PROFESSIONALS
Dr. Matthew Simon, Psy.D., FICPPM., ABPP
Dr. Simon is a board certified licensed clinical psychologist in Florida and New York. He is board certified as a clinical psychologist through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This means that he has completed a rigorous voluntary process to earn this extra certification beyond his training as a doctorate level psychologist. He is also board certified in psychopharmacology and has completed over 450 hours of advanced training in psychopharmacology. In addition to this, he possesses board certification in forensic psychology. Dr. Simon has been practicing for over 15 years and has served as an expert witness on numerous occasions in both family and federal court. He is an expert in psychological testing and has conducted numerous evaluations for educational, clinical, emotional, and all of the forensic reasons listed above. Dr. Simon’s expertise is in psychological testing, forensic/disability evaluation, and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for individuals, families, and couples.
Dr. Simon is a Florida Certified Supreme Court Mediator and a Certified Parent Coordinator. Given his forensic expertise and extensive counseling background, he often assists families/couples in managing divorce. The use of a psychologist mediator can dramatically help families minimize the impact divorce may have on children. In his role as a parent coordinator or mediator, Dr. Simon puts the needs of children at the heart of his work.
Dr. Simon is a cognitive behavioral practitioner who emphasizes the need for self-empowerment, positive change, and strategies for more effective living. He provides psychotherapy for all age ranges. His experience supports psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. His experience lends itself to treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marital/relationship problems, interpersonal difficulties, stress management, self-esteem issues, anger management, etc. In all of these areas, he utilizes a structured solution focused approach to problem management.
DR. Autumn Califino, Psy.D.
Dr. Califano received her doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship in the Virginia Beach City Public School District, focusing on a wide range of developmental disabilities such as autism. During her internship year, Dr. Califano helped develop a social skills curriculum for students with autism, conducting comprehensive autism assessments and running a social skills group. She also provided psychological services, including individual, group, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Califano’s extensive clinical background consists of assisting clients who are experiencing mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, and pervasive developmental disorders. In addition to providing psychotherapy, Dr. Califano has extensive experience completing psychological testing. She has worked in a neuropsychological assessment center conducting comprehensive testing for learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and cognitive functioning.
In the past, Dr. Califano served as a consultant to the Children’s Services Council of Broward County and as a volunteer for KIDFIT, a program designed to educate children and parents about childhood obesity. She has also been a volunteer for the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, providing in-hospital services for seriously ill pediatric patients. Dr. Califano treats clients with an eclectic approach depending on their needs. She often incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy. Currently, Dr. Califano is under direct supervision by Dr. Simon while at PTA.
DR. Anna Kourakis, PH.D
Dr. Anna Kourakis is a post-doctoral fellow at Psychological Testing Associates with more than 15 years of research and clinical experience. Throughout her professional career, Dr. Kourakis has worked with a variety of clients with diverse counseling and psychological needs, including bereavement, depression, anxiety, care-giving, end-of-life concerns and career stagnation. With a compassionate, down-to-earth style, Dr. Kourakis enables her patients to feel at ease, which encourages self-discovery, fosters personal growth and builds upon existing strength. Dr. Kourakis' theoretical framework is client centered, with a blend of cognitive-behavorial, and family system therapies.
Dr. Kourakis earned her Masters Degree at the University of WI- Milwaukee. She relocated to Florida for graduate school, and completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Florida State University. Dr. Kourakis completed an internship at the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she enjoyed working with veterans with diverse needs including, chronic pain, depression, anxiety and marital discord. She is passionate about helping her clients grow, discover their strengths, and develop coping skills. Dr. Kourakis’ work with PTA is supervised by Dr. Matthew Simon.