As a Psychologist who specializes in psychological testing, every day, people ask me whether I take insurance. Some are just checking, not really expecting me to accept it. Others are hoping to use their insurance, so they seek out in-network providers. Then there’s a group that, upon learning I don’t take insurance, becomes very angry. Once, someone even told me, “You’re what’s wrong with the healthcare system in America. You’re why we’re in a mental health crisis.” While I understand the frustration of not being able to use insurance, it still hurts to hear such things. It’s not about greed, nor is it my intention to limit access to care. In fact, I would love to take insurance—I did for nine years. But ultimately, it became an unsustainable business practice, and the fault lies with the insurance companies.

"Inside Out 2," the sequel to Pixar’s beloved exploration of emotions, promises to delve even deeper into the intricate world of our inner emotional lives. Just like its predecessor, this movie offers valuable insights into how we experience and manage our emotions, making it a powerful tool for understanding real-life emotional challenges, particularly anxiety.

In "Inside Out 2," we continue to follow the journey of Riley and her emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. The film beautifully illustrates how these core emotions interact, influence our behavior, and help us respond to the world around us. By personifying these emotions, "Inside Out 2" provides a visual and relatable way to understand the often abstract and overwhelming nature of our feelings.

Giftedness is often perceived as a high intellectual ability, but it encompasses much more than just a high IQ. It refers to individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills or talents in one or more areas, such as academics, creativity, leadership, or the arts. Gifted individuals often possess unique cognitive abilities, advanced problem-solving skills, and a deep passion for learning. However, giftedness can also come with its own set of challenges, particularly when it intersects with other conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is a condition characterized by extreme emotional sensitivity and pain triggered by the perception of rejection, criticism, or failure. For those experiencing RSD, these perceived rejections can lead to intense emotional reactions that may seem disproportionate to the situation. While anyone can experience sensitivity to rejection, RSD is particularly prevalent among individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Adult ADHD often plays a significant, yet misunderstood role in romantic relationships. From daily interactions to long-term commitments, the dynamics of partnerships can be uniquely challenged by the symptoms of ADHD. This article will explore how ADHD can impact relationships and provide practical advice on communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy, fulfilling partnership.

Autism and BPD can share overlapping symptoms, further complicating diagnosis. Both conditions may involve challenges in social interactions, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties with identity and sense of self. However, the underlying reasons for these symptoms differ. In autism, social difficulties stem from challenges in understanding social cues and norms, while in BPD, they arise from unstable self-image and intense fear of abandonment.

Psychosis, though often associated with adults, can also occur in children, albeit less frequently. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of psychosis in children is crucial for early intervention and support. In this article, we'll explore the manifestations of psychosis in children, the prevalence of hearing voices, and when psychosis may be indicative of a severe mental illness versus a transient experience.

Demand avoidance is a concept that many parents encounter in their children's behavior. It's important to understand that demand avoidance, in general, is a normal part of human behavior. We all have moments when we resist doing something we're asked to do, whether it's a mundane task or a more challenging request. However, when demand avoidance becomes persistent and significantly impacts a child's functioning, it may be worth exploring further.

If you're reading this, chances are you've been on a journey to understand yourself better, seeking answers to questions that have lingered for far too long. You may have found yourself questioning whether you could be autistic, only to be met with dismissive responses or misdiagnoses from other providers. I understand the frustration, the uncertainty, and the fear that comes with feeling misunderstood and overlooked.

Parents play a pivotal role in their child's academic journey, especially when the child is neurodivergent. Children with ADHD often exhibit remarkable creativity, energy, and the ability to think outside the box. These strengths, when harnessed effectively, can lead to academic success and a fulfilling educational experience. Here are some strategies parents can use at home to support their children with ADHD in a way that affirms their neurodiversity and promotes academic achievement.

Recently, I've observed a concerning trend within the mental health profession: the stigmatization of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Despite growing awareness and acceptance of mental health conditions among the general public, fueled in part by candid conversations on platforms like TikTok, it seems that some mental health professionals are lagging behind. It's time to address this issue head-on and advocate for a change in our approach to BPD.

Do you ever feeling like you are navigating through life with a sense that your experiences are somehow different from those around you? Do you ever find that things that come easily to others are difficult for you? If so, it could be that your brain works a bit differently because of ADHD. If you're considering ADHD testing as an adult, you've taken a commendable step towards understanding and embracing your unique cognitive profile. Here's what you can expect during the process of adult ADHD testing, which we approach from a place of respect for neurodiversity and individual strengths.

Understanding and supporting a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile of autism, can be a challenging journey. However, by adopting a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach, we can help our children to thrive. Let's dive into some strategies that can be helpful.

In this article, we will focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a distinct and often misunderstood profile of autism. PDA is a term coined by Elizabeth Newson in the 1980’s to describe a specific profile of autism characterized by extreme anxiety, demand avoidance, and a need for control. Some people prefer the term Pervasive Drive for Autonomy to represent PDA because of the desire to maintain control and autonomy in one’s environment. Unlike other forms of autism, individuals with PDA often display a high level of social understanding and can be highly skilled at masking their difficulties, making it challenging to identify their needs.

In a world filled with demands and distractions, mastering the art of effective planning, organization, and decision-making is often the key to personal and professional success. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by tasks, struggled with time management, or yearned to enhance your cognitive skills, then you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore executive functioning coaching—a powerful resource that can unlock your potential, regardless of the challenges you face. Whether you're a student aiming for academic excellence, a professional striving for career advancement, or simply someone seeking to navigate life with greater confidence and control, executive functioning coaching has the tools and techniques to guide you toward your goals.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant number of children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. This disorder can impact a child’s ability to concentrate, pay attention, and control impulsive behaviors. In this blog post, we will discuss what ADHD is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options for children.

Picture yourself on a busy road, surrounded by the sights of honking horns, flashing lights, and relentless traffic. For many, this scenario is a mundane part of daily life, an activity that requires minimal effort and attention. However, for some individuals, driving can present a unique set of challenges that are often overlooked. In this blog post, we will discuss how autistic adults and adults with ADHD may be impacted while driving and share some tips for success. By shedding light on these challenges, we aim to promote understanding, empathy, and better support for individuals who may struggle while driving.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects a person's emotions, behavior, and relationships with others. It is estimated that about 1.6% of the US population has BPD, and it is more commonly diagnosed in women than men. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for BPD.

ADHD can be very stressful and can impact daily life and productivity. It can lead to difficulties with your job, home life, and other relationships. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, or suspect that you may have it, it is important to learn strategies to manage it. Here are some tips to help you better manage adult ADHD.