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.

Jump to:

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

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

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

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

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

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 specializes in personalized 1-to-1 education that integrates academic, social, and emotional support – designed to meet students exactly where they are.

icon