Psychological Testing & Evaluations, Therapy In Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe & San Jose
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Experience seamless and well-coordinated care, as our team works together to ensure all your needs are met efficiently.
We don’t just speak with you, we also communicate with any teachers, doctors or therapists who can help us get a well-rounded understanding.
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As a teaching practice, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of experts in Neurodiversity. Our Fellows work closely with our Licensed Clinical Psychologists, and bring their unique insights to every client they serve.
Our vision is a world where neurodiversity is celebrated and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Through lifelong learning, collaboration, and neuroaffirmative care, we strive to foster a more inclusive, equitable world where all unique minds can flourish.
We embrace learning, innovation, and evidence-based practices to foster development, resilience, and the full potential of our clients, team members, and community. By cultivating curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement, we empower everyone to thrive and achieve meaningful growth.
We approach every interaction with understanding, respect, and care. By prioritizing support and listening with intention, we build trust, alleviate distress, and honor each person’s unique experiences and needs.
We work together toward shared goals, fostering teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. By combining our strengths and perspectives, we create a positive, sustainable, and inclusive environment for all.
We cultivate opportunities for individuals to realize their potential, make informed choices, and engage actively in their growth and well-being. Through encouragement, guidance, and support, we help others build confidence, skills, and independence.
Our team is our greatest strength. Led by Dr. Erika Frieze, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and inclusive practices, each member of our team brings a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and dedication to their work. Our assessments are conducted by a team of highly qualified providers, including Clinical Psychologists, Postdoctoral Fellows, Doctoral Interns, and Doctoral Level Practicum Students. All pre-licensed providers work under the direct supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Together, we are a cohesive team committed to providing the highest quality care.
At Bridges of the Mind, we are deeply committed to addressing the disparities in diagnoses and assessments for groups that are statistically underdiagnosed, such as women and people of color. We recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by these individuals and strive to provide comprehensive, sensitive, and inclusive care. Our team actively seeks to amplify their voices, affirm their experiences, and ensure that their specific needs are met thorough assessments. By actively working to eliminate bias and incorporating a diverse range of perspectives, we aim to bridge the gap in accurate diagnoses and provide equitable support for all individuals in their neurodiverse journeys.
Dr. Allison Womack is a Licensed Psychologist with a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals across all ages. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2006, followed by a M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of the Pacific in 2012, and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Syracuse University in 2017. Additionally, she is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D).
With 20 years of experience, Dr. Womack has worked with children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and various mental health disorders in several settings, including homes, schools, behavioral clinics, and community programs. She has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments as part of multi-disciplinary teams and consulting on behavior management strategies in school, home, and residential environments. Her work includes leading psychoeducational assessments and guest lecturing at universities. Dr. Womack has co-authored eight peer-reviewed publications and developed and implemented research projects leading to over 30 regional and international conference posters and presentations.
As the Clinical Director of ABA services across various sized mental health clinics in Sacramento for six years, Dr. Womack dedicated herself to understanding and affirming neurodivergent experiences. Through her assessments, she aims to help parents better understand and support their children in a compassionate and supportive manner. Dr. Womack also enjoys working with young adults and adults, helping them to understand themselves better and to live happier, more meaningful lives. She provides evidence-based recommendations that promote individual growth and self-understanding.
In her free time, Dr. Womack loves spending time outdoors with her husband, two young children, and their dog. She is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all her clients.
Dr. Hernandez-Morin received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Counseling from San Francisco State University in 2007. She then received her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Alliant International University in San Francisco in 2015. During her time in her doctorate program, she maintained a focus on working with children and families at a community level. She received psychodynamic training from various community mental health agencies, including Head Start, Girls Inc. of Alameda County, Native American Health Center, and Ann Martin Center.
After receiving her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, Dr. Hernandez-Morin was hired as a full-time staff psychologist from her post-doctoral internship program, Ann Martin Center in Emeryville Ca. There, she provided outpatient trauma informed psychotherapy services to children and adolescents, both in-clinic and in schools. Dr. Hernandez-Morin also administered psychological evaluations to assess children’s cognitive and developmental functioning, providing comprehensive and culturally informed recommendations and feedback to families.
In 2019, Dr. Hernandez-Morin made a life-changing decision to leave the Bay Area and move to the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains where she could be closer to nature and grow her family. She received a generous education on rural community health by working as a clinician for El Dorado County providing outpatient behavioral health services to community members experiencing severe mental illness (SMI). After two years of very fulfilling work at the County level, Dr. Hernandez-Morin was ready to return to a clinical practice that included serving children, families, and conducting psychological evaluations. In March 2022, Dr. Hernandez-Morin opened her private practice in South Lake Tahoe where she continues to provide child centered play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychological evaluations.
Dr. Nicole Matei is a Licensed Psychologist with specialized training in psychological assessment and a strong foundation in therapy. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Concordia University Irvine and went on to receive her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, where her training emphasized both psychological assessment and evidence-based approaches to supporting cognitive, academic, attentional, and emotional well-being.
Dr. Matei has trained and worked in diverse clinical settings including university counseling centers, correctional facilities, and community clinics. She has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations for concerns such as ADHD, learning disabilities, and mood-related challenges. Her reports are designed to provide families, educators, and individuals with practical recommendations that foster growth, self-understanding, and access to resources.
In addition to her testing expertise, Dr. Matei has provided individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults across a range of settings. She has supported university students navigating academic stress, identity development, and crises, as well as individuals in correctional facilities managing severe and persistent mental illness. Her therapeutic style integrates cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approaches, emphasizing culturally responsive and solution-oriented care.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Matei worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, delivering individualized ABA interventions for children with autism in schools and home settings. This experience strengthened her understanding of neurodevelopmental differences and continues to inform her assessment work with neurodivergent clients.
Dr. Matei is passionate about making psychological assessments both accessible and meaningful. She approaches every evaluation with the goal of not only clarifying diagnoses but also helping clients and families better understand strengths, challenges, and next steps.
Outside of work, Dr. Matei enjoys spending time with family, trying out local restaurants, and exploring new places.
Dr. Merle Huff (he/him/his) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Huff has experience working in community mental health, private practice, and university counseling centers, and specializes in comprehensive psychological assessment and testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning disorders, and related or co-occurring conditions.
Dr. Huff takes a contextual, client-centered, and holistic approach to assessment and therapy. His clinical interests include neurodiversity, queer/LGBTQIA2S+ identities, and trauma. He is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all clients. Dr. Huff recently completed his predoctoral internship at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery in Colorado, where he worked with interdisciplinary teams serving a diverse community and conducted psychological assessments for a variety of needs. During his internship, he worked in two specialty clinics: one for ASD and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and one for older adults.
In his free time, Dr. Huff enjoys spending time with his partner and three cats, going on walks in nature, completing small hikes, and being near bodies of water and/or on the beach.
Dr. Felisha Marques is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services. She earned her M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, and also holds an M.S. in Applied Behavioral Analysis with board certification as a BCBA. Dr. Marques recently completed her psychological internship at State Center Community College District (Clovis/Fresno), where she further developed her clinical diagnostic skills and deepened her understanding of a wide range of psychological diagnoses.
Dr. Marques has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological and functional behavioral assessments for neurodevelopmental, mood, and trauma-related disorders. She utilizes an integrative approach, drawing from attachment and behavior-based theories to create individualized therapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Dr. Marques previously completed her second year of practicum training at Bridges of the Mind while in graduate school and is excited to be part of the team once again. She is passionate about providing thoughtful, evidence-based care and supporting the growth and well-being of her clients and their families.
Dr. John Joseph is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and a postdoctoral fellow at Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services. He received his Psy.D. at California Northstate University (CNU) and holds a master’s degree in psychology from CNU and a master’s degree in counseling from Palo Alto University.
Dr. Joseph has experience providing psychological and behavioral services to individuals and families across the lifespan, supporting clients with concerns related to anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. He utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Schema Theory, Attachment Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care to help clients understand how stress and trauma impact the brain and relationships. He is passionate about helping clients explore and develop awareness of their emotions and sensations, believing that this process fosters self-compassion, relief, and meaningful change.
Dr. Joseph is dedicated to creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, and is committed to guiding clients on their journey toward healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Dr. Nicole Martinez is a postdoctoral fellow at Bridges of the Mind. She is committed to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their care teams with compassion, cultural humility, and a deep respect for the complexities of human development and identity.
Dr. Martinez received her Ph.D. in School Psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has over a decade of experience working with children and families across a range of settings including public schools, private practices, community mental health clinics, integrated care clinics, and in-home services. Her clinical work focuses on psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations for concerns such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disorders, and emotional or behavioral challenges. She believes in the power of collaboration and strives to empower caregivers, educators, and other team members with the knowledge and tools to support children more effectively.
Before entering clinical work, Dr. Martinez worked extensively in roles such as tutoring, coaching, and teaching, which nurtured her connection to children and helped shape her whole-child approach. She brings a calm, grounded presence to the assessment process and values mindfulness, cultural responsiveness, and strength-based care as essential components of psychological practice.
In her free time, Dr. Martinez enjoys hiking, yoga, music, dancing and spending time in nature. She is passionate about holistic wellness and social justice, and she integrates these values into both her personal and professional life. During her time at Bridges of the Mind, Dr. Martinez looks forward to deepening her clinical expertise while contributing her energy, empathy, and collaborative spirit to the care of clients and their families.
Laree Foster, M.A., Ed.M., NCSP, is a Doctoral intern at Bridges of the Mind and is completing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of South Carolina. She earned a Master of Education in School Psychology and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to her doctoral training, she worked as a school psychologist for five years, supporting students with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. She has also worked with students from private school and college settings seeking academic accommodations.
Laree is passionate about supporting children and adolescents who experience difficulties with learning, executive functioning, and mental health. She hopes to integrate her knowledge of educational systems with her clinical training to help children thrive both at school and at home.
Laree uses an integrative approach to therapy informed primarily by cognitive-behavioral frameworks, including CBT, DBT, and ACT. She values working to understand a client fully as they are without judgment and strives to consider broader system-level factors that shape each client’s experiences.
Abigail Howe, M.Ed., M.S., BCBA, is a doctoral intern at Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services and a doctoral candidate in the APA-accredited School Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Florida (UF). Abigail brings over a decade of clinical and leadership experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, learning differences, and related developmental and mental health needs.
During her training at the University of Florida, Abigail gained extensive experience at the Florida OCD, Autism, and Anxiety Treatment Center (FLOAAT), where she conducted comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessments and provided neurodiversity-affirming care grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Guided by cognitive-behavioral philosophies, Abigail sees assessment and therapy as a collaborative starting point to help individuals not only navigate challenges but also identify their strengths so they can thrive.
Abigail approaches her work through a neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive lens, recognizing the importance of culture, gender identity, and individual experience in shaping each person’s story. As a clinician, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to support individuals who experience and understand the world differently. She is especially passionate about supporting late-diagnosed Autistic individuals within the broader Autistic community.
Before doctoral training, Abigail worked as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and clinical leader across clinic, home, and school environments, leading autism service programs and coordinating care with multidisciplinary teams across the country. These experiences shaped her whole-person approach to care, grounded in evidence-based assessment and treatment, cultural humility, and compassion.
Inspired by Ayurvedic principles, Abigail integrates holistic wellness into her personal and professional life, honoring the mind-body connection and the importance of self-care as an essential component of mental health. As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Abigail values both teaching and maintaining a regular personal yoga practice. Outside of her clinical work, you can find her hiking scenic trails, biking, dancing, spending time in nature, and traveling to new countries.
Grace Lin, M.S. MFA is a Doctoral Intern at Bridges of the Mind. She is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Palo Alto University, with an emphasis in pediatric behavioral health. Grace has a special interest in supporting families, children, and adolescents with neurodevelopmental differences and co-occurring conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, anxiety, and mood disorders. She is passionate about providing comprehensive neurodevelopmental and psychological evaluations within a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed framework.
Grace has experience providing integrative cognitive behavior therapy, evidence-based group interventions, parent training, and diagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and adults across various settings, including community mental health, schools, hospitals, and academic medical centers. She worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing cultural humility and culturally responsive care. Grace is committed to supporting children and their families in building paths forward that honor their lived experiences and perspectives.
Grace holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Palo Alto University and in visual art from the School of Visual Arts. Before pursuing her PhD, Grace taught visual art to preschool- and elementary-school-aged children in both Mandarin and English, a practice that continues to inform her belief in the importance of play in child development and communication. Grace hopes to pursue a career in psychology centered on advocacy work for children and their families.
In her free time, Grace enjoys painting, going on adventures with family, and immersing herself in different cultures by traveling.
Gabby Bright is a Doctoral Practicum Student in the School Psychology program at the University of the Pacific, where she is pursuing her Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology (Ed.S.) and her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). She also earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of the Pacific.
Gabby’s primary professional interest is psychological and psycho-educational assessment. She is particularly interested in learning how comprehensive evaluations can be used to better understand a student’s cognitive, academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and developmental functioning. She enjoys gathering information from multiple sources, identifying patterns across data, and developing a more complete understanding of a student’s individual strengths and areas of need. As she continues her training, Gabby hopes to further strengthen her skills in test administration, interpretation, report writing, differential assessment, and translating evaluation results into meaningful recommendations for students, families, and school teams.
Gabby approaches assessment from a strengths-based and culturally responsive perspective. She believes that an evaluation should extend beyond test scores and consider the whole person, including developmental history, family and environmental factors, culture, lived experiences, mental health, and the different contexts in which a student functions. She is especially interested in understanding how these factors may influence learning, behavior, and social-emotional functioning and how psychologists can use assessment to help distinguish between different explanations for a student’s difficulties.
Gabby looks forward to gaining additional experience with comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations, consultation, intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration. She is especially excited to continue developing her identity as an emerging psychologist and to learn how thoughtful, individualized assessment can be used to advocate for students and help families and professionals make informed decisions about their care and education.
Rachel Davis is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #137864) who provides compassionate and personalized care for children, teens and adults. Rachel holds a B.A. in Communication from CSU, San Marcos and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from William Jessup University. She also brings a broad range of knowledge and experience through roles in advocacy, community involvement, school settings, and working with various human services providers.
Rachel utilizes both her professional training and life experience to foster connection, insight, and meaningful change. She enjoys collaborating with clients on practical and personal solutions. She believes that healing and growth happen in the context of safe, supportive relationships and works to create a space where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered.
She is dedicated to supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, family dynamics and parenting support. She is committed to walking alongside clients with curiosity and warmth as they move toward greater clarity, resilience, and well-being. She draws from a range of theoretical approaches (attachment, developmental, relational, neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed), but the common thread in her work is a holistic, person-centered approach tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Justina brings over 15 years of leadership experience to Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology from William Jessup University, which gives her a deep understanding of the work our team does and the families we serve.
With a background that includes managing operations in the banking industry and leading statewide advocacy initiatives, Justina has developed a unique skill set that combines strategic thinking, relationship building, and organizational excellence. She has extensive experience developing and delivering trainings across California, building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and creating systems that empower teams to work at their best.
As Strategic Project & Outreach Coordinator, Justina helps turn vision into action. She coordinates projects, facilitates strategic initiatives, and ensures seamless execution of the practice’s goals. Her proactive approach and ability to anticipate needs creates space for our team to focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care to our clients and their families. Justina’s leadership, strategic thinking, and genuine care for others make her an invaluable part of our team.
In her free time, Justina enjoys cooking, baking, traveling to new places, attending concerts, camping and fishing, and hosting game nights with friends and family.
Carmen believes that strong operations are the backbone of a supportive workplace, bringing a dedicated focus on project management and organizational excellence to her role as Practice Operations Manager. In addition to her administrative strength, she has a deep foundation in clinical knowledge, backed by a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and a Master of Science in Behavior Psychology. With over five years of dedicated experience in pediatric settings, she is passionate about fostering a dynamic, collaborative environment built on open communication, continuous learning, and advocating for her team. Outside of work, she loves being a mother, traveling, spending time outdoors, and exploring Northern California on her time off.
Esme Santana is our Client Care Intake Coordinator and a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, where she earned her B.S. in Cognitive Science. She has long been fascinated by how our perspectives and experiences shape the brain as well as how human consciousness has evolved over time. This curiosity fuels her passion for learning, personal growth, and deeply understanding others.
Esme brings a strong background in client service, organization, and administrative support to her role. She is dedicated to making clients feel welcomed and supported from their very first interaction. Beyond her professional skills, Esme is deeply passionate about being a voice for children, animals, and marginalized communities alike. In her free time, she enjoys seeing live music, trying new foods, staying active, and exploring new places.
Dr. Frieze received her B.A. in Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2003. She then received her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Alliant International University in Sacramento in 2008. During her time in her doctorate program she also received her certificate in Infant Preschool Mental Health.
Dr. Frieze’s clinical experience began as an in-home ABA therapist. She has been fortunate to work within school, clinic, and home settings conducting psychological assessments. Dr. Frieze’s postdoctoral training at Kaiser Permanente’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic allowed for the best foundation and training. For seven years she was one of the primary psychologists at the University of California, Davis MIND Institute, conducting clinical evaluations for neurodevelopmental disorders, regional center evaluations, and with the social skills program. Dr. Frieze spent two years as a staff psychologist at Dignity Healthcare in Woodland, California where she continued to conduct neurodevelopmental assessments for infants through early adulthood, before she opened her private practice.
Her professional goal is to serve as many patients as possible in a timely fashion. Dr. Frieze’s waiting lists have been as long as 9 months for these types of assessments that are so needed in the community, therefore she felt driven to be in private practice full time, while continuing to serve the majority of the northern California regional centers as a vendor conducting limited scope assessments. Dr. Frieze is currently the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association Behavioral Medicine and Neuropsychological Chair. Additionally, Dr. Frieze is licensed in the state of Nevada (PY1105) as well as California (PSY22737). Dr. Frieze is research reliable in the best practice assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, Second Edition (ADOS-2), and all of her evaluations have been highly regarded in the community for the past 15 years.
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