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Shaila Alvarez
About
Hello, I am Dr. Shaila Alvarez, and I’m a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey with PSYPACT Authority to provide telehealth services across 42 states and jurisdictions.
I have experience providing comprehensive psychological assessments, with a particular focus on autism across the lifespan. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families better understand themselves through thoughtful, individualized assessment.
I believe that an evaluation should be more than simply answering a diagnostic question. It should provide meaningful insight into an individual’s unique strengths, challenges, and experiences while helping individuals feel informed and supported. Every person has a unique story, and I approach each evaluation with curiosity, empathy, and an individualized perspective. I am honored to be part of your journey toward greater understanding and access to the support that best meets your needs.
My interest in working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals comes from a desire to help people better understand themselves and their experiences. I’ve seen how helpful it can be for individuals and families to have a better understanding of why they may experience certain challenges or approach things differently.
I value taking the time to understand each person as an individual rather than focusing solely on diagnostic criteria. I’m particularly drawn to this work because a comprehensive evaluation can help identify not only areas of difficulty, but also individual strengths, patterns, and needs that may have previously been misunderstood. My goal is to make the assessment process collaborative and informative, so that individuals leave with a greater understanding of themselves and useful information to help guide their next steps.
I approach each evaluation with the understanding that there is no one way to be neurodivergent. I take the time to listen to each person’s experiences and consider both their strengths and areas where they may need additional support. I try to look beyond the challenges that bring someone in for an evaluation and understand the person as a whole, including the strengths and qualities that make them who they are. My goal is to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable being themselves and can share their experiences openly. I want each person to leave the evaluation feeling understood and with a balanced understanding of their strengths, experiences, and needs.
