Click on the headings below to see the response for those questions of interest:
Funny you should ask.... I was interviewed on Geraldo At Large on May 4, 2006... and survived, discussing the film Normal People Scare Me. The film includes some the technology used by Dr. Gale to help with individuals diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. View the interview here.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Doctoral level mental health professionals who are licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders. We use a variety of assessment procedures and tools from multiple data sources to determine diagnosis. This may lead to more effective treatments, since some approaches are considered better suited for certain kinds of problems.
What are your specialty areas?
- I run social skills programs for children and adults. Known as LUNCH Groups® (Learning, Understanding, Negotiating, Communicating, and Helping), these groups are designed to help individuals behave and cope more effectively.
- I also conduct psychoeducational and functional analysis assessments and am listed on several school district panels as an Independent Educational Evaluator. For more information, click here.
- Finally, I enjoy finding and developing technologies that enhance the assessment process, increase client motivation, and help parents and school/clinical teams remain "in the loop" regarding client progress. I especially enjoy using computer animation and other technology-based approaches to help students and adults develop and practice successful coping strategies and learn to track their own progress, which can then be shared with others. The majority of my clinical assessment referrals are for individuals suspected of having Asperger's, Mental Retardation or related developmental disabilities; students with suspected social-emotional problems, and clients who experience anxiety disorders.
Do you accept individual clients for treatment?
I did for many years, about twenty or so. Currently, however, I have decided to focus on running my social skill programs, conducting independent assessments, and running my (currently small) technology company, BehaviorTech Solutions, Inc. I will sometimes take on an individual case that seems well-matched to my skills and is likely fairly short in duration. Because of the amount of training I do these days, it is hard for me to be consistent weekly on a longer term basis.
What kind of trainings do you provide?
I am approved by the American Psychological Association as a sponsoring organization to provide CE course credits for psychologists. I am also a California BBS sponsor for social workers and Marriage & Family Therapists.
What are your research interests?
I have a specialized interest in the development of online assessment tools and methodologies that involve various technology to enhance treatment efficacy. I also have presented on ways to create valid and reliable methods of conducting behavior observations, particularly in school settings.
How do you stay current in the field?
What a great question! There is so much to keep track of these days. I am fortunate to have a number of colleagues who share information with me. I also subscribe to several journals, attend conferences, and participate on listservs. My time spent volunteering with PENT, a program sponsored by the California Department of Education, as one of the leadership team trainers and as their technology advisors has provided me with invaluable experience understanding more about schools and the IEP process. I also teach Abnormal Psychology every couple of years at American Jewish University. As Division Chair for Media and Technology for the California Psychological Association, I have the opportunity to remain abreast of state and national concerns. Finally, I have spent several years serving on the editorial board for the journal, Cyberpsychology and Behavior.
Have you participated in any national interviews?
Funny you should ask.... I was interviewed on Geraldo At Large on May 4, 2006... and survived, discussing the film Normal People Scare Me. The film includes some the technology used by Dr. Gale to help with individuals diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. View the interview here.