and are all-inclusive. Evaluations generally take 6-8 hours completed over 2-3 testing sessions. Feedback is provided within 2 weeks of the final testing session.

Gifted testing is $500 and is conducted within 2.5 hours. Verbal feedback is provided the same day with a written report provided within 3 days.

Music therapy evaluations are $800 and are conducted by a board-certified music therapist (see www.CBMT.org for more information regarding credentials of music therapist) in order to determine if the individual could benefit from the inclusion of music therapy interventions to access their education. The process incorporates a 60-minute interactive session with the individual, classroom observations, and a structured clinical interview with parents. Behavioral questionnaires may be incoporated as appropriate. The evaluation is typically conducted over several hours on a single day if possible with a comprehensive written evaluation provided within 2 weeks.

As a service to our clients, our staff encourage being invited to participate in any school meetings (IEP, disability eligibility, etc.) to better explain evaluation results and recommendations. We can also serve as an advocate for your child in legal matters regarding disability status.

Our groups are designed to improve socialization, turn-taking, frustration tolerance, and communication through natural play opportunities and the interactions that evolve among group members. Children learn tolerance, improve frustration, practice good sportsmanship skills, learn manners, and improve their emotional awareness. Children are placed in small groups of up to 5 children for weekly 45-60 minute groups. Group placement is determined by the facilitating therapist according to age, developmental needs, and presenting problems.