What is an LEP?

An LEP, or Licensed Educational Psychologist, is a professional trained in psychology as it applies to learning. An LEP is not a doctor, but is qualified to diagnose psychological disorders related to academic learning processes. This means utilizing the DSM-5 to diagnose disorders such as learning disabilities like dyslexia, or other disorders that also affect learning like ADHD, anxiety, or depression. In addition to assessment for learning difficulties, LEP's can provide direct intervention services like counseling, consult with schools and families to help students, and make professional recommendations for individuals who may experience learning and/or behavioral problems at any age if it is related to education. Because an LEP has to first have years of experience practicing as a School Psychologist, they can use their experience to work with schools to meet the needs of students and can provide intervention beyond what is required of the the school district.

Some services I can offer include:

Comprehensive assessment to determine what is impacting learning

This can be privately funded by the client or funded by the school as an Independent Educational Evaluation. Give me a call for more information about which applies to your situation.

Assessments can be administered for a range of reasons including determining the presence of disabilities affecting learning, to make recommendations for accommodations or modifications, determining learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses, gifted testing (often used for entrance to private schools), or assessment for a specific area of focus such as ADHD or Autism

Schools and other agencies will provide these same services for free or a much lower cost if you qualify. During your consultation, I'll work with you to determine your best options.

Consultation with families or schools to better address the needs of your student. I can also act as a liason between different agencies or providers, families, and the schools to benefit students.

Training for families or schools to provide interventions such as:

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students

Behavior De-Escalation Training

Threat Assessment

Advocating for families to receive services for students with disabilities

Call me to see if this applies to you. If needed, I can support you in school meetings and additional measures if schools are refusing to assess or provide services and accommodations for your student.

Providing direct interventions related to learning

This can be counseling if students are experiencing mental health concerns that are affecting their learning.

I can also work 1-on-1 or in a small group with students to provide other interventions, such as training to strengthen executive functioning skills, social skills, or other areas needing intervention.

If during consultation, I determine that services can be better provided by the school, an agency, or another provider, I will help connect you to the appropriate person.

What is the difference between a school psychologist and an LEP?

A school psychologist is a credentialed employee of a school. An LEP has worked as a school psychologist for a minimum of 3 years, has met qualifications and received their LEP license through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and is practicing educational psychology as a self-employed profession. LEP's, unlike school psychologists, are able to accept clients that are within California, have a relevant educational need, and do not pose a conflict of interest. School psychologists work within their employed setting, usually a school district, and assess students who are suspected of having a disability that may qualify them for Special Education. This is a free service mandated by federal law. As an LEP, assessments will either be financed privately by the client or if it is an IEE, by the school district of the student.

If the school district has to pay for an assessment, why would I hire an LEP?

Many times, families will seek support from an LEP without knowing that the school district administers assessments to students who need them for free. Upon consultation, I will review the details of your situation and see if your area of concern is something that your child's school would be better suited to assess. If you have a concern with your child's education, please contact the school first to see what resources they can support you with. Schools are required to provide all students with an education that is free and appropriate to their individual needs. This does not necessarily mean that schools are mandated to provide every support possible that would benefit students - just that they provide appropriate supports that enable students to access their education if they have a qualifying disability that meets Special Education eligibility or eligibility for a 504. If you are finding difficulty accessing the supports you believe your child requires, I can help through consultation or acting as an advocate for you to work with the school.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time in my practice, I do not accept insurance. It is an option that I hope to offer in the future. All payment is required prior to services provided and must be paid by the client, unless it is an IEE assessment that is being paid for by a school district. If you are unsure, I can go over your situation in our consultation.

Where do you see clients?

I am currently seeing clients in the South Bay area (within an hour of San Jose) and also take certain cases in the Central Valley for assessment. All in-person services are located in Campbell, CA or Fresno, CA. I provide in-person therapy in Campbell, CA and online therapy throughout the state of California.