New Clients
If you are scheduling an appointment for the first time, please submit an inquiry by either: 1. Calling the office and speaking with our office manager, 2. Emailing the office, or 3. Submitting the web contact form below so we can ensure you are placed with the correct provider, and to ensure that your provider has current availability. Self-scheduling is not available for new patients. New clients are required to create an account on our online patient portal in order to complete required intake forms. If you are a parent booking for a minor child, please create the account in the name of the MINOR. PLEASE NOTE – Dr. Pontillo is not accepting any ongoing clients at this time.
NEW PATIENTS – please call us at 858-692-4187 or submit the web contact form below. In order to place you with the ideal provider please describe the age of the client, current concerns, and whether you are looking for an evaluation, therapy, or consultation. We will return your inquiry by the end of the following business day. Thank you and we look forward to speaking with you!
Attention All Clients:
REGULAR/ONGOING THERAPY – If you are looking to begin REGULAR, ONGOING therapy/counseling for your child, teen, or for yourself, please call the office at 858-692-4187 to find out who is accepting new patients.
EVALUATIONS – If you are looking to schedule an evaluation for yourself or your child / teen, please contact us to schedule your initial 50-minute parent-only intake appointment with Dr. Jordan Ko, Dr. Jesse Olague, or Dr. Jacqueline Gamboa. Please note Dr. Pontillo collaborates on all evaluations conducted by staff clinicians at San Diego Kids First.
GROUP THERAPY – We frequently offer groups for teens. Please call the office at 858-692-4187 for current groups and registration information.
TELEHEALTH/VIRTUAL VISITS – We are pleased to offer telehealth/virtual visits through HIPAA-compliant platforms. We also currently are conducting limited in-person evaluations and in-person therapy sessions with select clinicians. Please contact our office at 858-692-4187 for more information.
IN-HOME APPOINTMENTS – Nicolette Herrera and Alexandra Padilla provide in-home appointments and will travel within a 15 mile radius from the San Diego Kids First office located in Carmel Valley for home visits. If you live farther than 15 miles from our office, we ask that you please schedule an office or a Telehealth appointment instead.
FEES AND INSURANCE QUESTIONS – San Diego Kids First providers are not considered in-network insurance providers on any insurance plans. However, if you have a PPO, we can have our insurance billing specialist send you a monthly super bill for out of network benefits for all sessions with one of our licensed psychologists. Educational services such as in-home executive functioning coaching, academic/educational assessments, and educational therapy are NOT reimbursable by insurance plans. In addition, some insurance companies do not reimburse for in-home or school-based services of any kind. Please contact our bookkeeper /insurance biller, Linda (619-224-6343), if you would like us to check on your out-of-network benefits for you. Click here for all insurance and fee information.
SHERI FRIEDMAN, M.A. – To schedule a 15 minute telephone consultation with educational therapist, Sheri Friedman, M.A., please contact her directly at educationaltherapy@sdkidsfirst.com
If you have any questions about services or appointments, please contact our Office Manager at (858) 692-4187