Psychological Testing and Evaluation Therapists in Arlington, MA

My ideal client is likely someone seeking therapy across the lifespan, dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma. I specialize in working with athletes, especially collegiate athletes, and those facing high-stress transitions in their athletic careers, given my personal and professional background in the field. My collaborative and adaptable therapeutic approach caters to individuals seeking support and growth in various life circumstances.

Melissa Coffey, PsyD, is a pre-licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and adolescents. Melissa has a plethora of experience in the school setting as well as the clinical setting. Her background includes trauma informed care, family systems, psychoeducational assessment, as well as LGBTQIA+ youth. Her research includes implementing positive psychology into complex systems to increase the level of wellbeing in the work environment.

It is difficult to imagine the ideal client. However, if I were to picture them, I would say they would be open and receptive towards therapy and have a desire to improve themselves. They would want to collaborate with their therapist to understand how stress, the environment, and personal history can impact their mental health. They would want a positive, empathetic relationship because it would encourage them to utilize the techniques they have learned and learn more effective ways to help themselves.

Do you think you may have ADHD or Autism? Have you struggled to assert boundaries at work, with family, & partners? Have you felt curious about exploring different pronouns and gender identity? Do you feel bad that you have a disability and don't know how to tell your friends that you can't do certain activities? You may have goals to tell your friends your preferred pronouns. Goals to get a diagnosis for your disability & curious about medication, goals to reevaluate your relationship with cannabis/alcohol. You may feel shame & anger about your childhood & the way your parents handled your behavior.

For over 25 years, I have been providing psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services for children, adolescents and adults. I work collaboratively with children, adolescents, parents and families in psychotherapy, parent consultation and family therapy and specialize in providing neuropsychological and psychological evaluations for children with learning, developmental and psychiatric difficulties and consulting with public and private schools about the needs of such children. I also specialize in providing psychotherapy services to children and families in the context of divorce, including post-divorce parent coordination services.

I am currently taking new clients! As your therapist, I strive to create a space in which you feel comfortable to explore your inner world in a deep and meaningful way. I work to provide support while challenging any maladaptive patterns. Therapy can help deepen insight, create healthier thinking and habits, and explore strengths while healing. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and client-centered, and together we can help you realize your potential. I incorporate CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and trauma-informed therapy, depending on the specific needs and preferences of each of my clients.

I provide neuropsychological testing and evaluation services for children and adolescents struggling with the various challenges that can impact learning and school success. Comprehensive neuropsychological and educational assessments help parents better understand a student's learning profile and strengths and weaknesses, and help to identify underlying processing deficits, learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia), executive functioning and organizational difficulties, attentional deficits and ADHD, as well as social-emotional-behavioral challenges that may be impacting school functioning such as ASD, anxiety, or depression.

As a clinical psychologist, my goal is to support you, wherever you may be in your life. My individual work with adults has focused on finding meaning and balance, while supporting mental health needs. I work with children to address social and mental health issues, and I also attend to the child-caregiver connection.

For the past 10+ years I have been in private practice serving kids, adolescents, and adults. I provide neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment and consultation as well as individual and group therapy using a strengths-based approach. Much of my practice focuses on helping Middle School and High School students who are struggling with learning, social, and emotional adjustment through collaboratively identifying the obstacles and challenges they may be facing and helping them to recognize and embrace their qualities and strengths. Evaluation also involves working closely with parents and helping to identify the most appropriate schools, supports, and home strategies.

I am a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts and I provide individual therapy to adults. My areas of particular interest include: depression, anxiety, stress management, relational concerns and conflicts, gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, trauma and healing from traumatic experiences, veterans issues, and relational concerns and conflicts.

I am a child clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric neuropsychology and I have been partnering with families for over 12 years to help children thrive in their social, emotional, and academic lives. I founded SEEDS to help caregivers better understand their child's strengths and challenges, and to use that information to design individualized interventions. I conduct personalized, comprehensive, neuropsychological evaluations and have expertise evaluating individuals with Autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, language disabilities, ADHD, and emotional and behavioral difficulties.