Recognizing the need for help is challenging enough; finding the right and best clinician should be simple and straightforward. Below you will find a brief discussion of our techniques, experience and central therapeutic tenets. At Unfold Psychology we work with children, adolescents, parents and families, to provide both support and treatment for a wide range of social, domestic, personal and psychological concerns. Regardless of who we are working with, our primary focus is on improving self-esteem, building self-confidence and working to enrich our patients self-worth. The more faith a person has in their own abilities and innate uniqueness, the more they are able to engage with the world they live in, the family they were belong to and the life they deserve to experience. Put simply, we aim to improve our patients quality of life.
We have experience using a number of treatment modalities including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, VR Theraphy, Ketamine Assisted Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy, Developmental Theory and Logo Therapy. Only after we have met with and had a chance to listen to our clients specific needs, and, most importantly, I have a sense of who I am working with, do I discuss which therapeutic technique we believe would be of greatest value towards achieving their goal. We are both comfortable and familiar with both short and long term treatment modalities, and welcome input from collateral sources, or when it is indicated, to work with other clinicians as part of treatment team.
For our younger patients, we have worked hard to create an environment that is both warm and welcoming. Be it through sand tray or play therapy, I regard all experiences in therapy to be a source for personal growth. We firmly believe in the power of the relationship in therapy, and that a ‘psychologist’ should be comfortable taking on many roles when working with children or adolescents. As such, if a child’s greatest difficulty is in schoolwork, be it academically or socially, then we would begin the therapeutic work as an unconditionally accepting homeworker helper. Many of our younger patients prefer for the therapist be the pupil in the beginning, which, when needed, is the ideal relationship from which to build.
We work hard to ensure the best results for our patients, and avoid presenting a cryptic or aloof demeanor. Therapy can be tough, but it should also be fun. I consider communication to be essential and believe the best works occurs when we meet our clients where they are – put simply we value check-ins with parents, teachers, even coaches, if our patient and we believe it will help facilitate growth. Over the years, we have cultivated many contacts in range of other fields we can call upon for additional help. Should it be desired, all of our patients have access to neuropsychological testing. Be it for extended time, ADHD, dyslexia or just to better understand learning styles, both our patients and we are fortunate to have access to renowned neuropsychologist who shares our approach of treatment: Dr. Gerard Chambers.
Client Focus
- Children (6 to 10)
- Preteens / Tweens (11 to 13)
- Adolescents / Teenagers (14 to 19)
- Adults
- Elders (65+)
Treatment Approach
- Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Art Therapy
- Attachment-based
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Eclectic
- Expressive Arts
- Family Systems
- Humanistic
- Integrative
- Interpersonal
- Narrative
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Person-Centered
- Play Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Psychoanalytic
- Psychodynamic
- Relational
- Strength-Based
- Trauma Focused
Our Team
We think it’s really important that clinicians have a mixture of clinical skill and human qualities that mean you can place your trust in them.
R. Austin Heafey, M.A., Psy D.
Psychologist
Dr. R. Austin Heafey is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, parents and families to provide both support and treatment for a wide range of social, domestic, personal and psychological concerns. Regardless of who he is working with, his primary focus is improving self-esteem, building self-confidence and working to enrich his patients’ self-worth. The more faith a person has in their own abilities and innate uniqueness, the more they are able to engage with the world they live in, the family they belong to and the life they deserve to experience. Dr. Heafey aims to improve his patients’ quality of life.
Dr. Heafey has experience using a number of treatment modalities including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy, Developmental Theory and Logo Therapy. Only after he has met with and had a chance to listen to his clients’ specific needs, and, most importantly, gain a sense of who he is working with, does he discuss which therapeutic technique he believes would be of greatest value towards achieving their goal. Dr. Heafey is both comfortable and familiar with both short and long term treatment modalities, and welcomes input from collateral sources, or when it is indicated, to work with other clinicians as part of treatment team.
Gerard Chambers, Psy.D., Ph.D
Psychologist
Gerard Chambers is a clinical neuropsychologist that assesses children, adolescents, and adults with a multitude of neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders. He has also spent a great deal of his clinical experience evaluating children and adolescents that possess significant behavioral issues in both inpatient and outpatient forensic settings. Gerard Chambers trained under renowned behavioral psychologist and Autism Expert Dr. Charles Stevens. Dr. Stevens is the psychologist that worked with the original “Rainman,” the basis of the 1980′s movie that highlighted the life of the “Autistic Savant.” Dr. Stevens completed a large portion of his training under Joseph Wolpe M.D., and this training heavily impacted how he trained and subsequently supervised Dr. Chambers. During his extensive training to become a clinical neuropsychologist.
Dr. Chambers was charged with performing neuropsychological evaluations for those needing to be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. He completed two years of HCG approved didactic training at Palo Alto University and two years of post-doctoral neuropsychological supervision with Neuropsychological Associates in Santa Rosa, CA, and in Fairmont, and Highland Public Hospital, part of Alameda Health Systems to become a clinical neuropsychologist.
Nicole McCarty
Executive Functioning Specialist
Nicole McCarty is a licensed special education teacher and Certified Youth Resilience Coach. With over 15 years of experience working in the fields of vocational rehabilitation and secondary education, Nicole has successfully supported adolescents and adults through their pursuits to become physicians, attorneys, developers, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and engaged citizens. Nicole provides individualized services that are designed to address challenges arising from ADHD, learning disabilities, and emotional disorders. Nicole is trained in executive function, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, trauma-informed practices, emotional intelligence, and sports psychology.
Working closely with families, Nicole helps students identify their strengths, increase productivity, and achieve their academic and career goals. As a parent of eight accomplished children, Nicole has both the experience and empathy to support students and families. She combines compassion with an outcomes-driven approach. Whether assisting students with college and career planning, supporting families to improve communication and harmony, or training corporations on inclusive hiring practices, Nicole provides personalized training and support that meets the needs of each of her clients.
Vinh Ngo, MD
Billing Executive
For 20 years, Dr. Vinh Ngo [Dr. No], has dedicated himself to improving the overall health and well-being of patients, throughout San Francisco and beyond. Dr. Ngo, and his staff, offer a range of services, notably addiction medicine, psychiatric interventions, ADHD treatment, as well as host of other integrated, evidenced, medical interventions.
Dr. Ngo was introduced to the Bay Area while completing his residency at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Sutter Santa Rosa. He is board certified in family medical providers, specializing in the psychopharmacological interventions for addictions and other mental health diagnoses. With his knowledge and expertise, he is able to utilize a multimodal approach to treatment.
In addition to the aforementioned services, Dr. Ngo is able to consult and administer hormone therapies, promoting health, wellness and proper development, throughout an individual’s life cycle. Dr. Ngo considers the total health and well-being of each individual patient to be paramount! Rather than focusing on a specific symptom or complaint, Dr. Ngo looks at his patients through a biopsychosocial perspective – ensuring the most comprehensive diagnostic and appropriate medical care.
Unfold Psychology is blessed to have Dr. Ngo on the team!