Specialty Services & Programs
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PPA offers a diverse range of specialty services and programs to address a variety of concerns. Our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled clinicians is trained in evidence-based interventions and specialized treatment protocols to ensure that each client receives the highest quality of care possible. Explore our specialty services and programs below to learn more about how we can help you and your family thrive.
- Anxiety and OCD IOP
- Autism-Specific Services
- Behavioral Medicine Clinic
- Empower Intervention
- International and Interstate Services
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
- Space Intervention
- Speech/Language Pathology
- Consultations
- Educational Advocacy and Coordination
- Community Outreach and Education
- Peak Performance
Anxiety and OCD IOP
Anxiety and OCD Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Treatment Option
At PPA, we understand that at times a patient may require a higher level of care than traditional weekly psychotherapy. In order to address this need, we offer a treatment option that is more intensive, yet still provides care in a manner that is least intrusive and disruptive to families’ daily lives. The Anxiety and OCD Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) aims to help individuals and families reduce symptoms and restore functioning more rapidly.
Criteria for IOP
When individuals with an anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder experience very high levels of interference in their daily lives (e.g., difficulty going to school or work), and traditional treatment methods have been tried with limited success, we may recommend the IOP treatment option. Our intensive treatment approach follows an evidence-based model that is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and utilizes exposure and response prevention (ERP) techniques. The program offers a higher level of treatment intensity to help individuals and families learn to manage extreme anxiety-driven avoidance behaviors.
Types of problems addressed
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Specific Phobias (e.g., fear of vomit, heights, school-related phobias. Etc.)
- Separation Anxiety
- Panic Disorder
- Agoraphobia
Intensive treatment Details
Intensive treatment typically entails meeting with a clinician several times a week. The schedule and frequency of sessions will depend on the results of the assessment and recommended treatment plan. Sessions for IOP will range between 3 to 10 units per week. Sessions units are 45 minutes; the number of units, appointment times, and days will be scheduled depending on the timeframe permitted and presenting circumstances. Treatment will primarily take place in the office and/or telehealth; however, treatment may also take place in other environments.
Treatment Phases:
During the first few days of an intensive treatment, the focus will be on providing psycho-education about anxiety and its treatment. Patients will gain an understanding of the nature and causes of anxiety, and most importantly – they will learn about the factors that maintain their anxiety. This information is an important foundation to begin the journey toward beating anxiety. Patients will also learn to use cognitive strategies to begin to question and change faulty, anxious thoughts. In addition, patients will be taught adaptive coping skills (e.g., mindfulness, relaxation techniques) to help them learn to manage distress without relying on maladaptive behaviors, such as avoidance.
The clinician and patient will then proceed to the most critical component of treatment: exposures. During exposures, patients learn to gradually face feared stimuli and situations in a supportive and empowering environment. Importantly, patients will be coached to resist the temptation to engage in avoidance behaviors and/or compulsive rituals during exposures. With repeated exposures, patients gradually learn to face the previously feared situations more comfortably, without engaging in avoidance behaviors and/or rituals and compulsions.
Intensive treatment can be stressful at times, but in both our clinical experience and the scientific literature, it has been shown to be an effective treatment for youth and adults with severe anxiety disorders. To help provide a buffer against treatment and other-related stress, it is important that patients and families engage in adequate self-care (e.g., carve out time to relax and unwind). Your clinician will work with you to develop a plan to engage in appropriate self-care throughout treatment.
Intensive treatment with children and adolescents
When working with children and adolescents experiencing severe anxiety, clinicians will work closely with parents and primary caregivers. In addition, clinicians may work with teachers and other school staff as appropriate. Throughout treatment, an important goal is for caregivers to understand the rationale for treatment and specific techniques being used to provide appropriate support for the child between sessions and once treatment has ended.
Anxiety disorders are complex; although patients typically see significant improvement in symptoms and functioning over the course of an intensive treatment, careful thought and consideration is given to how to maintain and increase the gains made in treatment.
Individuals and families will work with their therapist to identify the best treatment plan moving forward. Often, recommendations are made to continue weekly psychotherapy sessions for a period of time. If the patient was previously receiving weekly CBT psychotherapy from another therapist, the clinician from the intensive treatment will help to facilitate the transition back to the referring therapist. The focus of this phase of treatment is often to help the individual continue to use the skills learned during intensive treatment in their everyday lives, to quickly identify and address new problems that arise because of anxiety, and to recognize when professional help might be needed again.
If you believe you or your child might benefit from this type of intensive treatment, please contact our office so that we can schedule a diagnostic assessment that will help us determine the appropriate level of treatment. You can contact us via phone (305) 936-1002 or email: info@mailppa.com
Contact us today to get started!
Autism-Specific Services
Evaluation Services
At PPA, we recognize the paramount importance of specialization when it comes to providing treatment and evaluation services for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a multifaceted condition that manifests differently in each individual, requiring a nuanced and tailored approach to care. Our clinicians undergo rigorous training and specialization in ASD, equipping them with the expertise needed to understand the unique presentation, needs and challenges of individuals on the spectrum. By specializing in ASD, our clinicians can deliver targeted interventions and assessments that address the specific strengths and areas of difficulty associated with the condition. This specialized approach ensures that individuals with ASD receive the highest quality of care, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Clinic (MDDC) Evaluations*
- Age Range: Children ages 0 – 3 years (Services conducted in-office)
- Evaluators: Pediatric Psychologist, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Pediatric Speech/Language Pathologist
- Fee: $2,000 (Additional $500 for supplementary Autism Spectrum Disorder testing with ADOS-2)
Web-based Evaluation for Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders (WEEI-ASD)*
- Age Range: Children ages 0 – 3 years (Services conducted through observation/video conference)
- Evaluator: Pediatric Psychologist
- Fee: $1,850
Autism Diagnostic Confirmation for ABA Services
- Age Range: 3 – 16 years
- Evaluator: Confirmation of autism diagnosis for ABA services eligibility.
- Fee: $800
Developmental and Social Therapies:
EMPOWER
- Age Range: Birth – 5 years
- Description: Telehealth parent coaching program addressing developmental needs.
- Fee: $Per Session, $160 - $300
SURF(Social Understanding & Relationship Fundamentals) Groups
- Age Range: 6 – 18 years
- Description: Play-based social experiences focusing on self-monitoring, social understanding, problem-solving, and peer relationships.
- Fee: $720 for 8 Sessions
PEERS (Program for Education and Enrichment of Social Skills)
- Age Range: 14-18 (Adolescents) & 18-30 (Young Adults)
- Description: Social skills intervention with caregiver/social coach involvement.
- Fee: $2000 for 16 sessions (adolescent/young adult group and concurrent caregiver/social coach group)
Individual Social Skills Therapy
- Description: Individual therapy based on Social Thinking® and PEERS® methodologies.
Other Relevant Services
- Comprehensive Evaluations*: (psychodevelopmental, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological)
- Psychotherapy (behavioral, PCIT, CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT-informed, and insight-oriented)
- Speech/language Evaluations and Therapy*
Behavioral Medicine Clinic
Behavioral medicine is a field of psychology that focuses on the relationship between behaviors, emotions, and physical health. It encompasses a wide range of therapeutic approaches and interventions, including:
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy involves discussions with a mental health professional to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and their contribution to an individual’s presenting issues. Psychotherapy may also address adjustment difficulties secondary to medical issues, unpleasant procedures, and related disruptions to daily life. Treatment may involve a combination of traditional psychotherapy approaches (such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), as well as specialized modalities (including biofeedback and Pain Reprocessing Therapy). LINKS TO BIOFEEDBACK AND PAIN REPROCESSING THERAPY PAGES
- Health Behavior Change: Behavioral health professionals help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles to manage and prevent physical health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. This may include counseling on nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation.
- Pain Management: For individuals experiencing chronic pain, behavioral health interventions can be used to improve pain management and reduce reliance on pain medication.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate physical health conditions. Behavioral health treatment can teach stress-reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises and mindfulness, to improve overall well-being. Compliance and Adherence: For individuals with chronic illnesses, maintaining treatment plans, medication regimens, and lifestyle changes can be challenging. Behavioral health professionals help with adherence and compliance to improve health outcomes.
Behavioral medicine commonly addresses a range of disorders, including:
- Insomnia and sleep-related disorders.
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Endocrinological concerns, such as diabetes.
- Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and neuroplastic pain.
- Chronic headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
PPA’s behavioral health specialists often work in collaboration with other health care professionals (primary care physicians/pediatricians, neurologists, etc.) to ensure our patients receive the highest quality, integrated, and comprehensive care. For that reason, PPA has partnered with South Florida Headache to provide behavioral health consultation and, if appropriate, treatment for headaches and other chronic pain conditions. This multidisciplinary collaboration, led by Drs. Alexandria Gonzalez (PPA’s lead Behavioral Medicine Psychologist) and Dr. Suzanne Hagler (Pediatric Neurologist at South Florida Headache MD), is provided out of our Hollywood location, while other Behavioral Medicine services may be available across other PPA locations and through telehealth. Please feel free to contact us at our office if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Headache
Easing the Strain
The Role of Psychologists in Headache Pain Management
Headache disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide and can be a source of concern for both individuals and their families, as they often interfere with performance at school/work, social functioning, mood, and quality of life. Generally, it is understood that these conditions result from a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Not only can poor sleep, improper hydration/nutrition, or exposure to triggers exacerbate pain, so can stress, anxiety, fear, perfectionism or frustration. Psychologists bring a unique skillset to the table as experts in understanding the mind-body connection, which is critical when addressing headaches.
At PPA, our behavioral health specialists provide the highest-quality, comprehensive treatment for headache pain management.
Goals of Treatment:
Reducing Pain Intensity and Frequency
Psychologists work with individuals to identify triggers and pain patterns associated with headaches. For example, someone with tension-type headaches may discover that excessive/chronic stress and muscle tension play a significant role in their pain. Through specialized therapeutic interventions (such as biofeedback), psychologists can help individuals increase awareness and intentional regulation of their physiology (including muscle tension, heart/breath rate, etc.), thus reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Enhancing Pain-Management Coping Skills
Dealing with headaches can be tough on both one’s body and mind. The constant pain can make one feel anxious and upset with themselves and the people around them. Even managing the medications and lifestyle changes can feel burdensome and overwhelming. Psychologists work with individuals experiencing chronic headaches/pain to develop a healthy mind-body relationship, also teaching such individuals skills to better manage anxiety and stress (which can worsen headaches) and to think/act in more constructive/helpful ways in relation to their pain.
Improving Quality of Life
Persistent headaches can significantly diminish one’s quality of life, leading to missed school or work, disruptions in daily routines, and social isolation. Psychologists play a crucial role in helping individuals regain control over their well-being by addressing not only the intensity and frequency of pain but also managing associated changes in sleep, energy/fatigue, appetite, concentration, physical activity, and even sexual functioning. Psychologists aim to support individuals reintegrating into life and rediscovering fulfillment in their roles and relationships.
Treatments We Offer
Our Behavioral Medicine Clinic offers an array of specialized psychological services for children, adolescents, and adults. Following a comprehensive evaluation, our clinicians utilize a tailored approach in selecting a treatment that takes into consideration the individual’s unique presentation, needs, and strengths. All treatments offered are evidence-based and goals for treatment are collaboratively developed.
Treatments include, but are not limited to, Biofeedback, Cognitive Behavioral therapies, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Across all these treatments, clinicians will work closely with individuals to build an understanding of the pain processes and how this pathophysiology can be leveraged to eliminate or reduce pain.
Biofeedback is a therapeutic approach often used for chronic headaches, such as migraines and tension headaches. It involves the use of electronic monitoring equipment to help individuals gain awareness and control over physiological processes (such as muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure) that can contribute to headaches. By providing real-time feedback on these bodily functions, biofeedback can empower individuals to harness mind-body connections, offering a holistic approach to managing chronic headaches.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) is another evidence-based therapeutic approach commonly used to address chronic pain conditions. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that can exacerbate pain perception and distress. Through techniques such as cognitive restructuring and pain coping strategies, CBT aims to help individuals reduce pain episodes and improve their quality of life.
Pain Reprocessing therapy (PRT) can assist individuals in rewiring the neural pathways associated with pain, disrupting the cycle of chronic pain and restoring a sense of meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Pain often arises as a learned response, with our brains associating physical sensations with threats, leading to the experience of fear and pain. To alleviate this, it becomes essential to “unlearn” these associations and connections, enabling us to cease feeling pain when there is no genuine threat or injury present. This unlearning process is facilitated through PRT.
Other Conditions that We Treat
Specialized clinicians at our Behavioral Medicine Clinic offer evidence-based treatment for a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions above and beyond headaches and migraines.
Please refer to our Behavioral Medicine Clinic page for more information on our services, or call us today to schedule a consultation.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that can be used to treat a wide range of mental and health conditions. It involves monitoring and providing real-time feedback on physiological processes like heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), muscle tension, skin temperature, and sweat gland activity. By learning to control these physiological responses, individuals can influence the autonomic nervous system and improve their physical and mental well-being. Here are some conditions and applications for biofeedback training offered at PPA:
Stress and Anxiety:
Biofeedback can help individuals become more aware of their body’s response to stress and anxiety, such as elevated heart rate or muscle tension. Through biofeedback training, people can learn to control these responses, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Depression:
HRV training may help individuals with depression improve emotional regulation and reduce depressive symptoms. It can also enhance emotional resilience, allowing individuals to better cope with stressors that contribute to depression. Typically, HRV training is provided as an adjunct therapy method that can complement traditional depression treatments like psychotherapy and medication.
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders:
Biofeedback can help individuals with sleep disorders by teaching relaxation techniques to reduce arousal and promote better sleep patterns.
Diabetes:
Biofeedback can be used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan to help individuals manage stress more effectively, therefore influencing the impact of stress on blood glucose levels. It can also be used to increase awareness of physiological responses to changes in blood sugar levels to promote timely/effective management of hypo-/hyper-glycemic events.
Migraine and Tension Headaches:
Biofeedback can assist in identifying and controlling the physiological triggers for migraines and tension headaches, such as muscle tension and autonomic arousal. By learning to relax specific muscle groups and influencing levels of autonomic activity, individuals may reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
Pain Management:
For individuals with chronic pain conditions, biofeedback can be applied to manage and reduce pain perception. This may involve techniques to control muscle tension and pain-related brain signals.
Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., IBS):
Biofeedback can aid in managing symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders by helping individuals control muscle tension in the abdomen and reduce stress responses that may exacerbate symptoms.
Performance Enhancement:
Athletes, musicians, and professionals in high-stress environments can use HRV and biofeedback training to improve performance by managing stress and optimizing their physiological responses.
General Well-Being:
Biofeedback and HRV training can be valuable for overall well-being, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing mental clarity.
PPA’s biofeedback services are provided by trained therapists who use specialized equipment to monitor and provide feedback on physiological responses. Clients are guided in various techniques, such as controlled breathing, muscle relaxation, and mindfulness, to influence their physiological patterns. Intervention plans for biofeedback training are tailored to the specific needs of the individual, and the duration of therapy/training can vary given an individual’s unique circumstances.
Biofeedback therapy can be effective as a stand-alone tool/method to treat many conditions. However, it is often also used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
At PPA’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic, our qualified biofeedback practitioners are available for consultation to determine if biofeedback is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition. Contact us today to request more information or schedule an appointment.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a specialized therapeutic approach aimed at helping manage and alleviate chronic pain. Unlike traditional pain management techniques that focus solely on physical symptoms, PRT recognizes the intricate connection between the mind and body. By addressing underlying psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and trauma, PRT empowers individuals to better cope with their pain and improve their quality of life.
How Pain Reprocessing Therapy Works
At PPA, our PRT program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Through a combination of evidence-based techniques and individualized treatment plans, we help those with chronic pain:
1. Identify Triggers:
Our clients learn to identify triggers and factors that exacerbate their pain, such as stress, emotions, or specific activities.
2. Cognitive Restructuring:
Our clients learn to identify triggers and factors that exacerbate their pain, such as stress, emotions, or specific activities.
3. Emotional Regulation:
Clients learn skills to manage emotions associated with pain, such as anxiety, frustration, or sadness, through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and expressive therapies.
4. Somatic Awareness:
PRT helps develop greater awareness of body sensations and how they relate to pain, allowing our clients to better understand and manage their physical symptoms.
5. Trauma Processing:
For those with a history of trauma contributing to their pain, our therapists provide a safe space to process and integrate these experiences, promoting healing and resilience.
6. Family Involvement:
We recognize the importance of family support in a child's healing journey. Our therapists collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to implement strategies for supporting the child at home and in their daily activities.
Benefits of Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Pain Reprocessing Therapy offers numerous benefits for children and adolescents, including:
- Reduced pain intensity and frequency
- Improved coping skills and resilience
- Enhanced quality of life and overall well-being
- Increased participation in school, extracurricular activities, and social interactions
- Prevention of long-term disability and psychological distress
Get Started on Your Child’s Healing Journey
If your child is struggling with chronic pain, we encourage you to contact PPA to learn more about our Pain Reprocessing Therapy program. We are available to support your child on their path to healing and recovery from chronic pain.
Empower Intervention
Early Developmental Model of Parent-Oriented Web-Based or In-Office Live Coaching Services & Resources
The EMPOWER program at Pediatric Psychology Associates is led by a multidisciplinary team of Licensed Psychologists and a Speech Language Pathologist specializing in early childhood development. The EMPOWER program provides live parent/caregiver coaching (either in-office, virtual or through a hybrid model -both in-office and virtual) to address the developmental needs of children under age 5. There is strong research evidence that this program can improve areas of development such as communication, socialization, play, adaptive skills, and emotional/behavioral regulation.
International and Interstate Services
PPA has earned a reputation as a specialized practice offering comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological services of the highest quality to families in the South Florida area. Leveraging our expertise, individualized care, and professional team, we frequently attract families from neighboring communities, other U.S. territories, and across the globe. To accommodate the needs of all families seeking our specialized services, we have expanded our consultation, evaluation, and treatment offerings nationwide and internationally. Our diverse professional team delivers culturally sensitive psychological services in English, Hebrew, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Convenient and accessible methods of service delivery
Telehealth across PSYPACT States in the US: Many of PPA’s Psychologists have received their PSYPACT certification. PSYPACT stands for the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact and it is a legal agreement among participating U.S. States and Territories that allows Licensed Psychologists to practice across state lines. PSYPACT aims to facilitate telepsychology and enhance access to mental health services which enables PPA to extend our specialized psychological and neuropsychological services to a broader geographic area while maintaining the high standards of care and professionalism that define our practice. PPA extends the majority of its in-person services to individuals residing in PSYPACT states through telehealth.
In-Person, Telehealth and/or Hybrid Services offered Globally: Families residing beyond the South Florida region who are open to traveling for a brief period can still benefit from our exceptional and inclusive services. We combine in-person treatment and evaluations at our easily accessible South Florida locations, with the option for follow-up appointments through telehealth for added convenience. We prioritize efficiency and flexibility, providing condensed scheduling options to maximize the impact of your travel time. Additionally, we recognize the importance of continuity of care, which is why we offer virtual follow-up sessions to ensure seamless support and ongoing progress, even after you return home. With PPA, international patients can access high-quality mental health care tailored to their specific needs, all within the vibrant backdrop of South Florida’s sunny shores.
Services Accessible to Remote Families
Consultative Services
Need expert guidance and treatment recommendations? We offer telehealth consultations to provide professional insights and recommendations to optimize progress. This may involve reviewing records and liaising with the current intervention team.
For international and interstate families already working with a team of professionals in their home country, we offer virtual consultations with these professionals (including medical doctors, interventionists, educators, etc.), either on a one-time or ongoing basis.
We can also facilitate the assembly of professional teams (educators, speech-occupational-physical therapists, psychologists, medical doctors, etc.) to deliver direct services, devise effective treatment plans, train other professionals and caregivers on specific methods outlined in the treatment plan, and oversee the implementation of the treatment plan and client progress.
Evaluation Services
- Web-based Evaluation for the Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Conducted by a Licensed Psychologist with specialized training in assessing developmental concerns in infants and toddlers. Evaluations are available in English and/or Spanish and cater to parents of young children (ages 0-3) showing potential signs of developmental delays or "red flags" for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Speech and Language Evaluations (English and Spanish) across the lifespan: Administered by a Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist. We conduct comprehensive evaluations covering speech articulation, language, pragmatic skills, and, where applicable, feeding skills.
- Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Evaluations: Administered by Licensed Psychologists with expertise tailored to the patient's age and presenting concerns. Evaluations are conducted in a hybrid manner, blending virtual/telehealth and in-person appointments. As mentioned, in-person appointments are typically arranged to accommodate families' travel plans. In cases of brief travel periods, consecutive in-person appointments can be arranged.
- Second opinion evaluations: Offered to clarify diagnostic uncertainties or discrepancies and to provide personalized recommendations for interventions/accommodations aligned with the examinee's profile and family lifestyle.
- Follow-up services: Delivered via telehealth to assist families in assembling effective treatment teams and implementing treatment plans based on evaluation recommendations.
Therapy/Treatment Services
- In-person OCD/Anxiety treatment: Providing intensive outpatient services using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard of OCD/Anxiety treatment. When suitable, treatment can continue via telehealth after the patient returns home, or we can liaise with professionals in the patient's hometown to ensure treatment continuity.
- In-person Social Skills therapy: Offered in an accelerated format during family visits to the U.S. Our social therapy draws from methodologies such as our SURF Group program (based on Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking® methodology) and the PEERS® instructional protocol.
- Telehealth treatment services and Parent Guidance: Available through parent-guided treatment programs including:
- EMPOWER Program for children under age 5 (put hyperlink to page)
- SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for children ages 4 to 18 (put hyperlink to page)
- PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) for children ages 2 to 7. (put hyperlink to page)
Our Locations:
South Florida’s proximity to the Caribbean and South America, coupled with the accessibility of three international airports near our offices in Aventura, Hollywood, Miami Beach, South Miami, and Weston, make it easily reachable from various parts of the world. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is approximately 9 miles from our Aventura office, 6 miles from Hollywood, and 19 miles from Weston. Miami International Airport is roughly 10 miles from Miami Beach, 9 miles from South Miami and 17 miles from Aventura. Palm Beach International Airport is situated 60 miles south of our Weston office.
For further information on our International Services, please contact our office.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for children ages 2 to 7. PCIT has been successful in treating emotional and behavioral challenges in children, including:
- Oppositional and Defiant behavior
- Challenges with Inattention and/or Hyperactive Behaviors
- Conduct/Behavior Disorder
- Child Maltreatment and Trauma, supported by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Anxiety Disorders, using the PCIT-CALM adaption protocol
Space Intervention
What is SPACE?
SPACE stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, a program designed by Eli Lebowitz, Ph.D. from Yale University's Child Study Center.
It's an eight-session intervention aimed at helping children overcome problematic anxiety. Extensive research has been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the SPACE program.
To facilitate SPACE sessions, individuals must have completed the rigorous SPACE Training program. Fortunately, many of our clinicians at PPA have undergone this training, enabling us to extend the benefits of SPACE to our community in South Florida. As SPACE intervention involves only parents or caregivers, our team of SPACE-trained psychologists can provide these specialized services through telehealth or at our locations in Aventura, Miami Beach, and Weston.
From the moment of birth, children instinctively seek solace and protection from their parents, while parents are naturally driven to safeguard their young. This inherent bond between parent and child prompts parents to alleviate their child's anxieties when they arise. Over time, children often internalize this parental support, learning to self-soothe and manage their discomfort. However, some children may overly rely on parental reassurance, failing to cultivate their own coping mechanisms and understanding that anxiety can be managed. The aim of the SPACE program is to enhance children's resilience to anxiety by adjusting parental involvement in this dynamic. As parents gradually reduce accommodations while remaining supportive, children can develop greater confidence in managing their emotions.
The success of the SPACE program hinges on parental engagement. Through our experience, we've identified several key conditions for optimal progress:
Commitment:
Like any endeavor, the outcomes of therapy are proportional to the effort invested. Prioritize treatment over the coming months, aiming to attend sessions consistently and punctually.
Involvement of Both Parents/Caregivers:
Whenever feasible, involve both parents or caregivers in sessions to maximize the benefits.
Consistent Effort Between Sessions:
Weekly sessions alone are insufficient. Effective treatment requires proactive efforts planned during sessions and implemented at home between appointments.
Speech/Language Pathology
Why Should You Consider PPA for Speech Language Resources?
Collaborations between psychologists and speech language pathologists is essential in providing a holistic and comprehensive treatment approach to support children’s academic, social, emotional, and communication development.
PPA is fortunate to have Diana Acevedo, M.S. CCC-SLP, a highly experienced bilingual Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, as part of our clinical team.
Ms. Acevedo’s extensive professional training and flexible style allows her to work effectively with children, adolescents and adults experiencing speech/language difficulties.
Her input and hands-on involvement during the process of comprehensive evaluations and social skills groups has been invaluable to growth and success of our patients.
Learn more about our SLP's professional background.
Evaluations for Speech Language Pathology
Consultations
Families/Professionals often inquire about a Consultation for the following reasons:
- To address behaviors or recent changes in child’s emotional or behavioral state.
- Second opinions on current psychological treatment / treatment planning.
- To speak to a professional for guidance on parenting, decision making (move, divorce, school placement, etc.).
- Other professionals (pediatricians, psychiatrists, neurologists and even psychologists) often refer families to our office to get a second opinion on a complex issue.
- Schools often refer to our office for guidance on handling school matters that affect their students/staff emotionally (death, trauma, accident, etc.).
- Work with families of children who have developmental issues and need guidance on multidisciplinary services.
Educational Advocacy and Coordination
PPA’s team of expert psychologists can provide educational advocacy and related services at every step of a family’s journey. Our psychologists are uniquely equipped to serve as educational advocates, given specialized training and experience in assessing and understanding the complex interplay between psychological factors and educational performance. Here's why we are particularly well-suited for this role:
Assessment Expertise:
Our psychologists have extensive training in administering and interpreting a wide range of assessments designed to evaluate cognitive abilities, academic skills, social-emotional functioning, and behavioral challenges. This expertise allows them to provide comprehensive evaluations that offer insights into the underlying factors influencing a student's educational performance.
Identification of Strengths and Needs:
Our psychologists are skilled at identifying students' strengths and areas of need across various domains. By conducting thorough assessments, they can pinpoint specific learning difficulties, developmental delays, or emotional concerns that may impact a student's educational progress. This information is crucial for developing tailored interventions and accommodations to support the student's learning and development.
Individualized Educational Planning:
With their deep understanding of assessment data, our psychologists can collaborate with educators, parents, and other members of a student’s team to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that address the unique needs of each student. They can provide valuable input during IEP meetings, ensuring that educational goals, accommodations, and services are aligned with the student’s assessment results and best practices in the field of psychology and education.
Advocacy and Support:
PPA psychologists support students with special needs by advocating for appropriate services, accommodations, and resources to encourage their educational success. They work tirelessly to ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally within the school environment. Our psychologists also provide guidance and support to families, helping them navigate the educational system and access available resources and services.
Collaboration with School Teams:
Our psychologists collaborate closely with teachers, school counselors, and other members of the educational team to implement evidence-based interventions and support strategies. They provide consultation and training to school staff on topics such as behavior management, differentiated instruction, and social-emotional learning, helping to create inclusive learning environments where all students can succeed.
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Interventions:
PPA psychologists monitor students’ progress over time, using ongoing assessment data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make adjustments as needed. They play a key role in ensuring that students receive the appropriate level of support and that interventions are tailored to their evolving needs.
Your child’s education matters, and you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Reach out to PPA today to learn more about our educational advocacy services and how we can support your family. Together, we can ensure that your child receives the quality education they deserve.
Community Outreach and Education
PPA stands as a cornerstone in the field of psychology, not only for its commitment to providing high-quality mental health services but also for its dedication to community outreach and public education. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing webinars, presentations, and workshops, PPA actively engages with individuals, families, and communities to promote mental well-being, resilience, and understanding.
Webinars:
PPA recognizes the importance of utilizing digital platforms to reach a wider audience and offer valuable insights into various aspects of mental health. As part of our commitment to supporting families in navigating the complexities of child and adolescent mental health, we are thrilled to offer a series of engaging and educational webinars covering a variety of topics relevant to parenting and child development. Led by our team of expert clinicians, each webinar provides valuable insights, practical strategies, and evidence-based guidance to help parents better understand and address common challenges faced by children and adolescents. Join us for these interactive sessions designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence in supporting your child's mental health and well-being.
- Anxiety and Excessive Shyness in Elementary School Children
- Assessment and Treatment of ADHD
- Behavior Strategies for Home and in the Community
- Building Social Competence through Play
- Bullyproofing Program: A Comprehensive Approach for Elementary School
- Coping with Sibling Rivalry and Family Conflicts
- Coping with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters for Children and Families
- Early Childhood Development Across the Spectrum
- Eating Disorders and Body Image
- Effective Behavior Management Techniques for the Classroom
- Effective Parenting of Teens with ADHD and Executive Dysfunction
- Empathy: Creating a Caring Community
- Enhancing Social Skills and Setting up Successful Play Dates
- Fostering a Healthy Future for your Teen/Tween
- Strategies for Potty Training Success
- The Cycle of Behavioral Defiance
- Tools for Talking to Teens Today
- Fostering Independence, Sleep Habits and Adaptive Skills in your Child
- Helping our Children Cope with Trauma
- Helping Your Child Cope with Changes in their Routine and Other Stressors
- Ideas for Building a Successful Classroom
- Identification of Depression and Anxiety in Children
- Navigating the Maze of Psychological Evaluations, Services, and Legal Advocacy
- Positive Behavioral Supports in Early Childhood Classrooms using Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT) Principles
- Promoting Social and Emotional Growth in our Youth with Learning Differences
- Raising Emotionally Healthy and Socially Competent Children
- Recognizing, Coping and Preventing Bullying in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Role of Psychologists in Transition to Adulthood for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Understanding and Implementing Psychological Evaluations
- Understanding the Response to Intervention (RtI) Process
Peak Performance
Peak Performance Services by PPA Mental Health Clinicians
At PPA, we understand that peak performance isn't just about achieving excellence in a specific field; it's also about maintaining mental well-being and resilience in the face of challenges. PPA offers specialized services designed to support individuals in reaching their highest potential while prioritizing their psychological health. Here's an overview of the peak performance services provided at PPA:
1. Performance Counseling:
Our clinicians provide one-on-one counseling sessions tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual. Through a combination of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and positive psychology interventions, clients learn to overcome barriers, manage performance-related stress and anxiety, and develop the psychological skills necessary for peak performance.
2. Stress Management and Resilience Training:
Stress is a common factor that can hinder performance and well-being. Our clinicians offer stress management and resilience training programs aimed at helping individuals effectively cope with stressors, build resilience, and thrive under pressure. Techniques such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), relaxation training, and cognitive restructuring empower clients to manage stress more effectively and perform at their best.
3. Goal Setting and Motivation Enhancement:
Setting clear, achievable goals and maintaining motivation are essential to peak performance. Our clinicians work with clients to identify their goals, clarify their values, and develop action plans to achieve success. By fostering intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and a growth mindset, clients are better equipped to overcome obstacles and stay focused on their objectives.
4. Biofeedback Training:
Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, our clinicians offer biofeedback training to help clients regulate physiological processes that influence performance. By providing real-time feedback on parameters such as heart rate variability, muscle tension, and other relevant measures, clients learn to optimize their physiological responses and achieve peak performance.
Peak performance services provided at PPA offer a holistic approach to optimizing performance while prioritizing mental health and well-being. Through counseling, stress management, goal setting, and biofeedback training, our clinicians empower individuals of all ages to overcome obstacles, maximize their potential, and thrive in their endeavors. Whether in sports, academics, business, or any other domain, the insights and support provided at PPA can make a significant difference in achieving sustainable peak performance and psychological flourishing.
