Chestnut Hill College Psychological Services Clinic (CHC-PSC) is a community-based clinical psychology training clinic. CHC-PSC offers psychotherapy and psychological testing services in order to support the wellbeing and serve the emotional, social, and behavioral health needs of our community. We are committed to the provision of affordable, evidence-supported, culturally-sensitive, affirming, compassionate and effective psychotherapy and assessment services. Confidentiality is a cornerstone value in our profession and our practice.
All mental health services are performed by doctoral psychology practicum students, pre-doctoral interns, and post-doctoral fellows trained in Chestnut Hill College's PsyD Program. Licensed clinical psychologists on the faculty of the Chestnut Hill College Department of Professional Psychology guide and supervise all clinical work. CHC-PSC does not have a psychiatrist on staff but can in most cases provide referrals as needed. Services are by appointment only and not provided on a walk-in or emergency basis.
Psychological Assessment Services
Our clinic performs comprehensive psychological evaluations of cognitive functioning, memory, academic achievement, personality, behavioral, and other areas of psychological and psychoeducational functioning. We work with children, adolescents, college students, and adults to assess problems that relate to:
- Learning disabilities
- Academic/vocational achievement difficulties
- Attention deficit disorders
- Psychological adjustment difficulties and personality functioning
In addition, we provide autism spectrum diagnostic testing, as well as intelligence testing required for private school admission. Evaluations all result in an individualized report, which clarifies the nature of problem areas and difficulties, identifies personal strengths, and provides clear, practical recommendations and strategies.
CHC-PSC offers comprehensive psychological and educational testing and evaluation services for children and adults with the goal of assisting with diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, and school or workplace accommodations. Common examples of presenting concerns include:
- Learning and processing challenges (including learning disabilities in the areas of reading, math, writing)
- Problems with memory or focusing (including assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Behavioral problems
- Developmental delays (including assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Mood, anxiety or relationship problems
What is Included in a Psychological Assessment?
Psychological assessments typically combine individual interviews and testing. The amount of information and testing that goes into each individual’s assessment is guided by referral and diagnostic questions. Our comprehensive assessments include tests of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and behavior and executive functioning rating scales. When appropriate, additional personality and projective measures are included as part of the assessment.
If you are seeking a psychological assessment at CHC-PSC, you should expect the following:
- Your first appointment will consist of an intake interview. This appointment is typically 1-2 hours long and is conducted virtually. We do occasionally begin testing during the first session, and your clinician will inform you of the length of the session should this occur.
- Your clinician will work with you to schedule subsequent assessment appointments. These can vary from 1-3 hours per session and can be over a number of days. You can expect approximately 2-4 different appointments.
- Once your last session has ended, your clinician will then begin the process of interpreting and synthesizing the findings in order to develop the written evaluation report.
- When the report is ready (~ 3 weeks from your last appointment), you and your assessment clinician will meet virtually for a feedback session in order to review results, discuss the implications of the findings, and to go over specific recommendations. You will be provided with a copy of this evaluation report.
Therapy Services
Adult Therapy Services
At CHC-PSC, we offer individualized, evidence-supported therapy services for adults. Individual therapy makes space for people to pay attention to areas of challenge in their lives. With increased insight and self-understanding comes the capacity to overcome limiting patterns in thought and behavior, broaden choices, and make positive changes.
Therapy can help individuals address many areas, such as:
- Overcoming depression or anxiety
- Working through traumatic experiences
- Developing increased self-understanding
- Improving relationships
- Preparing for life transitions
- Grieving the loss of a loved one
- Coping with challenges associated with aging
- Adjusting to a new phase of life
- Identifying academic or professional goals
Child, Adolescent and Family Services
Our services for children and adolescents are informed by our understanding of human development throughout the lifespan, as well as the life cycle of diverse and complex families. All child, adolescent, and family therapy at CHC-PSC is based on evidence-based practices demonstrated to be effective for helping children and adolescents, and strengthening families.
Determining the best treatment approach is a key part of the therapeutic process. When working with children and adolescents, we value the role of partnership, collaboration, and intervention with parents and caregivers, as well as other members of the family system, to produce positive change. Therapy may involve working directly with the child or adolescent, as well as working directly, conjointly, or consultatively with members of the child’s or adolescent’s family system.
Treatment may be focused on a variety of concerns, including:
- ADHD/ADD and other behavioral challenges
- Academic difficulties and school avoidance
- Poor anger management
- Low or depressed mood
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety, stress, fears and phobias
- Adjustment problems to changes in family structure (e.g., divorce, remarriage, new sibling)
- Grief and loss
- Issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression
- Difficulty making and keeping friends
Overarching treatment goals are adaptive coping, healthy self-expression, enhanced functioning, and improved relationships.
Couples Therapy
Relationships are complicated! Couples therapy can be a tremendous source of support for partners looking to resolve conflicts, free themselves from limiting patterns, improve communication, and move towards stronger, more fulfilling relationships. CHC-PSC is proud to offer couples therapy under the supervision of expert practitioners.
