ABOUT US
A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE
At Simply Psychology, LLC, we implement research-based effective therapy methods to promote independent problem-solving.
We look forward to seeing you at Simply Psychology, your resource for children's therapy, parent coaching, comprehensive evaluations, social skills groups and more!
OUR SPECIALTIES
Although we diagnose many different disorders under the DSM 5, some of the areas we specialize in and follow specific protocols for diagnosing and treatment include:
MEET OUR OFFICE
GET TO KNOW THE TEAM
Dr. Alicia J. Goodman Ph.D, NCSP
Licensed Psychologist, National Certified School Psychologist
First and foremost, I am a mom. I understand the many challenges and benefits associated with parenting. Professionally, Professionally, I am a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist. I earned my bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in Criminal Justice with a minor in sociology and specialization of study in psychology.
I have been working with children and families since 2001 when I began my work with children who struggled with behavior, social skills, and emotional challenges. After moving to Arizona, I attended graduate school at Arizona State University, gaining my masters and PhD in Educational Psychology, specializing in School Psychology. My research and publications have focused on understanding play behaviors of preschoolers, particularly those who engage in high levels of solitary play, anxiety disorders, and cognitive skills training and how that relates to improved cognitive and academic skills.
I have been working with children and families since 2001 when I began my work with children who struggled with behavior, social skills, and emotional challenges. After moving to Arizona, I attended graduate school at Arizona State University, gaining my masters and PhD in Educational Psychology, specializing in School Psychology. My research and publications have focused on understanding play behaviors of preschoolers, particularly those who engage in high levels of solitary play, anxiety disorders, and cognitive skills training and how that relates to improved cognitive and academic skills.
My therapeutic approach is founded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, however I also incorporate aspects from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Bandura's Social Learning theory, Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems, components from play therapy, and mindfulness, depending on my client's unique needs.
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I understand that it takes a strong support system for best results and I offer the psychological and educational expertise and support to your team. As a mother, educator, and psychologist, I am a firm believer in evaluating and treating the whole child which encompasses cooperation from the educational environment as well as the family and the student.
I sincerely enjoy working with families, other professionals including medical doctors, psychiatrists, teachers, and students themselves to best understand the entire picture related to the areas of concern.
I continuously educate myself to be knowledgable and competent in areas for which I provide treatment. You will find all of my treatment plans and therapy tools to include research-based interventions to help your family be most successful.
In addition to the above-mentioned areas, I have gained specialized treatment knowledge in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (individual counseling), Comprehensive Behavior Therapy for Tics (C-BIT certified), and Exposure Response Prevention (ER/P) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Additional common challenges facing my clients include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Gifted learner struggles, twice exceptional students, selective mutism, separation anxiety, specific phobias/fears, and return to school adult learners.
In addition to providing therapy and psychoeducation to clients in my office, I complete comprehensive evaluations for gifted children, special education, and mental health diagnoses, gathering information from multiple sources and settings.
This coupled with my knowledge and experience working within and navigating the special education and 504 systems ,laws, and procedures sets me apart from many other evaluating psychologists. I enjoy offering assistance to families working within the special education and 504 systems to allow for parents to be their child's advocate backed with accurate knowledge and information.
Above all, I care so much for your well being and the well being of your children and family. I would be honored to be part of your team and village to help you accomplish your goals
Recently, Dr. Goodman was interviewed for Shoutout Arizona. ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community, so it is an honor for Dr. Alicia to be part of it.
Dr. Catherine Van Damme, PsyD, NCSP
Postdoctoral Resident
My name is Catherine Van Damme, often referred to as Dr. V, with my students and clients! I have worked in the mental health field for the last 10 years gathering a range of clinical experiences and exposure (residential treatment, outpatient, and educational settings). In these opportunities I have worked with individuals who struggle with severe mental illness, trauma, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, and grief and loss.
My true passion has been working with children and adolescents to help build healthier coping techniques, stronger communication skills and supporting a more functional family dynamic. I do this through individual and family therapy sessions that are often play based in nature. I also enjoy parent coaching to help identify individual strengths, build confidence, and find creative solutions to everyday struggles. My therapeutic style is caring and compassionate with an honest-straightforward demeanor.
My true passion has been working with children and adolescents to help build healthier coping techniques, stronger communication skills and supporting a more functional family dynamic. I do this through individual and family therapy sessions that are often play based in nature. I also enjoy parent coaching to help identify individual strengths, build confidence, and find creative solutions to everyday struggles. My therapeutic style is caring and compassionate with an honest-straightforward demeanor.
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. In 2013, I graduated from a small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania, where unusual combinations of academic interests were celebrated. I completed my masters and doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2020. I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and have experience working in public schools. I have training in psychological evaluation and assessment and translating complicated diagnostic material into parent friendly information to help guide treatment. I am a postdoctoral resident with Simply Psychology LLC working under the direct supervision of Dr. Alicia Goodman ( AZ license #4621) to obtain my independent license.
In my free time, I can be found training with friends at a local gym or running with family outside before it gets too hot. I enjoy reading, painting, and cooking new recipes. I want to thank you for taking the time to read through my information. I look forward to the opportunity to work with your family and help support your child’s needs.
Cassy Goodman, EdS, NCSP
School Psychologist Psychometrist
Cassy is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Arizona University and taught as a special education teacher for 7 years. After discovering her passion for the assessment process and making educational recommendations to help all students succeed, she returned to graduate school at Northern Arizona University to earn her Education Specialist degree in School Psychology. She is currently a practicing school psychologist in a local school district and a member of the National Association of School Psychology.
Cassy is married and a mother of two young children, who are the biggest joys of her life. When she isn't working, she enjoys reading, doing home improvement projects, traveling with her family, and hiking all of the beautiful places Arizona has to offer.
Cassy is married and a mother of two young children, who are the biggest joys of her life. When she isn't working, she enjoys reading, doing home improvement projects, traveling with her family, and hiking all of the beautiful places Arizona has to offer.
Melissa White, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Melissa is a speech-language pathologist who provides speech/language evaluations and therapy, and assists with social skills groups. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Oklahoma and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Iowa. Melissa has experience working with diverse clients in the home, clinic, and school setting, and currently works as a school-based speech-language pathologist in a local school district. She enjoys collaborating with all members of a child’s team to support academic and communication goals.
Melissa tailors evaluations and therapy services to each individual client. She conducts comprehensive, individualized evaluations to identify a child’s strengths and needs and develop a treatment plan. She works with children of all ages to support speech and language skills, including in the areas of: speech-sound production, language (vocabulary, sentence structures, grammar, social language skills), literacy, and fluency.
Melissa tailors evaluations and therapy services to each individual client. She conducts comprehensive, individualized evaluations to identify a child’s strengths and needs and develop a treatment plan. She works with children of all ages to support speech and language skills, including in the areas of: speech-sound production, language (vocabulary, sentence structures, grammar, social language skills), literacy, and fluency.
As a speech-language pathologist, Melissa recognizes the relationship between literacy and language skills. She integrates literacy concepts in speech/language therapy to help children develop the skills they need to understand what they hear and read. Melissa is also trained in Orton-Gillingham methods for reading instruction.
Melissa is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the Arizona branch of the International Dyslexia Association.
Beth Gordon
Office Manager
Beth Gordon is the Simply Psychology, LLC Office Manager. She has the pleasure of often being your first point of contact with our team. As a mom of three children, Beth understands being an advocate for children and will help direct you to the best clinician for the unique needs of your child. She looks forward to helping you!