We offer the TOVA Test (Test of Variables of Attention) for children and adults.

It is a computer-based test made up of two parts: visual and auditory. The test measures how quickly and accurately a person responds to the visual and auditory stimuli. The test will take up to an hour.

The results of the TOVA Test is a tool that doctors can use to better diagnose and treat their patients.

For best results, the test is administered in the morning. Patients should decrease the amount of caffeine and nicotine intake on the day of testing.

You can read more about testing for ADHD here

Do you need accommodations for your college or professional exam? Our team of licensed psychologists can help.

Examples of covered exams include:

-College entrance exams (such as the SAT or ACT)

- Exams for admission to professional schools (such as the LSAT or MCAT)

-Admissions exams for graduate schools (such as GRE and GMAT)

-Licensing exams for professional purposes (such as bar exams or medical licensing exams)

Standardized examinations and other high-stakes tests are gateways to educational and employment opportunities. Whether seeking admission to a high school, college, or graduate program, or attempting to obtain a professional license or certification for a trade, it is difficult to achieve such goals without sitting for some kind of standardized exam or high-stakes test. While many testing entities have made efforts to ensure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

We offer online and in-office psychotherapy services.

Psychotherapy services includes:

-Individual, Couple and Family therapy

-Cognitive psychotherapy/ CPT

-Therapy available for:

-Depression

-Mood disorder

-Anxiety

-Panic disorder

-PTSD

-Phobia

-Social phobia

-Grief

-Eating disorders

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis.

Please read more about autism and diagnosing criteria here

We offer medical management services online (remotely).

Medication Management services available for:

-ADHD

-Anxiety

-Panic disorder

-OCD

-Social anxiety

-Phobia

-Depression

-Sleep disorder

-Bipolar disorder

-PTSD

-Eating disorders

Fitness for duty (mental health) the need for the evaluation when the employer believes that the employee may not be able to perform the essential functions of their job successfully or safely due to their mental health condition

Psychological testing measures an individual's performance at a specific point in time. Psychological tests can't predict future or innate potential. Psychological testing is not a single test or even a single type of test. It encompasses a whole body of dozens of research-backed tests and procedures of assessing specific aspects of a person's psychological makeup.

Cognitive functions can be defined as cerebral activities that lead to knowledge, including all means and mechanisms of acquiring information. Cognitive functions encompass reasoning, memory, attention, and language and lead directly to the attainment of information and, thus, knowledge.

The clinical interview is a core component of any psychological testing. All assessments begin with a clinical interview, a review of medical records, as well as any other pertinent data. This interview provides an opportunity to gather important background and family data. Clinical interviews typically last from 1 to 2 hours in length.

Cognitive assessments may include assessment of IQ or level of intelligence, perceptual abilities, verbal and non-verbal skills, attention and processing or memory abilities. Typically, cognitive ability tests cover some or all of the following categories: numerical, verbal, abstract, spatial, and mechanical reasoning. Questions can take many different forms and cover varying degrees of difficulty, depending on the type of ability being assessed.

The most commonly administered IQ test is called the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV (WAIS-IV) and is appropriate for any individual aged 16 or older. Depending on age, a child can be administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV (WISC-IV), or the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence IV (WPPSI-IV).

Many kinds of psychological tests are available for specific areas, such as aptitude or achievement in school, career or work counseling, management skills, and career planning.

Testing for competency as well as neuropsychological testing is available.

Learning disorders are categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Accommodation and support services align with the severity to facilitate a person’s most effective functioning.

Learning disorders, if not recognized and managed, can cause problems throughout a person’s life beyond having lower academic achievement. These problems include increased risk of greater psychological distress, poorer overall mental health, unemployment, underemployment and dropping out of school.

Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age. Research shows that 8 to 10 percent of American children under 18 years of age have some type of learning disability.* (NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website)

A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).

There are many types of disabilities, such as those that affect a person’s:

-Vision

-Movement

-Thinking

-Remembering

-Learning

-Communicating

-Hearing

-Mental health

-Social relationships*

*cdc.gov

Embark on your transformative journey towards better health with confidence. Our Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation is a meticulous and compassionate assessment designed to support individuals considering weight loss surgery.

Navigating the complexities of bariatric surgery involves more than just physical well-being; it's also essential to address the psychological aspects. Our specialized evaluation, conducted by experienced mental health professionals, offers valuable insights into your emotional readiness, coping strategies, and long-term commitment to the process.

Through personalized assessments and thoughtful conversations, we provide a holistic understanding of your unique needs. Our collaborative approach ensures that you receive the necessary support and guidance to make informed decisions, promoting not only a successful surgical outcome but also your overall mental and emotional well-being.

At Laguna Behavioral, we are dedicated to empowering you on every step of your journey. Take the first step towards lasting change by scheduling your Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation today. Your transformation is not only physical but also emotional, and we're here to help you thrive.

I am a licensed integrative psychologist and parenting coach with a focus on pediatrics, nutrition, and holistic interventions. I have over 15 years experience in providing parents with simple, effective, science-based strategies that alleviate children’s attention, anxiety, mood, and behavior challenges so they can reach their highest potential and thrive.

I have completed post-graduate certificates in nutrition, health coaching, functional medicine, and nutritional psychology/psychiatry. I am currently working on a two year fellowship with the Academy of Integrative Medicine and Health. I believe that true healing comes from a holistic view point, focusing on the interconnectedness of the mind, body, lifestyle, and environment. My goal is to empower families with the information they need in order to provide them with the most beneficial solutions moving forward.

I completed my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose, CA where I co-led a pain management group and helped to facilitate and start a biofeedback group. My clinical interests include the impact of nutrition on mood and well-being and the role that nutrition plays in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases.

Dr. Heather Kaplan-Santos is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of social service work in a wide variety of settings. Some of her previous experience includes working with at-risk youth as a United States Peace Corps volunteer, working as the Clinical Director for an addiction treatment center, 8 years as the Director of Support Services for an agency supporting adults with developmental disabilities, providing direct support for clients at a center for traumatic brain injury and now predominately providing individual therapy and psychological assessments to clients of partnered community agencies. Dr. Heather has specialized training in Functional Neurology and is particularly interested in the treatment of adults with traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s Disease, ADHD, substance use disorders, chronic pain, learning differences and “brain fog”. She works by providing psychoeducation related to presenting symptoms as well as by teaching clients to understand how trauma, anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and chronic stress impact the functioning of the brain. Her comprehensive assessments and therapeutic treatment plans guide clients with clear recommendations to enhance their cognitive functioning, reduce distressing symptoms, and improve their overall well-being and vitality.

Dr. Adrienne Pasek has extensive experience performing neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive assessments in private practice and for governmental agencies. Dr. Pasek provides trainings and presentations to law enforcement agencies and companies nationwide. Dr. Pasek also has broad experience in conflict resolution as a former Executive Director for a non-profit Mediation Center working for the courts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. She is proficient and skilled in mediation and arbitration for parties seeking alternative solutions to legal disputes. Dr. Pasek is also a former Educational Liaison for several school districts. She has vast knowledge of child development and routinely provides screenings and assessments for children suspected of struggling with learning disabilities.

Dr. Mikhael specializes in General Psychiatry (depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, bipolar, OCD, PTSD, psychosis, dementia and cognitive disorder).

Dr. Mikhael received his diploma in psychiatry from Vienna Medical School, Austria in 1981, completed his residency training in psychiatry at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, New Jersey in 1996, and completed a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia in 1997. He is board certified in psychiatry.

Dr. Mikhael is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Loma Linda Medical School, a former President for the Inland Region of the Southern California Psychiatric Society, and a former Councillor for the Southern California Psychiatric Society more broadly.

He is presently a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Change-even good change can be difficult. My personal philosophy toward change is based on empowerment. I like to help people recognize and utilize the tools that are available to them. My background is diverse. I began my career in 1989 as an addictions counselor. The connection between addictions and mental health disorders is strong. Dual diagnosis has always been an area of interest for me. I attended the University of Wisconsin where I received my Masters Degree. I graduated with honors on the Children and Family track. Licensed to practice as a clinical social worker in both California and Wisconsin, I have experience in both an outpatient and an acute hospital setting. For many years, I was the Director of the Child and Adolescent program at a Milwaukee clinic. I do, however, work with all age groups. I have experience in the following areas:

- Addictions

- ADHD

- Adjustment Disorders

- Anxiety Disorders

- Behavior Disorder

- Dual Diagnosis

- Grief and Loss

- Mood Disorders (Depression/Bipolar)

- Self-mutilation

- Trauma and PTSD.

I have successfully planned and implemented community support groups that address the needs of: children in foster care, parents of children with a mental illness, social skills for children with ADHD, teens and substance abuse, and women in recovery with a dual diagnosis. My practice includes integrating proven, effective clinical treatment methods along with extensive life experience. I will meet you where you are at and assist you in getting to where you want to be.

Dr. Michael Ferguson has been working in mental health profession for more than 30 years, and has specialized with Chemical Dependent patients with co-existing disorders, i.e., anxiety and depression. He received his Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology from Long Beach State University, where he graduated with honors. He completed his Masters’ Degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California and received his Doctorate of Psychology from Ryokan College of Los Angeles. He served his internships at UCLA Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, California, where he worked with adolescent children and their families. He also trained at L.A. County USC Psychiatric Hospital where he worked with bipolar and schizophrenic populations, and other related psychiatric illnesses.

Dr. Ferguson has observed during years of practice that many of his patients present with some form of anxiety.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that as much as 18% of the population suffers from anxiety.

These disorders may present in many ways, i.e. Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, OCD, PTSD, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Such disorders may generate feelings of distress, fear, worry, frequent experiences of "going crazy", fear of dying, shortness of breath, or choking sensations.

Health issues and financial problems seem to be the greatest source of anxiety according to the APA poll.

Rapid changes in today's society frequently induce feelings of impending doom without a source of relief. Such disorders are highly treatable; however approximately only 37% of those suffering receive treatment

People with anxiety disorders are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those not suffering from anxiety disorders.

The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders includes Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) which Dr. Ferguson has employed in his practice for many years.

As a practicing psychotherapist with Christian based values, he provides counseling that will help develop and cultivate coping mechanisms which are consistent with Scriptural principals found in the Bible. Equally important, Dr. Ferguson’s ethical standards remain unwavering while adhering to the highest level of honesty and integrity.

Dr. Leyla Rasooli started her career in the field of psychology before the year 2000 working as a research assistant to an established team of experts conducting psychological research in different areas including but not limited to cultural issues, assessment, and diagnostics in the field of psychology. Dr Leyla, holds licenses as a Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D) and also as a licensed Marriage family Therapist ( LMFT) in California. She is also a Certified EMDR Therapist.

Throughout her career, Dr Leyla has worked as a clinician, supervisor, diagnostician and an educator in different settings, providing services to diverse population from different cultural background, age groups, and with varying severity of symptoms in private and nonprofit agencies in various counties. Her psychological services range from providing psychological assessment, therapy for individuals, couples, families & groups, and training and supervision in different settings such as community college, non- profit agencies and, residential/ STRTP care. She has enjoyed gaining experience in working with diverse clientele including gang-involved families, LGBTQ population and clients from a wide array of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

One of Dr Leyla’s true passions throughout her career has been providing Psychological assessments. Dr Leyla has enjoyed gaining experience in conducting evaluations for the purpose of diagnostic and treatment clarity and testing focused on identifying needs for accommodations in different areas such as educational, legal, and administrative settings. Additionally, she has experience providing consultation in interpreting the raw data, as well as written reports based on the raw data provided to agencies needing support. She is also effectively bilingual and is fluent in both English and Persian/ Farsi.

I was born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, I speak Farsi as well as English. I finished medical school in 1996 and practiced for four years in Iran before coming to the United States. I finished my psychiatry residency in 2009 at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey- now Rutgers University and my Geriatric  psychiatry fellowship at Yale University in 2010.

I am board certified in both General Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry. 

I have experience in working with different levels of care such as out-patient, partial Hospitals, emergency rooms inpatient, Consultation and Liaison, Nursing homes and Dementia units.

I treat patients 18 year old and over. I have experience in treating a variety of mental illness such as dementia, ADHD, depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD. 

Adel Eldahmy, MD, MBA is Medical Director of MD Laguna and Laguna Behavioral in Laguna Niguel, California. Dr. Eldahmy completed his residency in Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine in 1984, after which he went to private practice in Southern California. His fellowship in Psychiatry included the Eating Disorders program at the University of California, Irvine. In 1997, Dr. Eldahmy received his HealthCare MBA from the University of California, Irvine.

Dr. Eldahmy has served as a Medical Director at Long Beach Eating Disorder Clinic, Long Beach Psychiatric Center, and was Medical Director of the Eating Disorders program at Charter Hospital of Long Beach and Charter outpatient clinics in Los Alamitos, California. He also served as Chief of Staff at Los Altos Hospital in Long Beach, California.

In 2012, Dr. Eldahmy founded Telemed Foundation, a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) that uses telecommunication and information technologies to provide clinical healthcare to developing countries and rural communities around the world.

Dr. Eldahmy has been involved with Telemedicine since 2007. Dr. Eldahmy is the founder and chairman of Telemed Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving countries in the Nile Valley and Nile Basin in Africa.

Enas Elshiwick, Psy D., MFT, is a licensed psychologist and a licensed marriage family therapist. She has experience working with a variety of clients, including, issues of relationships, marriage and family, personality, obsessions, compulsions, drug and alcohol addictions, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety, paranoia, and other issues that effect daily lives.

She has had experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, in a variety of settings, including private practice, agencies and clinics, and with inpatients (where she was the head of the psychology department of the hospital). She is bilingual (Arabic and English), and understands and has experience dealing with issues of adjustments in terms of culture and religion. She is eclectic in her approach, taking into consideration the client's best interest and welfare.

Dr. Delshadi received her doctorate degree in counseling psychology for clinical settings from OISE- University of Toronto, Canada in 1998. She obtained a post – graduate certificate in Neuropsychology from the Fielding Institute.

She is a Licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist in the state of California since 2000 (PSY16895).

Dr. Delshadi has experience working with adults and children in various settings including schools, counseling centers, hospitals and private practice. Her areas of specialty include neuropsychological testing for ages 5 and over and psychotherapy. More recently, she has been involved in various forensic evaluations. She assesses various issues including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum, post head–trauma and dementia.

Dr. Tongtong A. Zhu, M.D. obtained a B.A. in neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.D. from the University of Tennessee Health and Science Center. She completed her residency at UCLA/Greater Los Angeles VA psychiatric program, where she developed an interest in dynamic psychotherapy and facilitated clinical research focusing on the treatment of chronic pain in the geriatric population with psychotherapy. She subsequently completed a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at UCLA and is board certified in both geriatric psychiatry and general psychiatry.

Dr. Zhu has experience working with diverse population groups treating a broad range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, and ADHD. She employees her expertise in pharmacological interventions as well as psychotherapy to deliver a collaborative and targeted treatment approach unique to each patient.

Prior to receiving my M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1992, I taught grades 2 and 3 in private schools in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., raised two children, worked in the fitness industry and co-owned a fitness business.

I am able to address a wide range of clinical issues in psychotherapy including:

Relationship challenges, couples therapy, communication skills, depression, anxiety, parenting, divorce, grief and loss, stress and weight management, eating disorders, aging, and health challenges, addictions, drug and alcohol abuse and PTSD/trauma.

My clinical work combined with life experience has encouraged me to combine a pragmatic, solution-focused approach to promote behavioral change with a commitment to provide a corrective relational experience.

Dr. Sandy Moghadam treats all mental disorders and focuses on their impact on relationships. Anxiety disorder is one major and common disorder she treats that affects peoples' lives and relationships on a day-to-day basis.

"Anxiety disorders.are the most common mental illness in the U.S. affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year" (ADAA, 2020)

Dr. Moghadam's treatment approach for anxiety is while she addresses all the here-and-now problems, she also explores all the underlying causes and roots of past and present problems to discover the present manifestations of anxiety triggers in patients' lives.

Dr. Moghadam performs Cutting Edge Therapy which is a scientific method and state of art approach to life struggles, challenges, and achievements. This unique approach focuses on world transitioning relationships in a new light with the following lenses: A multisystemic and multidimensional innovative relationship therapy approach for individuals, couples, families, and organizations. Designed to help people help themselves in marriage, family, and social relationships and focuses on peoples' uniqueness without generalizing, categorizing, and labeling.Dr. Moghadam is an adjunct and visiting professor teaching graduate level courses like advanced theories, cross/cultural, parenting, and the impact of financial crisis on people. She has linked her business education to family therapy field by creating an assessment model which includes important factors like financial crisis that impacts mental health and relationships.Dr. Moghadam got her bachelors degree in business and got into MBA program. She started in management trainee program in banking and reached a Vice President position in financial planning. She also has translated several relationship books, written several articles, books, and chapters of text books.