San Diego Kids First
Psychologist, PhD
Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
1 Endorsed
Let's Connect (858) 215-1923
At San Diego Kids First, we believe that every child is unique and deserves an individualized approach to overcoming social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or academic challenges. Instead of focusing solely on labels, we emphasize understanding each child's strengths and areas for growth. By working collaboratively with parents, schools, and other professionals, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the child or teen, allowing us to create effective, tailored strategies that foster real and lasting change. Our practice offers a wide range of services for children ages 0-5, school-aged children, and adolescents.
We specialize in evaluations and multi-modal therapies for ADHD, ASD, Learning Disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders, and emotional regulation. Additionally, we provide behavioral support plans, social-emotional learning, occupational therapy, parenting guidance, IEP assistance, and educational therapy.
One of the highlights of our practice is our social skills groups, which focus on helping children build meaningful relationships, enhance communication, and confidently navigate social situations. We also offer in-home behavioral interventions, developmental and dyslexia screenings, individualized parenting sessions, and postpartum mental health programs.
Take the first step to help. Call or Email San Diego Kids First now - (858) 215-1923
Let's Connect (858) 215-1923
Finances
Payment Methods
American Express, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Paypal, VisaInsurance
- Out of Network
San Diego Kids First
Psychologist, PhD
Check fees and, if listed, ask to verify your insurance coverage. Email or (858) 215-1923
Qualifications
- Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / PSY 18934 Deborah Pontillo
- In Practice for 23 years
- Attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Ph.D., Graduated 2002
Psychologist: Deborah Pontillo
Education and Years In Practice
San Diego Kids First
Psychologist, PhD
Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience. Email or (858) 215-1923
Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialties
- Behavioral Issues
- ADHD
- Anxiety
Expertise
- Anger Management
- Autism
- Child
- Chronic Impulsivity
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Education and Learning Disabilities
- LGBTQ+
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- Relationship Issues
- School Issues
- Self Esteem
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Stress
- Testing and Evaluation
San Diego Kids First
Psychologist, PhD
Do these issues align with your needs? Email or (858) 215-1923
Endorsement
Client Focus
Age
Toddler ,
Children (6 to 10) ,
Preteen ,
Teen ,
Adults
Participants
Individuals ,
Family ,
Group
I also speak
Spanish
Age
Toddler ,
Children (6 to 10) ,
Preteen ,
Teen ,
Adults
Participants
Individuals ,
Family ,
Group
I also speak
Spanish
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Culturally Sensitive
- Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
- Expressive Arts
- Occupational Therapy
- Psychological Testing and Evaluation
- Social Emotional Learning
- Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
- Strength-Based
San Diego Kids First
Psychologist, PhD
Ask about what different forms of therapy will be like. Email or (858) 215-1923
Location
Primary Location
The Hacienda Building
12625 High Bluff Drive
Suite 204
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 215-1923Email Us
Additional Location
Coronado Office
138 B Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
(858) 215-1923