At WellSpring Child and Family Psychology, the goal is to help individuals and families achieve healthy, balanced, and meaningful lives - even when life brings the most difficult challenges. This is accomplished through providing a warm, inviting, and supportive atmosphere, paired with high quality behavioral healthcare treatments. Our providers love what we do and respect the individuals we work with.
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Training and Experience
Dr. Elisabeth Jerome completed her doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology at the University of Virginia and is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Virginia. She completed her clinical internship at Virginia Treatment Center for Children at the Medical College of Virginia and was a resident in Pediatric and Adult Behavioral Health at Central Virginia Community Health Services. She has experience working in schools, inpatient treatment settings, integrated healthcare settings, hospitals, and private practice. She founded WellSpring Child and Family Psychology, PC in 2014. Dr. Jerome has lived and worked as a psychologist in the Fredericksburg area since 2009. In addition to clinical practice, she has taught undergraduate courses in psychology.
Dr. Jerome has training and experience working with children/adolescents, families, and adults, and treats a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, attachment problems, family/relationship problems, parenting stress, and PTSD. Dr. Jerome has specialized training in treating the effects of trauma and chronic stress.
With a background in integrated healthcare, Dr. Jerome is comfortable working closely with your medical providers (e.g., general doctors; psychiatrists) if you request this service. She is also very familiar with school settings, and is happy to communicate with teachers and other school personnel at your request. Dr. Jerome is not currently conducting comprehensive psychological testing.
Dr. Jerome has training and experience working with children/adolescents, families, and adults, and treats a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, attachment problems, family/relationship problems, parenting stress, and PTSD. Dr. Jerome has specialized training in treating the effects of trauma and chronic stress.
With a background in integrated healthcare, Dr. Jerome is comfortable working closely with your medical providers (e.g., general doctors; psychiatrists) if you request this service. She is also very familiar with school settings, and is happy to communicate with teachers and other school personnel at your request. Dr. Jerome is not currently conducting comprehensive psychological testing.
THERAPEUTIC Approach
Dr. Jerome uses an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from a number of treatment modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, play techniques, family therapy, EMDR/trauma treatment, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness techniques in order to best meet the needs of each individual client or family.
Dr. Jerome has completed Levels 1 and 2 of the EMDR Basic Training through an EMDRIA approved training site, and is an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist, and Consultant in Training. Dr. Jerome has also completed an additional 46 hours of training focused on EMDR with children and adolescents through the AGATE Institute, and has a certificate in EMDR Child Specialist (Level 1).
Dr. Jerome has completed Levels 1 and 2 of the EMDR Basic Training through an EMDRIA approved training site, and is an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist, and Consultant in Training. Dr. Jerome has also completed an additional 46 hours of training focused on EMDR with children and adolescents through the AGATE Institute, and has a certificate in EMDR Child Specialist (Level 1).
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Training And Experience
Dr. Sarah Etu completed her Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology at American University in Washington, D.C. and her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Virginia. She has experience working in college counseling centers, inpatient treatment facilities, research hospitals and clinics, and private practice. She has taught undergraduate psychology courses and provided a variety of community outreach programs and courses.
Some of these experiences include working and training at Columbia University’s Eating Disorder Research Unit, as well as at George Mason University, American University, and Georgetown University’s counseling centers. She also worked as a group therapist for the Unit on Growth and Obesity at NIH/NICHD. Sarah has lived and worked in Fredericksburg, VA since 2011. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Virginia.
Dr. Etu works with adolescents and adults, who present with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, and relationship issues. She has specialized training and experience in eating disorders and body image concerns. Dr. Etu often works in collaboration with other health professionals and schools to facilitate improved care and support for her clients.
Some of these experiences include working and training at Columbia University’s Eating Disorder Research Unit, as well as at George Mason University, American University, and Georgetown University’s counseling centers. She also worked as a group therapist for the Unit on Growth and Obesity at NIH/NICHD. Sarah has lived and worked in Fredericksburg, VA since 2011. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Virginia.
Dr. Etu works with adolescents and adults, who present with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, and relationship issues. She has specialized training and experience in eating disorders and body image concerns. Dr. Etu often works in collaboration with other health professionals and schools to facilitate improved care and support for her clients.
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Etu uses an integrative approach to therapy, using different empirically-supported techniques and theories to best meet the individual client’s unique needs. She strives to provide tools to help the individual feel better, challenge and change patterns, and encourage deeper insight, understanding, and exploration. She aims to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment and an interactive, collaborative therapy relationship, in which she and the client work together to achieve the individual’s goals.
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Training and Experience
Dr. Van Brunt completed her doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University in 2008, and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Virginia. She completed her clinical internship and post-doc at the Center for Counseling and Student Development at the University of Delaware. She then went on to serve as a Staff Psychologist at the University of Mary Washington. Dr. Van Brunt has been working in private practice since 2010.
Dr. Van Brunt has a specialty in working with adults over the age of 18. She began her career working with college students but has expanded her expertise to cover adults of all ages. From 2011 to 2017, she served as a Psychologist in several skilled nursing and geriatric care facilities providing supportive care and evaluation for in-patient residents. Dr. Van Brunt completed EMDR training in 2012, and often uses that method with trauma survivors. Dr. Van Brunt also has a strong interest in Adults with ADHD and has completed additional training in that area.
Dr. Van Brunt enjoys working with anxiety, ADD/ADHD, trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders, issues of identity such as gender and sexuality, women’s issues, infertility, caregiver distress, distressing life transitions, and mood disorders
Dr. Van Brunt has a specialty in working with adults over the age of 18. She began her career working with college students but has expanded her expertise to cover adults of all ages. From 2011 to 2017, she served as a Psychologist in several skilled nursing and geriatric care facilities providing supportive care and evaluation for in-patient residents. Dr. Van Brunt completed EMDR training in 2012, and often uses that method with trauma survivors. Dr. Van Brunt also has a strong interest in Adults with ADHD and has completed additional training in that area.
Dr. Van Brunt enjoys working with anxiety, ADD/ADHD, trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders, issues of identity such as gender and sexuality, women’s issues, infertility, caregiver distress, distressing life transitions, and mood disorders
THERAPEUTIC Approach
Dr. Van Brunt’s client’s would describe her as warm and inviting, while also being direct and honest. Dr. Van Brunt uses a variety of approaches based on client needs, but generally focuses on how previous experiences create problematic patterns and responses in one’s present life. When working with ADHD she helps clients to better understand their unique brain chemistry and helps to improve coping based on that. She also often uses EMDR as a tool in her work, along with strategies inspired by the Internal Family Systems framework.
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Training and Experience
Katherine “Katie” Wallace is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia. She completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University, and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Mary Washington. Katie is a native Virginian, and has lived and worked in the Fredericksburg area since 2015.
Katie has experience providing behavioral health services to adolescents, families, and adults. She completed clinical internships at the Jeanette Lipman Family Law Clinic at the University of Richmond’s School of Law and at Challenge Discovery Project’s outpatient community clinic in Richmond's East End. Prior to entering private practice, Katie worked in a community clinic setting, providing intensive outpatient therapy, group therapy, individual and family counseling, and drug court treatment.
Katie addresses a wide range of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, family/relationship issues, post-traumatic reactions, and problematic substance use. She has specialized training and experience working with adolescent populations, including adolescents struggling with substance use issues. Katie is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Katie has experience providing behavioral health services to adolescents, families, and adults. She completed clinical internships at the Jeanette Lipman Family Law Clinic at the University of Richmond’s School of Law and at Challenge Discovery Project’s outpatient community clinic in Richmond's East End. Prior to entering private practice, Katie worked in a community clinic setting, providing intensive outpatient therapy, group therapy, individual and family counseling, and drug court treatment.
Katie addresses a wide range of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, family/relationship issues, post-traumatic reactions, and problematic substance use. She has specialized training and experience working with adolescent populations, including adolescents struggling with substance use issues. Katie is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Theraputic Approach
Katie uses an integrative approach, drawing from a number of empirically supported techniques to address client needs and support lasting change. This may include tools to reduce symptoms, build insight, change problematic patterns, and improve communication and relationships. Katie strives to build a therapeutic relationship that supports and challenges clients to achieve their goals.
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Training and Experience
Dr. Pernod completed her doctoral degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Adler University in Chicago, IL and her B.S. in Psychology at Fordham University in New York, NY.
She has experience working in private practice, integrated healthcare settings, medical and psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient community settings. Prior to moving to Virginia in 2015, Dr. Pernod has worked in New York, Mexico, and Chicago. She has worked with underprivileged and unrepresented populations throughout her career.
Dr. Pernod is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Psychologist with domestic and international experience providing therapeutic care for a broad spectrum of clients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, bereavement, medical issues, and trauma. She works with children (age 6 and up), adolescents, and adults. She has a special interest in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and has recently completed training with the Postpartum Stress Center in 2020. Dr. Pernod provides individual, couples, and group therapy in English and Spanish, as needed. She often works collaboratively with a variety of health care professionals and schools to offer cohesive, holistic care for her clients.
She has experience working in private practice, integrated healthcare settings, medical and psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient community settings. Prior to moving to Virginia in 2015, Dr. Pernod has worked in New York, Mexico, and Chicago. She has worked with underprivileged and unrepresented populations throughout her career.
Dr. Pernod is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Psychologist with domestic and international experience providing therapeutic care for a broad spectrum of clients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, bereavement, medical issues, and trauma. She works with children (age 6 and up), adolescents, and adults. She has a special interest in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and has recently completed training with the Postpartum Stress Center in 2020. Dr. Pernod provides individual, couples, and group therapy in English and Spanish, as needed. She often works collaboratively with a variety of health care professionals and schools to offer cohesive, holistic care for her clients.
Theraputic Approach
Dr. Pernod utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from a number of therapeutic approaches including, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness based stress reduction techniques, as needed. She aims to provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere for her clients. In addition, Dr. Pernod conducts mental health support and social skills groups.
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Training and Experience
Catherine “Cat” Conger is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia. She completed her Master of Social Work at Roberts Wesleyan College, and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the State University of New York at Oswego. Cat relocated from New York State with her husband in 2014, and has worked in Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock, and Fauquier counties as an in-home and outpatient behavioral health counselor and supervisor. She is excited to bring her work to the Fredericksburg area.
Cat has training and experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults who present with a variety of issues, including; PTSD/Trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral difficulties, family difficulties/problems, mood disorders, and codependency. Cat has specialized training in treating the effects of trauma in individuals and families. Cat is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is a Certified Family Trauma Professional.
Cat completed her clinical internships at Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic in the outpatient setting and intensive mobile crisis unit. Cat has historically worked in integrative settings and is very familiar with the school setting. Collaborative care is offered at your request.
Cat has training and experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults who present with a variety of issues, including; PTSD/Trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral difficulties, family difficulties/problems, mood disorders, and codependency. Cat has specialized training in treating the effects of trauma in individuals and families. Cat is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is a Certified Family Trauma Professional.
Cat completed her clinical internships at Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic in the outpatient setting and intensive mobile crisis unit. Cat has historically worked in integrative settings and is very familiar with the school setting. Collaborative care is offered at your request.
Theraputic Approach
Cat uses an integrative approach, drawing from a number of empirically supported techniques to address client needs and support lasting change, including; Cognitive Behavioral and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, existential/Mindfulness techniques, play techniques, family systems techniques, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. She is committed to creating a safe, encouraging, collaborative space where each client and family feels validated, supported, and fundamental in the role they play towards achieving their therapeutic goals.
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Training and Experience
Danielle Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. She completed her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Argosy University. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in English at Chaminade University in Hawaii.
Danielle has experience providing therapy services to children (ages 4+), adolescents, and adults. She worked for 8 years as a Qualified Mental Health Professional, providing services to individuals and families, prior to obtaining her licensure in professional counseling. She provides treatment for a number of concerns including anxiety, mood issues, behavioral difficulties, and adjustment and attachment concerns.
Danielle has specialized training and experience in treating trauma and early attachment concerns. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has completed Levels 1 and 2 of Basic EMDR training through an EMDRIA approved training site. Danielle is a certified Parenting Apart; Co-Parenting Together (PACT) Instructor, and has experience in working with separating and divorced families. She is also trained in the Circle of Security program, an intervention designed to improve attachment relationships between parents and children.
Danielle has experience providing therapy services to children (ages 4+), adolescents, and adults. She worked for 8 years as a Qualified Mental Health Professional, providing services to individuals and families, prior to obtaining her licensure in professional counseling. She provides treatment for a number of concerns including anxiety, mood issues, behavioral difficulties, and adjustment and attachment concerns.
Danielle has specialized training and experience in treating trauma and early attachment concerns. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has completed Levels 1 and 2 of Basic EMDR training through an EMDRIA approved training site. Danielle is a certified Parenting Apart; Co-Parenting Together (PACT) Instructor, and has experience in working with separating and divorced families. She is also trained in the Circle of Security program, an intervention designed to improve attachment relationships between parents and children.
TherAPUtic Approach
Danielle uses an integrative approach to treatment depending on the needs of the individual or family. Techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, attachment-based approaches, EMDR, and TF-CBT.
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Training and Experience
Dr. Cook completed her Masters (MA) and Doctoral Degree (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University, Hawaii, and her B.A. in Psychology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Dr. Cook is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Virginia. She was born and raised in Hawaii, and has been providing services in the Fredericksburg area since 2014.
Dr. Cook has experience working with children (ages 5 and up), adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, testing centers, private practice, and in administrative and supervisory roles. Dr. Cook has expertise and experience in working with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Depression, Anxiety, LGBT specific issues and general life challenges. She has a particular passion for working with individuals of all ages with neurodivergence (e.g., ASD, ADHD, LD), and has extensive experience providing professional trainings in this area. She is comfortable working with families to navigate special education services in the school system.
Dr. Cook provides a limited number of psycho-educational evaluations, and is able to assess children and adolescents for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Learning Disorder.
Dr. Cook has experience working with children (ages 5 and up), adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, testing centers, private practice, and in administrative and supervisory roles. Dr. Cook has expertise and experience in working with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Depression, Anxiety, LGBT specific issues and general life challenges. She has a particular passion for working with individuals of all ages with neurodivergence (e.g., ASD, ADHD, LD), and has extensive experience providing professional trainings in this area. She is comfortable working with families to navigate special education services in the school system.
Dr. Cook provides a limited number of psycho-educational evaluations, and is able to assess children and adolescents for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Learning Disorder.
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Cook has a strong belief in the power of relationships. She creates a safe and trusting professional relationship with her patients to help them find their way. Her core belief is that all people have the ability to grow towards the person they wish to be. If they can find what stands in their way, they can move past it, coming to a place of greater self-understanding and personal growth. She uses a combination of person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Acceptance and Commitment strategies to walk with clients through their challenges until they find their way. She also has training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, and Psychological and Educational Assessment.
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Training and Experience
Kate received her Master's of Social Work from Catholic University, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. Kate has over 30 years of post-graduate experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and schools. She currently provides a number of services, including outpatient therapy, family therapy, groups, and professional development.
Kate is passionate about her clinical work with individuals, groups, couples and families, and is committed to helping people make practical and sustained changes in their lives. She has experience addressing parent-child conflicts, adolescent behavioral concerns, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, trauma, LGBTQ specific issues, sexual abuse, relationship conflicts, and domestic violence. She has extensive experience running adolescent groups and parent groups.
Kate is passionate about her clinical work with individuals, groups, couples and families, and is committed to helping people make practical and sustained changes in their lives. She has experience addressing parent-child conflicts, adolescent behavioral concerns, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, trauma, LGBTQ specific issues, sexual abuse, relationship conflicts, and domestic violence. She has extensive experience running adolescent groups and parent groups.
Theraputic approach
Kate utilizes a strength based, client centered approach to assist individuals, couples and families to constructively resolve their difficulties and facilitate lasting change. She has been trained in Positive Peer Culture, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, EMDR (Level One), Co-occurring disorders, and Critical Incident Stress Management. Kate often integrates creative and active techniques (such as ropes course techniques) into her therapy in order to make therapy engaging and productive.
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Training and Experience
Courtney Tidwell earned her Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Counseling and Development and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She completed her clinical internship in a private practice setting geared specifically towards families and teenagers, and has worked with children, adolescents, and families ever since.
Courtney has experience as an in-home clinician, and has worked in a school setting with a wide variety of students for the past 5 years. She has extensive experience working with a wide variety of school-related issues, as well as working with children and teens with ADHD, anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and mood disorders. Courtney has extensive training in positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist.
*Courtney offers evening hours after 5:30 pm and sees ages 8 to 18.
Courtney has experience as an in-home clinician, and has worked in a school setting with a wide variety of students for the past 5 years. She has extensive experience working with a wide variety of school-related issues, as well as working with children and teens with ADHD, anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and mood disorders. Courtney has extensive training in positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist.
*Courtney offers evening hours after 5:30 pm and sees ages 8 to 18.
Theraputic Approach
Courtney uses an integrative approach to ensure that her client’s needs are being met, while also ensuring that the therapy is intentional. Courtney often pulls from techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy. She works to provide clients with the tools they need to better manage a variety of distressing emotions or elements of life. She is committed to creating a safe, encouraging, collaborative space where each client and family feels validated, supported, and fundamental in the role they play towards achieving their therapeutic goals.
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TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Dr. Erin Palmwood is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Virginia. She earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Delaware and completed her clinical internship at Washington State University, after which she was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Dr. Palmwood has worked as a clinician in university counseling centers, pediatric hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and community outpatient clinics. She particularly enjoys working with adolescents and adults to address concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anger management difficulties.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Palmwood is an assistant professor within the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Mary Washington, where she teaches undergraduate psychology courses and conducts research on close relationships.
Dr. Palmwood has worked as a clinician in university counseling centers, pediatric hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and community outpatient clinics. She particularly enjoys working with adolescents and adults to address concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anger management difficulties.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Palmwood is an assistant professor within the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Mary Washington, where she teaches undergraduate psychology courses and conducts research on close relationships.
THERAPUTIC APPROACH
Dr. Palmwood takes an integrative approach to therapy, using the best available research to develop evidence-based treatment plans that address her clients’ concerns. Often, this involves using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in conjunction with other treatments such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other mindfulness-informed interventions. She also uses cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) to address trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, respectively.
Dr. Palmwood values working with clients in a way that is interactive and transparent. She views therapy as a collaborative effort and creates an environment for her clients that is supportive, empathic, and nonjudgmental. Dr. Palmwood is also attentive to the ways in which her clients’ identities shape their experiences within and outside of therapy, and she works to provide treatment from a place of cultural humility and cultural responsiveness.
Dr. Palmwood values working with clients in a way that is interactive and transparent. She views therapy as a collaborative effort and creates an environment for her clients that is supportive, empathic, and nonjudgmental. Dr. Palmwood is also attentive to the ways in which her clients’ identities shape their experiences within and outside of therapy, and she works to provide treatment from a place of cultural humility and cultural responsiveness.
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We are excited to partner with the Psychiatric Office of Dr. Heather K. Henig, MD to provide co-located medication management services. She is board certified in Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. To learn more about Dr. Henig's services please click here.
Wellspring's Mission
Individuals do not exist in a vacuum - the health of one impacts the wellbeing of all. The mission of WellSpring is to help promote health and wellbeing within the Fredericksburg community. Understanding individuals within the larger systems in which they live (e.g., families, communities, cultures, religion), as well as the impact the individual has on the larger whole, is a primary mission of WellSpring Child and Family Psychology.
Interested in joining our team?
Click here for current position announcements.
