Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists in Van Nuys, CA

I have been licensed for 18 years, and have worked with various populations. I am a client-centered behaviorist; meaning I help people change behaviors by presenting them with coping strategies and communication skills to help deal with life on life's terms. I use my experience, as well as professional life as a special education teacher for the last 22 years, a 48 year marriage, and 35 years of a personal 12-Step Program to guide my theoretical orientation to help change distorted thinking into positive choices. I listen with empathy, and offer suggestions for hope and change. .

I am a Neuropsychologist located in Calabasas with over 25 years of specialized training in neuropsychological testing, and adolescent, adult and geriatric psychology from Harvard University and UCLA. I accept insurance, and specialize in the in the evidence-based assessment of individuals with academic, learning, and other neurocognitive differences that effect academic, social, and behavioral functioning. My team and I use a scientific approach to provide each patient with an individualized assessment based on empirically-validated research of brain-based conditions (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, brain injury, epilepsy, dementia, etc.).

Encino West Psychological Services provides comprehensive psychological assessments for school-aged children experiencing challenges in an academic setting. As a parent with two children, I understand the anxiety that can come from dropping your children off at school every morning, knowing they will be out of your care for the next 6-8 hours. I have been advocating for the educational needs of children for many years and this journey has shed light on how important it is to know what a child or adolescent may be struggling with while at school.

My clinical experience includes individual, group, couples, and family counseling, along with testing and assessment services with both English and Spanish speaking children, adolescents, and adults. I have administered over 100 educational, psychological, and psycho-educational assessments for school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. I have attended numerous IEP meetings for students with special education needs. In addition to assessment services, I have also conducted individual and family psychotherapeutic services for children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience providing services to clients on issues related to domestic violence, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, personality disorders, relational difficulties, learning disorders, and Autism.

In my therapy practice (adults only) I work with individuals and couples to help build their life "tool-kits". I draw upon my diverse training as a Health Psychologist, Neuropsychologist and Yoga Teacher and incorporate both Western and Eastern philosophies and tools (cognitive-behavioral therapies, neuroscience, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology. mindfulness/meditation, and other mind-body techniques such as relaxation training, hypnosis, visualization, etc.,) to treat a variety of symptoms and disorders. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, and human behavior in general, so that you can apply these tools to all aspects of life.

I mostly work with students, parents, and schools in the areas of social learning (social skills) and psychoeducational/FBA assessments. I have provided Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) to more than 65 school districts and expert witness testimony. My services to schools include teaching our LUNCH Groups treatment model via live training, webinars, and self-paced learning. Over 2,000 families have participated in our LUNCH Groups Social Learning Programs, serving ages 6 through 18, since 2002. We have school-year, intensive summer, and ongoing programs. I also run programs for parents.

Are you in crisis? Do you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad? Is your teen or younger child having difficulties? Perhaps you have struggled with anxiety, fear, sadness, loneliness, and difficulties in relationship. My intent is to help you discover what you want to be different in your life and then find ways to make those changes. Often this means improving relationships -- learning about communication, finding better ways to deal with conflict, and becoming closer. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step in healing.

Dr. Weiss is skilled in providing therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She works with her clients (and their families) in a collaborative and respectful manner utilizing a combination of treatment approaches (including CBT) tailored to meet each client's specific needs. Dr. Weiss has helped clients cope with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, self-esteem issues, life transitions, eating disorders, body image issues, and academic stress. Dr. Weiss is also well known for conducting comprehensive psychological, neuropsychological, and educational testing as well as IQ testing for schools that require IQ testing for admission.

I am Dr. Michael Gould and I've dedicated my private practice to the psychological assessment of children, adolescents and adults. I typically provide evaluations for the following: early-entrance into Kindergarten and giftedness; Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder; behavioral problems; mood disorders; anxiety disorders; and specific learning disabilities - including evaluations for high school and college-level students seeking disability accommodations. I also provide pre-adoptive psychological evaluations, and in association with the Department of Veterans Affairs, I conduct clinical assessments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and neuropsychological testing for cognitive impairments associated with Traumatic Brain Injury for Military Veterans.

I take an active approach in assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families improve the quality of their lives by fostering and promoting emotional growth, empowerment, healthy relationships and a positive self-image. We all experience difficult times in our lives; I am here to be a support so that you do not have to endure the process alone. I will assist you in learning and implementing effective ways to manage the challenges life presents to you. Together, we will work towards enhancing the quality of your life, your relationships, and your self-esteem.

I specialize in therapy with children, adolescents, parents, and families, dealing with life transitions and crises impacting social, emotional, academic, and interpersonal functioning. Goals may include working through a difficult transition, relieving specific troubling symptoms, building coping strategies to manage difficult feelings (anxiety, depression, frustration), improving communication, improving the quality of relationships, increasing social skills, reducing conflict, improving conflict resolution and problem solving skills, and gaining greater insight and awareness for personal growth.

In many situations, family members or individuals become concerned about a loved one's or their own development or mental health. My practice, Achieving Milestones & Progress (A.M.P.) Autism, helps families or individuals to understand and improve their loved one's or their own developmental or psychiatric needs through comprehensive evaluations and/or treatments. In doing so, it is hoped that individuals of all ages and functioning levels can reach their full potentials and continue to make progress and grow throughout the lifespan. Families will also be better equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to facilitate that process.