Nationally Certified School Psychologist
PSY # 35341
“Together, we can create a supportive environment where your child feels appreciated, understood, and empowered to thrive.”
Highlighted Service: Developmental and Multidisciplinary Evaluations
Dr. Anna Basanty is a dedicated licensed psychologist who brings extensive experience in child and adolescent development, assessment, and therapeutic interventions. With a doctorate in School Psychology and a background in both educational and clinical settings, Dr. Basanty is passionate about helping children and families navigate challenges related to emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development.
Dr. Basanty completed her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and her doctoral internship at the Santa Barbara School Psychology Internship Consortium. She acquired specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapy throughout her supervised fieldwork. Dr. Basanty completed her post-doctoral fellowship in the residential treatment program at the San Diego Center for Children, where she led the clinical assessment team in providing neurodevelopmental and socio-emotional diagnostic assessments, as well as provided individual and family therapy for youth with diverse presenting concerns.
Dr. Basanty specializes in conducting comprehensive developmental and psycho-educational assessment, mood and behavioral therapy, and school-based consultation to maximize the developmental, social, emotional, behavioral, and academic potential of youth. Her work focuses on providing individualized care through comprehensive psychological assessments, including evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and mood or behavioral disorders. Clinically, she is skilled in using evidence-based therapeutic approaches (CBT/DBT) to support youth in developing healthy coping strategies and building resilience.
Her clinical philosophy is grounded in collaboration with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that your child receives individualized care tailored to their unique strengths and needs. Dr. Basanty works closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop holistic treatment plans that promote social, emotional, and academic success for her clients.
Dr. Basanty is passionate about involving families throughout assessment and treatment and helping them understand how to best support their child’s growth. She knows that every child is unique and believes in creating a warm, supportive environment where each child can feel understood and valued.
At San Diego Kids First, Dr. Basanty is honored to be a part of your family’s journey and looks forward to working with you to foster your child’s emotional growth, resilience, and success. In her free time, Dr. Basanty enjoys going to sports events, reading novels, and playing with her cat, Sushi.
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.
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.
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.