Ability Psychological Services

Empowering Lives Through Compassionate Psychological
Services: Get To Know
Our Dedicated Team

Welcome to Ability Psychological Services, where compassionate, culturally competent care and evidence-based measures and practices combine to create comprehensive psychological evaluations. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Kirsch and her dedicated care team are committed to providing you with the highest psychological services in a safe and nurturing environment.

Why Ability Psychological Services?

At our practice, we believe that everyone deserves personalized and effective access to necessary services and community supports. We take pride in our unique approach, which combines cutting-edge research and therapeutic techniques with genuine empathy and understanding. We aim to empower you with the tools and insights to navigate life's challenges while supporting individuals to improve their overall quality of life.

Here's why our approach stands out:

Culturally Competent Care

We recognize the interconnectedness of developmental history, various cultural identities, community stressors and their impact in providing an accurate diagnosis. When the diagnosis is accurate, individuals can be better connected to the supports they need within their chosen communities. We consider all aspects of an individual's identity, developmental and psychiatric history to provide accurate diagnoses and connect them to tailored services.

Evidence-Based Tools and Practices

Our practice is rooted in the latest scientific research and evidence-based tools and resources. We employ a range of psychological assessment tools, keep aware of updates in psychometric data while taking a tailor made approach to analyzing data obtained. As a result, the completed psychological evaluation is obtained while recognizing all necessary components of the client and tools utilized.

Collaborative Partnership

We believe in fostering a supportive relationship that includes the necessary rapport that a clinician can develop with each client. We value your expertise in your own life or the life of your child and encourage active participation throughout the psychological evaluation process. We allow the space to share what may be needed while combining our own training and experience with your own expert knowledge of your life circumstances and challenges.

Meet the Founder

Dr.Nicole Kirsch, Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Nicole Kirsch is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialized expertise in psychological assessment and disability evaluations, Dr. Kirsch has built a successful career serving a diverse client base consisting of children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and a wide range of psychiatric challenges.

Over the course of the past 15 years, she has conducted countless psychological evaluations for individuals and families seeking services through agencies like the Regional Center system, Special Education programs through both public and private schooling, Social Security and the state disability system.

Dr. Kirsch specializes in serving clients with developmental disabilities, including individuals diagnosed with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. These experiences have furthered her skills in psychological assessment, psychopathology, and diagnosis. Dr. Nicole Kirsch prides her work in the proficiency of psychological assessment, psychopathology, and culturally competent diagnosis. With her years of training and experience, she has provided psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and valuable supervision to staff working in various therapeutic settings. In addition, Dr. Kirsch is proficient in Spanish and conducts evaluations fluently in the language.

Dr. Kirsch is passionate about positively impacting the community, connecting individuals in need with services available, and assisting clients and families in navigating the complexities of mental health and developmental disabilities.

J. F. K. University

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D), Clinical Psychology
2009 - 2013

UC Santa Barbara

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Sociology and Applied Psychology
2005 - 2008

Continuing Education

As a dedicated professional, Dr. Nicole Kirsch recognizes the importance of ongoing learning and growth in the ever-evolving field of psychology. Committed to staying abreast of the latest research, advancements, and best practices, Dr. Kirsch actively pursues continued education opportunities to enhance their knowledge and expertise. With a passion for providing their clients with the highest quality of care, Dr. Kirsch embraces continuous learning as an integral part of her professional journey.  

Through engaging in specialized workshops, conferences, and advanced training programs, Dr. Kirsch remains at the forefront of the field, equipped with the most up-to-date skills and insights to deliver evidence-based and effective psychological services.

By investing in continued education, Dr. Kirsch strives to continually refine her practice, ensuring that her clients receive the most comprehensive and compassionate care possible.

Community/Volunteering

Recognizing the profound impact that community involvement and volunteering can have on individuals and society, Dr. Nicole Kirsch is deeply committed to making a positive difference outside their professional endeavors.

With a genuine passion for giving back, Dr. Kirsch actively engages in community initiatives and volunteers her time and skills to support various causes. Whether it's donating needed goods to local community agencies,, participating in fundraising events, or offering their expertise to community organizations, Dr. Kirsch embraces the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of their community.

Dr. Kirsch seeks to create tangible positive change through her dedicated involvement and fosters a sense of unity and empowerment among community members. With a strong belief in the power of collective action, Dr. Kirsch strives to inspire others to join in creating a stronger, more compassionate, and inclusive society.

Professional Affiliations

Meet the doctor

Personal

Dr. Kirsch is an avid yogi and spends much of her time away from work practicing and learning about yoga, mindfulness and meditation.

She is a dedicated baker and spends free time baking cakes, cookies and desserts for friends and loved ones. Dr. Kirsch is passionate about travel and seeing the world.

She has visited four continents, speaks Spanish and is eagerly awaiting to see and experience more of what the world outside of the Bay Area can provide.

Empowering Lives Through Compassionate Psychological Services: Get To Know Our Dedicated Team