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    Dr. Ashley Elefant Baratz is a licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in the assessment and care of neurodivergent individuals, with a focus on working with Autistic and ADHD clients.

     

     

    What is Neurodivergence? Neurodivergence is the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical." This includes, but is not limited to, Autistics, ADHDers, individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities (i.e., dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia), and those with other lifelong conditions such as Bipolar Disorder.

     

     

    In addition to working to understand each individuals unique neurodivergence, I assess how symptoms related to Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma may be further influencing an individuals quality of life.

     
     

    My goal is to help all clients, regardless of their age, gender, past experience, or learning differences, better understand themselves and learn how to thrive. With comprehensive assessment and detailed recommendations, I can help set you or your child up for the best chances at success.

     
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    Located in Walnut Creek, CA with convenient telehealth options available for some appointments.

  • Background and Experience

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    I graduated from Palo Alto University's Pacific Graduate School of Psychology with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have over five years of experience providing psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations.

     

    Throughout the course of my training and early career I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in both therapy and assessment. Through my work I noticed how many neurodivergent children and young adults "slip through the cracks" of both public and private schools and the unfortunate negative effects of these oversights. We all learn differently and individuals who do not understand their learning differences will often become anxious or depressed as a result. This creates a vicious cycle in which the individuals will often then have more academic, social, and overall functioning struggles due to mood symptoms. It is important to break this cycle as soon as possible.

     

    I aim to provide individuals with resources tailored to their individual strength and weaknesses, and address some of the co-occurring mental health difficulties that may have developed as a result. Early intervention for academic and emotional differences can make a huge impact on someone's life trajectory. Set your yourself (or your child) up for success by taking action NOW!

     

    For more information on my comprehensive assessments, please see below.

     

    Location: In person services are provided in Walnut Creek, CA. Additional services can be done via Zoom but at least one in person session is usually required. Convenient testing option for those located in Contra Costa County (Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Danville, San Ramon, etc.) and Alameda County (Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Pleasanton, etc.).

     

    Assessment available for all appropriate clients ages 8+.

     

    Services available in Spanish. Se habla español. Para más información sobre los servicios en español, por favor llame al (925) 247 - 8191.

  • Coloring Outside the Lines

    "You have to color outside the lines once in a while if you want to make your life a masterpiece."

    - Albert Einstein

     

    Coloring outside the lines refers to doing things your own way. It can also represent a different way of thinking that is common in neurodivergent individuals. Those with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism tend to color outside the lines. And that's perfectly okay. In fact, it can be a significant strength! Just like colored pencils in a box, we are all unique. We are also all different in the way that we learn and understand the world around us.

     

    Understanding how and why we color outside of the lines and learning to see our differences as strengths, rather than weaknesses, is the best way to achieve success. For example, did you know that those with learning differences tend to be more creative and can use their outside of the box thinking to create masterpieces?

     

    Being different can be good. You just have to learn to understand your differences and how to utilize them to your advantage! I can help!

     

     

     

  • GET THE SKILLS NEEDED FOR SUCCESS!

     

    Success is such a broad term. Often times when we think of success, we think of academic or professional success. While these are important, I believe that it is equally as important to set yourself or your child up for emotional health and success. All of my assessments look at academic or learning challenges (such as ADHD or Learning Disabilities) AND the impact that these learning differences have on ones overall mental health. I provide detailed recommendations to every client at the end of our testing process to address all of these areas. The end goal of every assessment I conduct is to see my patient succeed, whatever that means to them!

  • What's Involved in an Assessment? 

     

    1

    Intake

    Learning as much about you or your child as possible through a formal interview.

    2

    Testing

    Two to four one-on-one sessions to complete a variety of specific activities.

    3

    Feedback

    Meeting to discuss the outcome of the assessment and the best plan forward.

     

    4

    Written Report

    A formal written report with all of the findings of testing that can be used for school accommodations and other important services will be provided.

     

    5

    Continued Support

    I will help you prioritize recommendations and work with you to get the support you need to succeed!

     

  • Services

    I currently offer all of the following services. Please feel free to reach out for more information!

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    Psychoeducational and Psychological Assessment

    Designed to help those struggling with academic, social, or emotional concerns

     

    All testing involves:

    • In-person one-on-one testing sessions
    • Assessments examining overall functioning
    • Assessments tailored to the specific referral question
    • Screening for anxiety, depression and other emotional concerns 
    • Virtual meetings for easy intake, feedback, and follow-up
    • Comprehensive assessment report with results, diagnosis, and recommendations 
    • Quick report turn around and feedback

     

    As needed:

    • School observation
    • Comprehensive review of records
    • IEP support / school consultation
    • Continued support post-assessment
    • Interviews with therapists, teachers and other providers
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    Short-term, Skills Based Therapy

    4 to 8 Sessions - Designed to help support learning and adaptive functioning

    • Learning strategies to help better develop skills related to organization, planning, and other aspects of executive functioning
    • Guidance for students and parents about optimal study strategies 
    • Skills for relaxation and anxiety reduction during tests
    • Support and strategies for homework completion 
    • Resources for optimizing learning in a telehealth environment 
    • Neurodivergent adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills 
    • Basic social skills training for those with ASD and social anxiety 

  • Reach Out

    What to know more? Curious about how I can help? I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

    Walnut Creek, CA
    (925) 247 -8191
    (925) 247 -8191
    ashley@drelefantbaratz.com

  • No Surprises Act (NSA)

    You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

    Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

    •  You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
    • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
    • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
    • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

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