Board-certified child & adolescent psychologist, 22+ years in practice
Psychotherapy for children, teens, and young adults in Encinitas.
I’m Dr. Abby, a board-certified psychologist helping children, teens, and young adults navigate anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, grief and loss, and challenges at home or school. I also work with couples, particularly those balancing parenting and their relationship.
Strengthening relationships and building resilience so young people and families can thrive, not just survive.
Board certified, ABPPClinical Child & Adolescent Psychology
Who I work with
Care is shaped around where a young person is developmentally — and around the people at home who know them best.
Children
Play-based, developmentally attuned therapy for socio-emotional, developmental, and behavioral difficulties, with parents kept close to the work.
Adolescents
A space to talk honestly about anxiety, mood, identity, friendships, school pressure, and the things that are hard to say at home.
Young adults & parents
Support through college years and early adulthood, plus parenting consultations for families who want guidance rather than therapy.
Supporting your relationship while raising a family
I work with couples, particularly those navigating the demands of parenting while trying to stay connected as partners. Together, we explore communication, shared responsibilities, and patterns of disconnection, making space for both your children’s needs and your relationship.
Strong relationships. Greater resilience. Room to thrive.
I begin by getting to know each young person—their strengths, their challenges, and what matters to them. My approach is relational, practical, and often playful, informed by neuroscience, developmental psychology, and attachment theory. Relationships are central to my work: the relationship we build in therapy, connections within families, and the ways young people relate to themselves and others. Together, we build on existing strengths, develop resilience, and create room for growth, connection, and a more fulfilling life.
Specialty areas
Common reasons families get in touch. If what you are facing is not on this list, call and ask. We can talk about whether my practice is a good fit for your needs.
- Anxiety & fears
- Grief & loss
- Depression
- Trauma
- OCD, obsessions & compulsions
- Intimacy & relationships
- Life transitions
- Body image issues
- Self-defeating behaviors
- ADHD
- Adolescents & young adults
- Autism & neurodevelopmental differences
- School & IEP consultation
- Parent consultation
- Couples & parenting balance
Wondering whether therapy is the right step?
Psychotherapy can help anyone looking to address challenges in daily life — relationship problems, excessive fear or worry, lack of motivation, mood instability, a poor self-image, feelings of helplessness, difficulty making decisions, or a general dissatisfaction with life.
What a first call covers
- A few minutes, no chargeEnough time to describe what is going on.
- Your questions answeredFees, scheduling, and how I work.
- An honest next stepAn initial intake session, or a referral to someone better suited.
How to begin
Choosing a therapist can feel intimidating. It does not have to be complicated.
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Call the practice
Reach me directly at (858) 314-3477, or send a short message and I will call you back.
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Talk it through
You will spend a few minutes describing your needs, and I will answer any questions you have about the process.
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Start, or get a referral
I will either offer an initial intake session or point you to colleagues who are a better match for what you need.
Take the first step for your child, or for yourself.
Whether you’re seeking support for your child, yourself, or your family, we can begin with a conversation about what you need.