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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:
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Culturally Competent Care

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.

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Evidence-Based Tools and Practices

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.

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Collaborative Partnership

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.

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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.
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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.

Meet The Team

Meet our Experts
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Cynthia Ortega, M.A.
is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) at Alliant International University with extensive experience providing psychological and neurodevelopmental evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. She is currently completing her predoctoral internship at Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo, North Dakota, where she works with individuals and families from a wide range of cultural and clinical backgrounds. Cynthia specializes in comprehensive psychological assessment, including cognitive, developmental disability, psychodiagnostic, parental capacity, and risk assessments. She is known for her thoughtful, thorough approach and her ability to explain complex findings in a clear, supportive, and accessible way. In addition to assessment work, Cynthia provides individual therapy for clients with severe mental illness and leads group therapy for individuals with co-occurring conditions. Her clinical training includes hospital, private practice, and school-based settings, giving her a well-rounded perspective on mental health care across the lifespan. Cynthia has extensive experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, case managers, and educators—to ensure coordinated, effective care. She places a strong emphasis on client comfort, clear communication, and practical recommendations that support real-world outcomes. Cynthia’s professional interests are deeply rooted in culturally responsive care. Her doctoral research focuses on how acculturation and stigma influence mental health help-seeking among first-generation Latino college students. She is an active member of the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society and is passionate about improving access to high-quality, culturally informed psychological services. Cynthia holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from California State University, Sacramento. She is CPR/AED certified and brings a compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based approach to every evaluation and therapeutic interaction, helping clients and families feel informed, supported, and confident in the next steps forward.
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Erika Rodriguez, Psy.D.
is a Registered Psychological Associate with extensive experience providing neurodevelopmental evaluations and therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. She holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the JFK School of Psychology at National University and is fluent in both Spanish and English. Erika currently provides culturally responsive neurodevelopmental evaluations across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on autism assessments and early childhood evaluations (ages 0–5). She is known for her thorough, thoughtful assessment process and for delivering clear, culturally responsive services that help individuals and families better understand their strengths, challenges, and next steps. Her evaluation work includes comprehensive report writing and close collaboration with supervising psychologists and interdisciplinary teams. In addition to assessment, Erika brings deep clinical experience in community-based mental health settings with an emphasis on systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. She has provided individual and group therapy to children, teens, adults, and families, with a particular focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention. Her work frequently involves collaboration with schools, case managers, legal advocates, medical providers, and community organizations to ensure coordinated and accessible care. Erika has extensive experience supporting underserved and immigrant communities, including individuals impacted by racial trauma, domestic violence, foster care involvement, and immigration-related stressors. Her background includes work in hospital-based assessment centers, community clinics, domestic violence shelters, and multidisciplinary medical settings. She is especially passionate about culturally informed care and reducing barriers to mental health services for Latino and immigrant populations.
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Stephanie Gonzalez Perez
is a Bilingual Clinical Administrative Assistant who plays a vital role in supporting both clients and clinical staff with professionalism, efficiency, and care. She brings a strong background in healthcare administration and patient services, along with fluency in both English and Spanish, helping ensure a welcoming and accessible experience for all individuals and families. Stephanie has extensive experience working in fast-paced healthcare environments, where she has managed high patient volumes, coordinated scheduling, and served as a key point of contact for patients navigating appointments, eligibility, and insurance programs. In her previous roles within community health centers, she supported hundreds of patients daily by verifying demographics, processing public health benefits, and educating patients on affordable care options. She is highly skilled in managing sensitive information with discretion and empathy. Known for her calm, friendly demeanor, Stephanie excels at creating a positive first impression and helping clients feel supported from their very first interaction. She is experienced in managing busy front desks, handling high-volume phone calls, and keeping daily operations running smoothly for both patients and providers. Her background also includes participation in large-scale public health initiatives, including vaccination clinics and community outreach efforts. Stephanie is currently pursuing her education in Psychology and is passionate about working in behavioral health settings where organization, compassion, and cultural awareness are essential. She is proficient in electronic medical record systems and administrative software and is committed to delivering reliable, patient-centered support. With her strong organizational skills, bilingual communication, and dedication to service, Stephanie helps ensure a seamless, respectful, and efficient experience for every client who walks through the door.
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.

TESTIMONIALS

Our Satisfied Customers
We are proud of the positive impact we have made on the lives of our clients. Their feedback is a testament to our commitment to exceptional care.
Read their testimonials to learn more about their experiences and the transformative results they have achieved.
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yesenia Love
My son had his evaluation with Dr. Kirsch and it went great aside from her evaluation She listened to my concerns. She explained in detailed what was going on and received my son’s report in a timely manner. Thank you Dr.kirsch
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Isabella Grace
Very good experience, my son love her attention
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Tim Miller
Dr. Nicole is amazing!
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Masha
Dr. Kirsch helped us with Immigration Evaluations during the time we were sponsoring several families from the war in Ukraine. Dr. Kirsch was extremely professional, fast, responsive, and kept us informed every step of the way. I highly recommend working with her for all Psychological Evaluations.
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Veranika Kaprian
Dr. Kirsch was so helpful with our Psychological Evaluation when bringing in immigrants. She was super thorough and fast. Highly recommend.
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Rixanna Muldrow
I’m so grateful to Nichole Kirsch, she has helped me to better understand my baby because I was totally lost with her actions but now I can actually see the autism she battles with daily thank you.
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Julie Heaivilin
Nicole Kirsh is warm, approachable, thorough with her evaluation of my child. Her final assessment report was spot on and also provided a lot of helpful resources for the parents to see support and accommodation for my child.
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Navneet Kaur
Both my sons were evaluated by Dr. Krisch she’s very professional both my sons loved her. I had to Reschedule my appointment and Dr. Krisch was able to do that on the last minute. I will definitely recommend Dr. Krisch.
We are grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us and our positive impact on their lives. Your well-being is our priority, and we look forward to the opportunity to support you on your path to mental wellness. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier and happier future.
Schedule an Appointment Today and Begin Your Journey to Mental Wellness!
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