Forensic and Clinical Psychological Services in Sherman Oaks, California

Dr. Beresford Psy.D. (She/Her/Hers) specializes in adult forensic evaluation, psychological assessment for patients aged 6 and older, and psychotherapy for patients aged 17 and older.

Our office is located in Sherman Oaks,  California, and is easily accessible from the 101 and 405 Freeways. Our goals at Southland Psychology are to identify the specific questions to be answered for an individual, school, or court administer a comprehensive battery of tests in order to answer those questions, and provide a written report documenting the examination process, its results, and any pertinent recommendations. In psychotherapy, we work to create supportive and respectful relationships within which an individual or couple will feel safe enough to begin a journey of guided discovery.

How We Work Toward a Solution

While on this journey, we typically identify both healthy and maladaptive patterns of thought and behavior, develop goals for treatment, acquire and practice the strategies to achieve these goals, and move in the direction of greater self-awareness, personal growth, and well-being. On occasion, alternate paths for treatment may be determined, but regardless of the therapeutic modality, we are likely to work toward:

• Understanding what drives you, your goals, and your values
• Evaluating your strengths and areas needing improvement
• Increasing your awareness of your impact on others
• Refining listening and communication skills
• Setting appropriate boundaries
• Enhancing relationship skills
• Acquiring coping skills to deal with stressors
• Facing difficult transitions with clarity and grace
• Improving problem-solving skills
• Enriching self-esteem and confidence

What Prompted You to Find Us?

You may be seeking extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, transition, or medical concern. You or your child may be struggling with difficulties at school or work. Perhaps you or a family member are faced with a legal issue, and your attorney has suggested that a forensic evaluation would be helpful. Whatever you are facing, we look forward to working with you and your family to achieve your goals. Diagnostic and treatment areas include:

• ADHD
• Addictions and addictive behaviors
• Anxiety
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Chemical dependency and substance abuse
• Depression and mood disorders
• Employment concerns
• End of life issues
• Family and parent-child conflict
• Grief
• Life transitions
• Marital concerns
• Medical issues (and their impact on patients and families)
• Relationship issues
• Stress management
• Work transitions

• Adoption (International and domestic)
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autism spectrum
• Chemical dependency and substance abuse
• Dangerousness and risk of violence
• Depression and mood disorders
• Egg donation and surrogacy
• Educational Testing
• Emotional Support Animals
• Fitness for Duty
• Learning difficulties and disorders
• Pre-surgical evaluation (including Bariatric, Cosmetic, and Gastric Bypass surgeries)
• Pre-treatment evaluation for infertility procedures
• Risk assessment
• Special Accommodations testing
• Threat assessment and management

• Assessment of mental state for insanity plea
• Assessment of personal injury and emotional distress
• Competency to stand trial
• Employment issues
• Evaluation of possible malingering
• Mitigating circumstances for sentencing
• Prediction of violence and assessment of risk
• Specialized forensic personality assessment