ABOUT US
ALL ABOUT
BARBRA MCDOWELL, PH.D.
Dr. Barbra McDowell is a highly trained Clinical Psychologist specializing in Pediatric Neuropsychology, with extensive subspecialty experience in Pediatric Health Psychology, Pediatric Rehabilitation Psychology, and Expert Forensic Consultation. Her approach emphasizes comprehensive neuropsychological consultation, evaluating and addressing the whole child within the broader context of their environment. This includes systemic issues such as family dynamics, educational placement, social adjustment, and other critical areas like legal and health considerations, ensuring a well-rounded and expert assessment for every child.
Dr. McDowell's clinical focus is on the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with a variety of developmental and health conditions; including chronic illness, neurological trauma, learning disabilities, and cognitive deficits secondary to illness, trauma, or developmental delay. She also treats patients with general emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Neuropsychology Evaluations
Expert Forensic Consultation
Therapy Services
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION SERVICES
Dr. Barbra McDowell provides expert pediatric neuropsychological consultation across forensic, medical, and educational settings, including both public and private institutions. Her expertise ensures that each consultation is thorough, addressing the unique needs of children and adolescents within these diverse contexts.
OUR APPROACH
Dr. McDowell’s approach is to provide comprehensive care to her patients. She partners with you throughout the consultation and evaluation process, as well as in the development and implementation of a thorough treatment plan.
The evaluation process begins with a comprehensive intake session in which the family is invited to share their concerns about their child. Dr. McDowell will obtain thorough background information in order to develop an appropriate assessment and/or treatment plan. This plan will be unique for each child. It may include consultation, assessment, treatment, or a combination of these.
If an assessment is indicated, it will be tailored to your child’s specific needs, recognizing that each child is unique and deserves an individualized treatment plan. We will respect your child’s needs and adjust the assessment process accordingly. You will be provided with feedback about all assessment results and recommendations, as your input is both welcomed and vital to the evaluation and feedback process. Additionally, you will receive a comprehensive report that includes all assessment results and recommendations, which you are welcome to share with others. Dr. McDowell will never release this report to another party without your expressed written consent. With your permission, Dr. McDowell is also available to discuss the assessment results with your child’s educational team, healthcare professionals, or anyone else you choose, and she is happy to attend your child’s IEP meeting or school conference.
If treatment is indicated, Dr. McDowell will recommend a plan that specifically addresses the needs of your child and family. Parents are typically involved in their child’s care, with confidentiality issues clearly discussed during the initial session. Treatment is most effective when it combines therapeutic interventions with environmental changes to support and generalize progress.
Therapy will be continually re-evaluated to ensure that an effective treatment plan is being implemented. All treatment approaches utilized by Dr. McDowell are empirically based
In addition to her work with patients in her private practice, Dr. McDowell has extensive experience collaborating with inpatient medical teams and educational teams. She has consulted with pediatric rehabilitation teams, where she evaluated and treated children and adolescents with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions, identifying the neuropsychological impact of brain trauma, developmental, and learning disorders. Dr. McDowell also assists in determining appropriate treatment and educational planning. Furthermore, she has worked extensively with multidisciplinary teams in hematology/oncology, pulmonary, and endocrinology.
CREDENTIALS
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Ph.D., M.A., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
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Certificate: Ecosystemic Child and Family Psychology
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Internship: Children's Hospital of Orange County
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Postdoctoral Fellowship: Children's Hospital of Orange County
LICENSURE
Psychologist, California: PSY15622
EDUCATION
California School of Professional Psychology (1991-1996)
Program: Clinical Psychology
Specialty: Child Clinical Psychology
Degrees: M.A. and Ph.D.
California State University, Fresno (1985-1991)
Major: Psychology
Degree: B.A.