WELCOME

Welcome to San Diego Kids First, a highly specialized psychology practice committed to maximizing the developmental, social, emotional, behavioral, and academic potential of children, teens, and families.

It’s our philosophy to meet you where you are. Even literally! In addition to traditional office sessions, we offer in-home, school-based, & telehealth services. Wherever we meet, let’s find the answers.

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There are good reasons why we are known as the top specialty clinic in san diego

WE LISTEN

We listen to our community as closely as we listen to our clients. We have grown by responding to the needs you’ve expressed.

WE IDENTIFY

We identify each individual’s natural strengths and gifts, not just challenges or ‘labels’, in order to maximize progress and help you reach your goals.

WE HIRE

We hire only select professionals, from the highest-rated universities in the nation.

WE'RE COMMITTED

We are committed to finding solutions. You expect timely progress, and we ensure it.

WE TAILOR

We tailor our assessments to the unique needs of each individual and family.

WE PROPOSE

We propose only and precisely the specialist services you need.

WE COLLABORATE

We collaborate. Our clients benefit from the insights of our entire team.

What Others Say About Us

I am a general pediatrician with a special interest in ADHD, spending about 20% of my clinical time caring for ADHD patients. I have known Dr Pontillo since 2005 and have an enormous respect for her clinical skills and insights. She is my “go to” psychologist for more complicated developmental issues and for diagnosis of subtle high functioning disabilities. Dr. Pontillo’s interest in her patients and her ability to clearly delineate developmental problems allows parents to move forward with establishing a treatment plan. She is an invaluable resource to the San Diego Pediatric community.

Nicholas Levy, MD, Medical Director, El Camino Pediatrics, V. Asst Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, UCSD

Dr. Pontillo is an exceptional, and one-of-a-kind child psychologist. I have referred many children of my patients to Dr. Pontillo and she has always given them the best care and attention. Referring a patient to another professional is a big responsibility. I always look for a colleague who is efficient, professional, experienced and one who is able to come up with a clear diagnosis. I keep referring to Dr. Pontillo because of her expertise, efficiency and especially her warm and caring personality that is extremely necessary when dealing with children. I very highly recommend Deborah Pontillo, Ph.D as a child diagnostician, developmental and behavioral specialist, and therapist.

David Kravetz, M.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, UCSD

I’ve been referring my patients to Dr. Pontillo for the past several years with the utmost confidence that she will care and understand their developmental needs. Dr. Pontillo always provided them with a balanced and age appropriate intervention to help not only the child but the family as a whole.

Chrystal de Freitas M.D., Pediatrician Carmel Valley Pediatrics