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 Orange County, California 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.
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Educational and School Supports
Mental Health Professionals
Wellness and Holistic Care
Educational Consultants and Special Education Attorneys in Orange County
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.
Orange County Educational Supports:
| Name | Website | Phone | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanessa Martinez | www.iepconsultantsoforangecounty.com | 714.904.1187 | IEP Support, Special Education Advocacy, Parent Advocacy, Educational Consulting, School Placement Support |
| Sarah Baum | www.empoweryouadvocacy.com | 714.202.6557 | IEP Support, 504 Plans, Educational Assessments, Parent Education, Special Education Advocacy |
| Jeanine Leech | www.theceadvocates.com | 714.469.0464 | IEP Support, 504 Plans, Student Discipline, Inclusive Education, Special Education Advocacy |
| Demian Monroy | www.snacs.info | 714.881.9860 | IEP Advocacy, Parent Coaching, Special Education Advocacy, Disability Rights, Parent Education |
| Diane Lew | www.seasorangecounty.com | 949.689.7194 | IEP Support, 504 Plans, Behavior Support, Special Education Advocacy, School Placement |
| Tim Adams | www.californiaspecialedlaw.com | 714.698.0239 | Special Education Law, IEP Support, Due Process, Regional Center Services, Lanterman Act |
| Danielle Augustin | www.ockidslaw.com | 714.820.9071 | Special Education Law, IEP Advocacy, School Discipline and Expulsions, Due Process, Compensatory Education |
| Richard Isaacs | www.csnlg.com | 714.251.6530 | Special Education Law, Learning Differences, IEP Advocacy, Due Process, Parent Advocacy |
| Vickie Brett | www.inclusiveeducationproject.org | 657.206.5121 | IEP Support, 504 Plans, School Discipline, Due Process, Parent Education |
| Bruce Bothwell | www.brucebothwell.com | 562.435.0818 | Special Education Law, Regional Center Services, Lanterman Act, Due Process, Compensatory Education |
| Adam Wasserman | www.educationjusticelaw.com | 818.570.8024 | Special Education Attorney, IEP Support, Disability Rights, Parent Advocacy, Educational Advocacy |
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) for Children and Adolescents in Orange County
SLPs help children with dyslexia, expressive/receptive language challenges, and social communication skills. These services can support both academic success and peer relationships.
Orange County Speech-Language Pathologists:
| Name | Website | Phone | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leen Yosef | www.intuitivekidstherapy.com | 714.202.6857 | Speech Therapy, Language Development, Articulation Therapy, Social Skills, Early Intervention |
| Jill D'Braunstein | www.jdbspeech.com | 714.453.9323 | Speech Therapy, Dyslexia and Reading Disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), AAC, Social Skills |
| Rochelle Vorwald | www.rochellevorwald.com | 562.346.7632 | Speech Therapy, Feeding and Swallowing Disorders, Tongue Tie, AAC Communication, Autism |
Other Helpful Resources:
Mental Health Therapists for Children and Adolescents in Orange County
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.
Orange County Mental Health Therapists
| Name | Website | Phone | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Lamunyon | www.bellaartandfamilytherapy.com | 714.330.5874 | Art Therapy, Autism, ADHD, Child Therapy, Teen Therapy, Neurodiversity, Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, Behavioral Challenges, Learning Differences, Developmental Disorders, School Issues |
| Dr. Parie Faridnia | www.ocfwg.com | 949.508.2900 | ADHD, Anxiety, School Issues, Parenting Support, Emotional Regulation, Highly Sensitive Children, Behavioral Challenges, Trauma, Depression, Family Conflict, LGBTQ+ Affirming, Teen Mental Health |
| Ariel Yung | www.flowwellnesshub.com | 909.248.4639 | Children, Adolescents, children's behavioral issues, parent-child dynamics |
| Rebecca Portney | www.rebeccaportneytherapy.com | 562.400.1487 | Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Child Therapy, Teen Therapy, Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma, Emotional Regulation, Behavioral Support, Parent Coaching, CBT, Attachment, Developmental Disorders, Social Skills |
| Megan Thorp | www.coastalminds.org | 949.919.0428 | Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, EMDR, Teen Therapy |
| Adam Gridlinger | www.adamgrindlinger.com | 562.833.8185 | ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family Therapy, Teen Therapy |
| Marlene Driscoll | www.psychologytoday.com | 562.545.5154 | Autism, ADHD, Parenting Support, Anxiety, Learning Disabilities |
| Debbie Murad | www.beachcitiesgateway.com | 833.880.4477 | Young Adult Therapy, Trauma, Addiction Recovery, Relationship Issues, Family Support |
Other Helpful Resources:
- Podcast: Social Struggles: How to Help Neurodiverse Students Build Friendships
- Podcast: Student Anxiety & School: Why It Happens and How Parents Can Help
- Podcast: The Impact of Trauma on Learning: How Stress Affects the Brain and What Helps
- Podcast: School Avoidance & Depression: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling Emotionally
- Podcast: School Transitions for Neurodiverse Students: How to Make Change Easier
Psychologists for Children and Adolescents in Orange County
Psychologists support children and families through therapy, behavioral interventions, and testing. They may also collaborate with schools to help students access the right accommodations.
Orange County Psychologists:
| Name | Website | Phone | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Betsy Chung | www.flowwellnesshub.com | 714.898.0362 | Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Growth |
| Dr. Lindsey Sterling, Clinical Psychologist | www.sterlingautism.com/ | 424.248-.312 | Autism Evaluations, Autism, Neurodiversity, Anxiety, Twice-Exceptional Students |
| Dr. Alicia Miller, Clinical Psychologist | www.millerpsych.org | 562.388.3308 | Autism Evaluations, ADHD Evaluations, Psychological Testing, Educational Assessments, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Delays, Trauma, Behavioral Challenges, Emotional Regulation, Neurodiversity, IEP Support, Child & Adolescent Psychology |
| Dr. Marta Shinn, Clinical Psychologist | www.variationspsychology.com | 949.873.4617 | Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Autism Evaluations, ADHD Evaluations, Learning Disabilities, Educational Testing |
| Dr. Megan Dennison, Clinical Psychologist | www.jlmpsych.com | 949.669.5770 | Neuropsychological Assessments, ADHD Evaluations, Autism Evaluations, Learning Disabilities, Executive Functioning |
| Dr. Tracy Lee, Clinical Psychologist | www.tracyleepsychologist.com | 614.456.9842 | ADHD Testing, Learning Disability Testing, Giftedness Assessments, Psychological Evaluations, Executive Functioning |
Other Helpful Resources:
- Podcast: Dyslexia in the Classroom: Signs, Support Strategies, and Success Stories
- Podcast: ADHD: Helping Students Stay Focused, Organized, and Motivated
- Podcast: Social Struggles: How to Help Neurodiverse Students Build Friendships
- Podcast: Student Anxiety & School: Why It Happens and How Parents Can Help
- Podcast: The Impact of Trauma on Learning: How Stress Affects the Brain and What Helps
- Podcast: Autism and Education: Helping Students With Social, Sensory, & Learning Challenges
- Podcast: Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students: Supporting Gifted Learners with Learning Challenges
- Article: 10 Best Private Schools for Dyslexia in the USA
Psychiatrists for Children and Adolescents in Orange County
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.
Orange County Psychiatrists:
| Name | Website | Phone | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brian Bello | www.brianbellomd.com | 562.354.1321 | Medication Management, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |
| Dr. Piotr Pelc | www.ocfamilypsych.com | 949.312.5752 | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Medication Management |
Other Helpful Resources:
- Podcast: ADHD: Helping Students Stay Focused, Organized, and Motivated
- Podcast: Social Struggles: How to Help Neurodiverse Students Build Friendships
- Podcast: Student Anxiety & School: Why It Happens and How Parents Can Help
- Podcast: Autism and Education: Helping Students With Social, Sensory, & Learning Challenges
Neuropsychologists for Children and Adolescents in Orange County
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.
Orange County Neuropsychologists:
| Name | Website | Phone | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julie Wilnier | www.psychologytoday.com | 949.391.4791 | Neuropsychological Assessments, Psychoeducational Evaluations, ADHD Evaluations, Learning Disabilities, School Consultation |
| Dr. Kathleen Montemagni | www.ocneuropsych.com | 949.500.9639 | Neuropsychological Evaluations, Autism Evaluations, ADHD Assessments, Learning Disabilities, Individiual Education Plan (IEP) Support, 504 Support |
Other Helpful Resources:
- Podcast: ADHD: Helping Students Stay Focused, Organized, and Motivated
- Podcast: Executive Function: How to Build the Skills Schools Ignore
- Podcast: Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students: Supporting Gifted Learners with Learning Challenges
- Article: Everything You Need to Know About Twice-Exceptional Students
Mental Health Programs for Children and Adolescents in Orange County
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.
Orange County Mental Health Programs
| Name | Website | Phone | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Centers | www.rowiteen.com | 714.499.9737 | Teen Mental Health, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Anxiety, Depression |
| Inward Healthcare | www.inwardhealthcare.com | 562.534.1651 | Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Psychiatry, Anxiety, Depression |
| Arrow House | www.thearrowhouse.com | 657.387.0829 | Teen Mental Health, Residential Treatment, Anxiety, Depression, Behavioral Health |
| Beach Cities Gateway | www.beachcitiesgateway.com | 833.880.4477 | Young Adult Life Skills, Executive Functioning, Independent Living Skills, Academic and Career Coaching, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) |
| Compass Behavioral Health | www.compassbehavioralhealth.com | 888.265.9114 | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotional Regulation, Mood Disorders, Adolescent Residential Treatment, Family Therapy |
Families in Orange County, California 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 Raleigh, 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 searching for school options for your child, consider Fusion Academy as a local partner in your child’s journey. Explore the following Orange County campuses:
- Fusion Academy Aliso Viejo
- Fusion Academy Anaheim Hills
- Fusion Academy Huntington Beach
- Fusion Academy Irvine
- Fusion Academy Mission Viejo
Fusion specializes in personalized 1-to-1 education that integrates academic, social, and emotional support – designed to meet students exactly where they are.