Dr. Trina Welcomes You!
About Dr. Trina
I am a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience helping children, teens, and families navigate learning, behavioral, and emotional challenges. I specialize in psychoeducational evaluations, as well as individual, parent, and family therapy.
My goal is to provide comprehensive care to help children, teens, and families understand and overcome the challenges that may be affecting their learning, behavior, or emotional well‑being. My focus centers on helping individuals understand their strengths, overcome their challenges, and build the skills they need to thrive at home, in school, at work or play, and in their relationships.
The work I do is based in learning, behavior, and emotional well‑being across the lifespan and includes a deep understanding of child development and the unique needs of growing minds.
Approach
I strive to create a supportive space where children, teens, and adults are comfortable sharing their concerns. Knowing that every child and family is unique, I use evidence‑based practices to tailor each evaluation and treatment plan to your specific needs and goals.
My first step is to understand you or your child’s strengths as well as areas that may be causing frustration. This helps me design a plan that is effective and meaningful. Whether you are navigating learning challenges, attention difficulties, anxiety, giftedness, or other emotional or developmental concerns, I am here to help guide you through the process.
Collaboration is a key part of my work. For children, I partner closely with parents, teachers, pediatricians, tutors, and other professionals involved in their care. This ensures that your child receives consistent, coordinated support across home, school, and the community.
I also help families understand and navigate school‑based services, including IEPs and Section 504 Plans. When needed, I provide documentation required for those seeking accommodations on standardized tests such as the SAT, AP Exams, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and others.
Background
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, San Diego State University
- Master of Arts in Psychology, California Graduate Institute
- Doctor of Psychology, California Graduate Institute
- Reiss Davis Child Study Center Fellowships:
- a two-year pre-doctoral fellowship in psychoeducational evaluations
- a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapy
- California Licensure: PSY19161
- Professional Memberships:
- American Psychological Association
- California Psychological Association
- Los Angeles County Psychological Association
The combination of assessment and therapeutic training allows me to understand individuals from a diagnostic and developmental perspective.
Services
Psychoeducational Evaluations
I provide comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for children (6+), adolescents, and adults. These assessments examine intellectual abilities, academic skills, and—when needed—emotional, social, or behavioral factors that may be affecting success at school, at home, in sports, or in the workplace.
Each evaluation includes:
- A detailed conversation with parents, adolescents, or adults about current concerns
- Standardized testing tailored to the individual
- Questionnaires for parents and teachers (when applicable)
- A thorough review of results and what they mean
- A written report with clear recommendations such as strategies for home, guidance for teachers, and insights into learning style
- When appropriate, I may suggest additional evaluations with specialists such as speech language pathologists or occupational therapists
Psychological Evaluations
Psychological evaluations are available for children (6+), teens, and adults who may be experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. These assessments help clarify underlying concerns—such as anxiety, mood difficulties, or social emotional struggles—and guide effective treatment planning.
Neuropsychological Screenings
Neuropsychological screenings offer a deeper look at how brain-based factors may be influencing thinking, behavior, and/or emotional functioning. These screenings can help identify or rule out neurological or developmental differences that may be contributing to academic, social, or workplace challenges. The screenings include giftedness assessments and autism evaluations.
Psychotherapy
I offer individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Therapy may be short term or long-term depending on the needs of the individual. Treatment focuses on addressing emotional or learning related difficulties that may be affecting daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being. Sessions are tailored to each person’s developmental stage, strengths, and goals.
Advocacy
I support parents in navigating school systems and educational planning. This may include attending school meetings, helping interpret evaluation results, and collaborating with teachers and school administrators. I also assist adolescents and adults who need help communicating their testing results in college or workplace settings.
Why Evaluations?
Parents often pursue an evaluation when they notice their child is struggling in ways that do not match their potential. A comprehensive assessment can clarify what is going on and guide the right support at home and at school. Reasons for seeking testing include:
- Learning Disorders/Differences
- Reading challenges (dyslexia)
- Writing difficulties (dysgraphia)
- Math struggles (dyscalculia)
- Language or Communication Difficulties
- Trouble understanding or using language
- Concerns about expressive or receptive communication
- Attention and Executive Functioning
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
- Executive Function – Challenges with organization, planning, motivation, or problem solving
- Developmental or Social Concerns
- Autism spectrum differences
- Social communication challenges
- Difficulty navigating peer relationships
- Emotional or Behavioral Concerns
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood related difficulties
- Behavioral challenges that impact home, school, or daily life
- Other Areas of Concern
- Uneven academic performance
- Difficulty keeping up with school expectations
- Questions about giftedness or twice exceptionality
- Uncertainty about what support a child may need
If you are unsure whether testing is appropriate for your child, I am happy to help you think it through. Please feel free to call or email me for a free consultation.
Rates
I want families to be informed and comfortable before beginning any service. All services are private pay. If you plan to seek reimbursement from your insurance company, I can provide a superbill that you may submit directly to them for possible reimbursement.
Many families find it helpful to call their insurance provider in advance to ask about possible out of network benefits. If you are unsure of how to proceed, I am happy to guide you through the process. Testing services are offered in-office, with in home evaluations available in select situations. Therapy services are available in-office or through secure online sessions.
Clear, Flat Rate Structure
All fees are charged as flat rates and will be explained in detail before your first visit. My goal is to make the process as transparent as possible.
Evaluation Rates
Evaluation fees vary based on several factors, including:
- The types and number of tests administered
- The complexity of the concerns being assessed
- Time spent on interviews, scoring, results interpretation, and communication with parents, teachers, or other providers
Because each evaluation is individualized, I will review the exact fee before scheduling so there are no surprises.
Psychotherapy Rates
Therapy fees depend on the length and type of session:
- 45–50-minute sessions
- 90 minute sessions
- Individual, parent, or family therapy
We will discuss what format best fits your child and your family.
Locations
Trina Pangelina, Psy.D.
25500 Hawthorne Blvd
Suite 1240
Torrance, CA 90505
310-373-5711
drtrina@childtesting.com
Santa Barbara, CA
Contact Dr. Trina
You can call +1 (310) 373-5711 or, if you prefer, please complete the following form to reach Dr. Trina electronically.