Psychotherapy
Our team of psychologists offer short and long-term individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, we provide couples therapy and family therapy.
We provide a warm and supportive therapeutic environment where we work together with the client to explore any concerns or difficulties he or she may be experiencing. Our theoretical approach is integrative, and we tailor treatment goals according to the client’s individual needs. We draw from cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and family system perspectives. We understand how one’s culture impacts the individual, their interpersonal relationships, and family systems. As a result, many times family members are consulted and included in treatment, if the client is in agreement and if it would be beneficial to the treatment process.
Therapy for Children
For children therapeutic play therapy is often utilized to explore what is troubling them since developmentally they may not possess the verbal communication skills that are needed to express specific emotions and/or thoughts. In addition, therapeutic play allows the learning of adaptive coping skills and problem solving skills in an approach that is more natural to them. Collaboration with school and other caregivers is often needed to address important issues and concerns. At times, it is necessary to observe children in their natural settings such as school and after-school programs so that treatment can be tailored and specific strategies can be implemented. Parent training is also utilized when working with young children who exhibit behavioral and emotional issues. These sessions include teaching caregivers effective parenting techniques such as the use of customized behavioral charts positive reinforcement, and planned ignoring. In addition, psychoeducation on mental illness and symptoms are provided so that caregivers are aware of their child’s difficulties and have appropriate expectations.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling is available to couples who are in a committed relationship and are looking to improve their relationship. In order for couples counseling to be effective, both partners need to be engaged and willing to make adjustments in their lives. Couples counseling can help partners see their relationship more objectively so that negative patterns can be explored and specific issues can be addressed. In addition, couples counseling can help improve communication among both partners which can lead to positive behavior change. Both short-term (one to three sessions) and long-term couples counseling are available depending on the couples’ needs and requests.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is available to families who have been experiencing long-term family issues or those families who are struggling due to a recent trigger or event (e.g. loss in the family, divorce, integration of families, diagnosis of family member). Family therapy can help families better understand their family dynamics and its effect on each individual family member. Therapy sessions focus on understanding each family member’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within the context of the family. By doing so, families are able to strengthen their family resources, improve their communication, collaborate more effectively during crises, and reinforce positive relationship building among family members.
Psychological Testing
Psychological testing is available for both children and adults. Evaluations are often helpful to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each individual. For children, this information can be especially helpful in addressing specific needs and to optimize learning in the classroom. Testing results can also lead to access to appropriate academic accommodations whether a child is in grade school or at the college level. Common referrals for testing include:
- IQ Testing – Placement for Gifted Programs
- Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Evaluations
- Learning Disabilities
- Processing Speed Issues
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hardship Immigration Psychological Evaluations
We provide comprehensive psychological evaluations to determine extreme hardship in U.S. immigration cases. These unique cases focus on whether or not an individual or family member will suffer an undue [extreme] hardship if an individual or family member had to return to their home country under current immigration laws, and specifically related to filing Forms I-601A and Form I-485’s for an exception or waiver. We also offer psychological evaluations for Asylum cases to determine whether an extreme hardship has occurred. During the in-depth assessment we use both clinical interviews and objective mental health tests and screenings to produce the best evidence to support your petition.