PRACTICE:
A Whole Child Approach

Dr. Nicely has a general practice working with children in preschool, elementary, and middle schools. Though some severe problems in children may have biochemical causes, other problems may stem from one or more common factors such as delays in specific neurodevelopmental abilities, temperament characteristics, family circumstances, or school placement. Dr. Nicely works from a developmental perspective to evaluate and understand the “whole child” and the child’s family and environment. When developmental factors contribute to difficulties in adjustment or development, small adjustments in family life, parent-child interaction, and school experience can be helpful. Dr. Nicely’s practice includes evaluation and treatment for:

Behavior problems: inattention, noncompliance or defiance, aggression, hyperactivity, tantrums
Social problems: withdrawal, lack of friendships, excessive shyness or fearfulness, difficulty regulating negative emotions, over-reliance on routines, repetitive behaviors
Regulation problems: fears, crying, social withdrawal, anxiety
Parenting challenges: effective discipline, conflicting care giving styles, multiple caregivers, three-generational households, postpartum depression, stress in a caregiver, first-time parenting
Learning problems: inattention, poor grades, difficulties doing homework, ineffective IEPs
Sleep problems: sleep deprivation, multiple “curtain calls,” snoring, night waking

TREATMENT:
A detailed evaluation will be conducted first. Subsequent treatment may involve several different approaches, including:
Parent guidance and support
Parent-child dyadic play
Reinforcement plans and parent training to reduce behavior problems
Individual psychotherapy or play therapy
Family therapy

TESTING:
Dr. Nicely can conduct assessments for developmental delays and for learning problems.

Children aged 3 to 51/2
Developmental testing affords estimates of abilities crucial to early learning, including language, visual reception, and fine motor abilities.

Children aged 6 to 15
Neurodevelopmental screening and testing includes detailed communication with teachers and parents, assessment of IQ, neurodevelopmental screening and/or testing of abilities in the areas of visual and auditory perceptual abilities, language, memory, fine motor and gross motor abilities. Academic achievement may be assessed.

What to expect.
The initial meeting may include your child so that Dr. Nicely can spend some time with him or her. Parents will be able to present their concerns and goals and will be given consent and release forms. Most evaluations (especially ADD or ADHD evaluations) require a packet of questionnaires for parents and sometimes the child’s teacher to complete. These may be reviewed with Dr. Nicely on the second visit.

FEES:
Fees schedules will be agreed upon prior to the first appointment. Dr. Nicely is credentialed as an in-network provider with the following insurance plans:

• Pacificare
• United Behavioral Health
• Blue Shield CA
• Cigna
• Anthem
• MHN

If you are a subscriber to one of these, your co-pay is due at the time of service. If your insurance plan is not listed above please call your provider for information you have an out-of- network benefits program and reimbursement schedule. Out-of-network clients will be given a completed claim form that the client may submit to the insurer for reimbursement.