Highlighted New Service!

“As the newest member of San Diego Kids First, it is my great pleasure to extend therapeutic services to teens/adolescents and their families. The teen years have always been one of the most vulnerable and crucial phases of development for young people. Social pressures, academic expectations, peer and family relationships are often some of the root causes of many of the emotional and mental health challenges our teens experience. Difficulties left unaddressed can worsen and become lifelong issues that affect not only academic and social outcomes, but overall quality of life in future.

In particular, I have noticed that COVID, social media, technology , and other variables specific to this time in history, have added additional challenges and pressures for teens and families to deal with. The teen years are when an individual’s identity is truly solidified. Their relationships with family members, peers, and their perceived success in interpersonal relationships, academics, sports, or other pursuits, often become central to a teen’s self- esteem, self-concept, and self-confidence. Family relationships between parents and teens can often be tested, and this can be a tumultuous time for teens and their family members alike. Parents need tools as well, so that family conflict and challenges can be navigated successfully.

In using empirically-validated therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other modalities, I focus on individualizing my approach to the unique needs of my teen clients and their families/caregivers .Teens with ASD, ADHD, or learning challenges, often need further help with self-regulation skills, relationship skills , conflict-resolution skills, flexibility, and perspective-taking in order to be successful, and I build this in to my sessions so that these skills can be honed.

I truly am passionate about the work I do with teens and am thrilled to see the success and positive outcomes of my clients! I really believe that adolescence is the most crucial time to address mental health and relationship challenges so maladaptive patterns of thoughts, behaviors and emotions can be successfully addressed. It’s the time when we can make a truly profound positive impact on a child’s life – one that our teens carry with them to adulthood.”

-Dr. Erin Grimes

As our team of professionals continues to grow, I am so grateful to be a part of such a cohesive and collaborative group. SDKF services for toddlers, children, teens, and families include:

Sincerely,

Deborah Pontillo, Ph.D. , Director

Jenaya Vasquez & Brooke Schuman, Office Managers

Kaydon Schanberger, B.A., Clinic Coordinator

contact@sdkidsfirst.com