ASSESSMENT
Dr. Dries an expert in conducting psychological, psychoeducational, and/or school neuropsychological evaluations for academic and diagnostic purposes. Utilizing standardized measures, Dr. Dries will assess intellectual, academic, and/or emotional functioning in order to answer your specific concerns. The evaluation process can include direct contact, review of available records, and communication with other professionals (such as the school or physician). The results of the assessment can be used to determine the need for specialized services in a school or work setting, explore options for programming, or to guide treatment. Prior to the initiation of the evaluation session(s), Dr. Dries will explain the scope of the assessment and the method of providing results.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES CONSULTATION
Dr. Dries is also available to provide support to families who are in the course of pursuing a specialized service plan in a school setting. This can be a complicated venture because of the amount of information shared by the different people involved, the specific phraseologies, and the legal parameters. With nearly 15 years of experience working within the public school system, Dr. Dries will serve as a guide through the process of obtaining an active Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) plan, Section 504 Accommodation Plan (504), or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
TREATMENT
In addition to her experience as a psychologist, Dr. Dries is also recognized as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Further, Dr. Dries has been trained through the Center for Complicated Grief (Columbia University, New York City, New York) and is an approved provider for complicated grief treatment. Dr. Dries draws on techniques from many types of therapy to provide individuals with appropriate support. She recognizes the importance of confidentiality and a strong working relationship to support client growth. It is through the client’s active participation in the therapeutic process that the most change can be effected. Dr. Dries will help to reconceptualize the situations, set appropriate goals, and shift from a negative to a positive perspective.
CRISIS
Dr. Dries is a member of local response teams who mobilize to provide mental health support to communities in situations of need, such as the death of a school member. She is a trainer of the PREPaRE Curriculum, which was developed by the National Association of School Psychologists. Dr. Dries offers prevention, intervention, and postvention services. Dr. Dries may be able to work with districts to provide risk assessments and/or school clearances, based on individual circumstances.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND EXPERIENCES
Dr. Dries has presented on a number of topics for different audiences, including but not limited to: anxiety, empowerment, suicidality, and crisis response. She is an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University (Metropolitan Campus). Courses range from undergraduate through doctoral levels and include Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology, Pediatric Psychology, Theories of Personality, and Crisis Management. She provides clinical supervision and case consultation. Dr. Dries is a contributing author to The Coping Blog. She has co-authored book chapters specific to assessment instruments.