Appointments

If you are scheduling an appointment for the first time, please submit an inquiry by either 1. Calling the office and speaking with our intake coordinator, 2. Emailing the office, or 3. Submitting the web contact form below so we can ensure you are placed with the correct provider and ensure that your provider has current availability.  Self-scheduling is not available for patients. New clients are required to create an account on our online patient portal in order to complete the 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!

The Intake Process– At San Diego Kids First, we strive to make the intake process as seamless and supportive as possible. When you call our clinic, our Intake Coordinator will be your first point of contact, guiding you through each step to ensure you receive the care that best fits your family’s needs.

Our Intake Coordinator works directly with Dr. Pontillo and our highly specialized clinicians to understand your concerns, answer any questions, and gather essential information about your child’s developmental, social, emotional, or behavioral needs. Through this process, we carefully match your family with the appropriate clinician and services. Once we determine the best next steps, the Intake Coordinator will schedule your initial consultation and provide you with all the necessary information to prepare for your first visit. Throughout the process, we are here to offer guidance, support, and reassurance to ensure a smooth transition into care.

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. Jacqueline Gamboa, Dr. Anna Basanty or Dr. Heidi Joachims.

GROUP THERAPY – We frequently offer groups for adolescents and 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.

IN-SCHOOL SUPPORTS – Kaydon Schanberger, Heidi Joachims, and Jenaya Vasquez provide in-school supports and will travel within a 15-mile radius from the San Diego Kids First office located in Carmel Valley for school 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 (619-889-4513), 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 Intake Coordinator at (858) 692-4187