Services

Given that every child, adult and family is exceptional, the assessments and interventions that Mind Matters provide are developed specifically to fit the individual’s needs. Often, families participate in an initial assessment with Dr. Thompson, who will evaluate and determine the most suitable program which Mind Matters will provide. 

Overview of Services

• Medical Evaluation
• Psychological Assessments
• Dietary and Supplemental Interventions
• In-Home Behavioral Support
• Learning Assessments
• Individual and Family Counseling
• Neurofeedback
• Educational Analysis
• Social Skills Training
• Parent Education Opportunities and Support
• Learning Interventions

Medical Evaluation
A complete medical evaluation is available with Dr. Ryan Thompson.  Many behavioral concerns may be caused or influenced by genetic, medical or environmental issues, which, when recognized, will influence the most effective treatment.  The focus of the evaluation is to establish an accurate diagnosis through a detailed interview, review of prior evaluations, specialized laboratory testing if needed, and a physical examination looking for clues to the nature of the problem. Further testing or consultations may be recommended to enhance the assessment prior to making treatment recommendations.

Psychological Assessments
Mind Matters uses state-of-the-art techniques and methods to provide comprehensive assessment of an individual's performance in three primary areas that may be impacting learning, daily living, and/or vocational functions including:

• Cognitive abilities and processing skills
• Academic achievement
• Social-emotional and behavioral development

A psychological assessment is often conducted in order to determine whether a specific learning or other disability (e.g., ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder) may be impacting a person's daily functioning at school, home, and/or work. In addition, this assessment identifies specific learning strengths and weakness which assists teachers, parents, employers and the individual in making adjustments in order to maximize their potential.

Dietary and Supplemental Interventions
A guided nutritional approach to the treatment of neurological disorders is often beneficial.  An assessment of the individual’s current eating habits will be made, followed by recommendations for an improved diet specific to the individual. Included in this might be dietary supplements which aid in improving or healing neurological function.  The choice of supplements may be guided by the results of blood, urine or stool testing.

In-Home Behavioral Support
Mind Matters provides a supportive approach in empowering parents to develop structured behavioral systems that are concrete and easy to implement. This support is effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of maladaptive behaviors thus allowing for a more positive and peaceful home environment for the entire family.

Learning Assessments
Mind Matters provides detailed learning evaluations and treatment plans.  Mind Matters can also help parents to work with schools so that their child receives the attention and services they need.

• Psychological testing
• Classroom observations
• Educational evaluations and support
• Independent Education Plan (IEP) planning and preparation
• Educational analysis

Individual and Family Counseling
Mind Matters provides a warm, nonjudgmental environment.  The staff recognizes that clients have unique needs, and that their families can benefit from the support of understanding staff.  Clients are listened to, understood and given concrete tools to empower them in living with their diagnosis.  Counseling provides support and behavioral interventions to assist families in creating a home environment in which they not only survive, but thrive.

Therapeutic interventions include, but are not limited to:

• Cognitive behavioral strategies
• Mindfulness practices
• Play therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Organizational coaching. 

Mind Matter treats inattention, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and oppositional behavior, to name a few.  These services are offered in both private (individual, couple, and family) and group sessions.

Educational Analysis
An Educational Analysis involves a review of records, including the student’s current educational program and a summary of recommendations in order to assist the student, family, and educational team in developing a positive learning environment.

• Records Review - Review of report cards, team meeting records (i.e., Student Study Team, 504 Plan, Individualized Education Plan [IEP]), school assessments, and related information).
• Summary of Findings and Recommendations – A written summary of strengths, weaknesses, and the student’s current educational program. Recommendations for educational interventions, strategies, resources, and referrals are provided.

Social Skills Training
Social skills training is a form of behavior therapy used by teachers, therapists and trainers to help persons who have difficulties relating to other people. A major goal of social skills training is teaching persons the verbal as well as nonverbal behaviors involved in social interactions. 

Higher level social skills require taking into consideration the point of view of another person and responding to it.  Social skills groups teach how to establish and maintain friendships, understanding the feelings of others, dealing with bullies, etc. 

Mind Matters utilizes the Michelle Garcia-Winner “Think Social” (www.socialthinking.com) inspired program in which individuals ages 3 to adult are taught how to become social thinkers in a fun, small group setting. Visit the Programs page for details on parenting groups and classes, as well as how to sign up.

“Our family has benefited greatly from the social skills training that our son received at Mind Matters with Corrina Lindblom. He is now developing the skill of negotiating and working out problems with peers. I have seen an increased ability to share when that is not what he really wants to do. We did not know how to present the concepts to him in a way that he would be able to relate to and grasp.” – Geoff and Samantha Cooper, Parents

Parent Education Opportunities and Support
Mind Matters offers a variety of programs and groups for parents and caregivers throughout the year.  Clinicians address issues such as social learning deficits, inattention, parenting strategies, and “the homework monster.” Through counseling, workshops, behavioral interventions and in-home support plans, clinicians bring compassionate understanding, support and hope to parents.

Learning Interventions
Two programs offered at Mind Matters deal specifically with developing new learning pathways:
Edu-Therapeutics treating:

• Learning disabilities
• Attention deficit
• Reading challenges

Fast ForWord, a scientifically proven, computer-based reading and language intervention program that has been shown to improve auditory processing and reading achievement in students.