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. Elisabeth Thurlow, 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 – Charles Aguilar and Dr. James Rivet 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 contracts with Griebel Billing Services in order to provide complimentary insurance billing services to all our families with PPO plans. If you would like to take advantage of this free service, please call Linda at 619-224-6343, mention San Diego Kids First, and provide her your insurance information. Griebel Billing services obtains reimbursement for the vast majority of our clients with out-of-network benefits. Click here for all insurance and fee information.
DR. JAMES RIVET – To schedule a 15 minute telephone consultation with in-home executive functioning coach Dr. James Rivet, please contact him directly at drrivet@sdkidsfirst.com or (858) 215-4338.
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