Understanding the Role of Clinical Psychologists in Your Child's Care

At Child & Family Therapy Collective, our clinical psychologists work as part of a collaborative team to support your child's complete well-being.

What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?

A licensed clinical psychologist specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions across the lifespan. Within our clinical team, they prioritize evidence-based interventions tailored to the individual needs of children, adolescents, and families.

Therapeutic Approaches

Our psychologists integrate key elements from a variety of treatment approaches based on what best fits your child's unique needs, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Helps change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to positive changes

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) - Strengthens the parent-child relationship

• Exposure Therapy - Helps children face fears in a safe, controlled environment

• Other specialized modalities - Tailored to your child's specific challenges

Therapy typically involves skill-building, emotional support, and collaborative problem-solving to help your child and family navigate challenges related to:

• Emotional regulation

• Behavioral concerns

• Trauma

• Neurodevelopmental conditions

Comprehensive Psychological Assessment

In addition to therapy, psychological assessment plays a crucial role in understanding your child's needs. Our clinical psychologists conduct comprehensive evaluations to:

• Clarify complex clinical presentations

• Guide personalized treatment planning

• Evaluate cognitive abilities

• Identify learning disorders

• Assess for ADHD, autism, and other developmental concerns

• Evaluate emotional functioning

The Value of Psychological Testing

Psychological testing offers deeper insights into your child's strengths and challenges, which helps us:

• Develop truly individualized treatment plans

• Recommend appropriate educational accommodations

• Identify the most effective therapeutic approaches

Our Collaborative Approach to Care

Collaboration with other professionals is fundamental to providing holistic care for your child. Our clinical psychologists work closely with a variety of specialists, including:

• Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs)

• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)

• Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)

• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)

• Occupational therapists (OTs)

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)

• Psychiatrists

• Primary care physicians

• Family physicians

How This Team Approach Benefits Your Child

This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that all aspects of your child's development and mental health are addressed:

• While a psychologist focuses on emotional and cognitive concerns

• An occupational therapist may assist with sensory processing challenges

• A speech-language pathologist may address communication difficulties

• Other mental health professionals (LPC, LMHC, LMFT, or LCSW) may provide additional therapeutic support within different frameworks

• Psychiatrists may manage medication when appropriate

Our psychologists provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of various interventions, including pharmacological treatments, helping to refine and optimize your child's care plan over time.

The Benefit to Your Family

This comprehensive, coordinated approach allows us to develop individualized care plans that support not just your child, but your entire family system. By addressing challenges from multiple perspectives, we can provide more effective and holistic support for your child's journey.

At Child & Family Therapy Collective, we believe in the power of collaborative, specialized care to help children and families thrive. Contact us to learn more about how our clinical psychologist, or another therapist, can be part of your child's support team.