Melanie A. Fernandez, PhD, ABPP
Gold-Standard Assessment
Thorough assessment is essential to effective treatment. Our first meeting will allow me to understand the history of your concerns and how your life is being affected by those concerns. As part of this initial evaluation, I will ask you to share relevant prior records with me and to complete behavior rating scales. Together, this information will allow me to recommend the best course of treatment.
After the evaluation, we will meet for a feedback session, during which I will share my impressions and recommendations, and we will identify treatment goals collaboratively.
Image courtesy of Moggara12 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Evidence-Based Treatment
Using techniques shown to be effective in numerous research studies, we will target specific behaviors, thinking patterns, and emotional processing styles to help improve familial and social interactions and self-worth. We will set treatment goals collaboratively and together assess how we are progressing towards achieving those goals. Progress will be tracked qualitatively and quantitatively.
Treatment is short-term in that it ends when treatment goals are met and you are experiencing less interference and more relief in day-to-day living. Treatment typically takes place during weekly, one-hour sessions though there are circumstances when longer, more frequent or shorter, less frequent sessions are indicated.
Services Provided
Diagnostic Evaluations
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Behavioral Parent Training, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
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School Consultation​
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Training in PCIT
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Media
"Ask Dr. Fernandez" in Scholastic Instructor Magazine
Dr. Fernandez on the Coffee Klatch discussing disruptive behavior