Adult Services at CDCW
Initial Intake and Assessment
Your first session will serve as an assessment appointment. The primary objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of your current concerns, personal and family history (including any mental health history), and to explore relevant emotional, behavioral, or cognitive patterns. This session provides your clinician with a foundational understanding of your needs and helps guide the initial course of treatment.
In some cases, the assessment process may extend beyond the initial session to allow for a more complete picture of your situation. With your written consent, your clinician will keep you and any referring professionals (e.g., physicians) informed of key observations and clinical impressions.
If further diagnostic clarity is needed, your clinician may recommend a more formal psychological or neuropsychological evaluation (see section below).
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy one-on-one sessions between you and your therapist—is the most commonly used treatment modality for adults. Building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and confidentiality is essential, as it creates a safe environment in which you can explore personal issues, emotional difficulties, or behavioral concerns.
Each therapist may use a different theoretical orientation or approach depending on their training and experience. While methods may vary, all clinicians are committed to tailoring treatment to meet your individual needs. Please feel free to ask questions or share any concerns throughout the therapeutic process.
To support self-expression, clients are encouraged to use their preferred methods of communication—whether verbal, written, artistic, or musical. Our clinicians are trained to incorporate these creative expressions into treatment when appropriate.
Family Therapy
Family dynamics often play a significant role in an individual’s emotional well-being. Family therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and reinforcing positive interactions within the family system.
Although family therapy is not routinely used with self-referred adult clients, your therapist may recommend it if it is likely to be beneficial. Sessions typically involve multiple family members working collaboratively with the therapist to address concerns and strengthen relational bonds.
Group Therapy
Group therapy offers a unique opportunity to explore interpersonal issues within a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Whether you’re comfortable in social settings or find them challenging, group therapy can provide valuable insights and help develop effective social and emotional skills.
Groups typically run in 8-week cycles, but new participants are welcome on a rolling basis depending on the group structure. Please contact our office for current group offerings or visit our Group Therapy page for more information.
Psychological & Neuropsychological Evaluation
Accurately diagnosing psychological or neurological conditions can be complex. Emotions and behaviors such as anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, and mood instability often overlap, making clinical evaluation crucial.
Formal psychological and neuropsychological assessments help to clarify these issues by identifying specific areas of strength and difficulty. The resulting comprehensive report includes personalized recommendations for treatment, accommodations, or support services based on the findings.
Common concerns addressed through formal assessment include:
- Academic achievement concerns
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Bipolar disorder and mood dysregulation
- Cognitive functioning and memory issues
- Depression and emotional well-being
- Developmental disorders
- Executive functioning difficulties (e.g., planning, organizing, problem-solving)
Evaluations are often recommended by physicians (e.g., pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists), school personnel, or other mental health professionals. However, individuals may also request an evaluation directly if they have concerns they wish to explore. To learn more, please speak with one of our licensed psychologists or assessment specialists.
If you have questions or are unsure which services may best meet your needs, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
