Finding the right support for your child with learning differences can feel overwhelming. Families often need a team of professionals (therapists, clinicians, and educators) who understand ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, and other learning differences.

This resource highlights local options in California’s South Bay, including near Cupertino, Los Gatos, and Palo Alto, organized by clinician type. For each category you’ll find a brief overview of how these professionals support students, as well as a curated list of local experts, schools, or programs.

Along the way, we’ll also share additional resources and related articles, to help you explore different aspects of your child’s journey.

Jump to:

Educational and School Supports

Mental Health Professionals

Wellness and Holistic Care

 

Educational Consultants in California’s South Bay

Educational consultants and parent navigators help families understand testing results, find appropriate placements, and access resources both inside and outside of school systems. They can be especially helpful in coordinating services when a child has multiple needs.

South Bay Area Educational Supports:

Name Website Phone Areas of Expertise
Melody Lowman, M.A. www.melodymlowmanma.com 650.380.0022 Melody is a family life and parenting consultant, as well as a behavioral and educational consultant who works with adults, children, families and organizations.
Ayako Lainez www.lifelightcounseling.com 650.240.3197 Personalized college counseling for students with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences.
Douglas Bodin www.thebodingroup.com 650.937.1111 Supporting students who struggle with learning, inattention, anxiety, depression and social skills.
Marci Schwartz www.thrivecollegecounseling.com 408.356.6510 Anxiety, depression, stress and anger management, school related behavior issues, parent-child conflicts, blended family, family trauma, divorce or separation, parenting coaching, and more.
Heather Johanson www.heatherjohansonconsulting.com 650.267.1309 Anxiety, academic stress, school refusal, friendship struggles, ADHD, learning differences, and mood related concerns including depression, identity development, social anxiety, college transitions, family conflict, technology overuse, and stress management.

Mental Health Therapists for Children and Adolescents in California’s South Bay

Mental health therapists provide counseling and therapy for a wide range of challenges, from anxiety and depression to trauma and family transitions. Many also specialize in working with students who have ADHD, autism, or other learning differences.

South Bay Area Mental Health Therapists

Name Website Phone Areas of Expertise
Angela Zhe Wu www.angelazhewu.com 650.427.9821 Working with adults, children, and families of many different ages and backgrounds facing a variety of issues to help them heal, grow, and achieve their goals successfully.
Elizabeth Gooding www.jpsygroup.com 408.502.6532 Testing for ADHD, IQ, dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and psychological and psychoeducational evaluations.
Lynnea Palazzolo www.eetherapyservices.com 408.883.1695 Focused support for families who are questioning whether a current learning environment is the right fit. Strategic guidance for working with schools, preparing for key conversations, and evaluating whether it makes sense to strengthen support where your child is or explore a setting that better aligns with how they learn and regulate.
Madison Ledda-Simmons www.anchorpsychology.net 408.780.9744 Gifted children and gifted children who might also have social, emotional and learning difficulties (twice-exceptional).
Tiffany Mockler www.nugenttherapy.com 408.800.2640 Tiffany specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parenting challenges, and relational conflict. For students, Tiffany also specializes in executive function coaching.
Kara Fitzpatrick www.dr-kara-fitzpatrick.com 650.646.8615 Kara specializes in treatment models for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders and is an expert in lifespan development and parenting. She offers Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family-Based Treatment (for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and ARFID), Systemic Family Therapy (SFT) and meditation and mindfulness skills.
Megan Allen www.drmeganallen.com 650.503.3175 ADHD testing, school neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE), psycho-educational evaluation, IQ testing, educational & IEP consulting.

Other Helpful Resources: 

Psychologists for Children and Adolescents in California’s South Bay

Psychologists support children and families through therapy, behavioral interventions, and testing. They may also collaborate with schools to help students access the right accommodations.

South Bay Area Psychologists:

Name Website Phone Areas of Expertise
Brendan Pratt www.prattcenter.com 650.949.2997 Play therapy, art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems work to help clients of all ages express themselves, process emotions, and build healthier coping skills.
Melissa Sorci www.themindbydesign.com 408.782.9538 Eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, obsessions & compulsions, life transitions.
Jana Parker www.themindbydesign.com 408.715.3020 Anxiety disorders, life transitions, behavior disorders, attention disorders such as ADHD, learning disorders, social concerns.

Other Helpful Resources: 

Psychiatrists for Children and Adolescents in California’s South Bay

Psychiatrists can prescribe and manage medication for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. They often work alongside therapists and schools to provide comprehensive care.

South Bay Area Psychiatrists:

Name Website Phone Areas of Expertise
Jeffrey Chen, MD www.jeffchenmd.com 408.622.1661 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is an evidence-based form of therapy helpful for depression, anxiety and stress issues.
Ahmed Khan www.ahmedkhanmd.com 650.714.7737 ADHD, mood disorders, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorders, sports psychology and psychiatry, cognitive enhancement, executive functioning training, adjustment disorders, phobias and panic Attacks, OCD, eating and feeding disorders, maximizing academic, work, social and life skills.
Dr. Justin Grey www.healthgrades.com 408.363.0115 Psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
Philip Cawkwell www.pbcpsychiatry.com pbc@pbcpsychiatry.com Academic difficulties, affective disorders, anxiety attacks & disorders, ADD & ADHD, school-related issues, stress, video game addiction, and more.
Vidya Krishnan www.chconline.org 650.326.5530 Dr. Krishnan works with kids from a variety of backgrounds across the age and developmental spectrum, starting from grade school through young adulthood. She treats a wide range of mental health conditions that cause functional impairment. This includes but is not limited to anxiety, learning differences, behavioral challenges, and relationship difficulties.

Other Helpful Resources: 

Neuropsychologists for Children and Adolescents in California’s South Bay

Neuropsychologists conduct detailed assessments that help identify learning differences, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental or emotional conditions. Their testing can guide school accommodations and therapeutic supports.

South Bay Area Neuropsychologists:

Name Website Phone Areas of Expertise
Makenzie Wesner www.onewaveatatime.com 904.531.9752 Makenzie is a leader in neurodevelopmental and mental health care specializing in bridging various disciplines including neurodevelopmental and behavioral pediatrics; child, adolescent, young adult psychiatry; and genetics-genomics.
Rachelle Valenzuela www.abbeyneuropsychologyclinic.com 650.215.6840 Rachelle specializes in a multi-modal approach, combining cutting-edge neurotechnology with personalized strategies for learning and recovery. Her work with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and various neurological conditions allows her to cater to each client’s specific needs.
Lexie Burns www.neuroplaybraintraining.com 408.868.8347 Lexia is a cognitive coach bringing an individualized approach to enhancing attention, memory, executive functions, and cognitive skills. Lexie is an official provider of Cogmed, and has many years experience working with schools to help navigate supports for children and young adults. She also has extensive experience with executive function coaching.

Other Helpful Resources: 

Mental Health Programs for Children and Adolescents in California’s South Bay

Structured mental health programs can provide intensive therapy, skill building, and wraparound services for students who need more than outpatient support. These programs may offer day treatment, intensive outpatient, or residential levels of care.

South Bay Area Mental Health Programs

Name Website Phone Areas of Expertise
Embark Behavioral Health www.embarkbh.com 855.487.8851 Embark provides compassionate mental health treatment for youth, adolescents, teens, and young adults.

Families in California’s South Bay, including including near Cupertino, Los Gatos, and Palo Alto, have access to a wide range of professionals who support students with learning differences. From neuropsychologists to therapists, these resources can help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Fusion, we stay closely connected with trusted clinicians, providers, and professionals in our local community. Every family’s needs are unique, so we encourage you to explore these resources and determine the best fit for your child.

If you’re exploring school options for your child, consider Fusion Academy as a local partner in your child’s journey. We have campuses in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Palo Alto, and more. Fusion specializes in personalized 1-to-1 education that integrates academic, social, and emotional support – designed to meet students exactly where they are.

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