Dr. Matthew Mendel
Experience and therapeutic approach
I have been working with children, adolescents, families and adults for almost 20 years, providing psychotherapy and evaluation to a wide range of clientele. My primary area of specialization is child and adolescent psychotherapy and assessment, though I also work with a number of adults, particularly male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Through my relationship with kids, they grow in confidence and competence, make friends, resolve fears and feel happier.
My treatment approach can best be described as eclectic. I don't believe that "one style fits all." With one child or teenager, my work will be almost entirely one-to-one, with only brief discussions with parents. For another child, participation in a social skills group is needed. For a third, the issues clearly involve and affect the entire family, and an intervention working with the whole family is most appropriate. In yet another situation, parent guidance is the most effective and helpful approach, and my work will be primarily or entirely with the parents. I genuinely love working with children. Kids know this about me and feel very comfortable with me. As a result, they trust me and are able to open up to me about things in their life that cause them distress.
Education
- PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Michigan, 1992
- MA in Clinical Psychology, University of Michigan, 1988
- AB in Psychology, Princeton University, 1984
Specialties
- Teaching kids, especially those with Aspergers and High Functioning Autism, to develop social skills
- Helping children navigate the trying times after a divorce
- Assisting children in overcoming fears, obsessions, and anxieties
- Working with children and adolescents in group therapy to foster relationships and social abilities
- Psychoeducational evaluation, including assessment of intelligence, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and learning styles
- Assessments of learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Psychological evaluations, including assessment of personality and emotional functioning
- Forensic evaluations in capital cases
Publications
- Author of The Male Survivor: The Impact of Sexual Abuse on Men. Overview of the book provided by Harvard Educational review.
- Working your way to a child-friendly divorce: Kids stuff article
- Author of numerous articles, treatment manuals and book chapters on sexual abuse, divorce, and bereavement
- Experienced presenter at American Psychological Association, North Carolina Psychological Association, and various other venues
Professional Memberships
- American Psychological Association (APA). As an APA member, I follow the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code Of Conduct.
- APA Division 41 - American Psychology-Law Society
- American College of Forensic Psychology
- National Association of Sentencing Advocates and Mitigation Specialists (NASAMS)
- North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA)
- NCPA Division of Professional Practice
- Carolinas Group Psychotherapy Society
- Triangle Child and Adolescent Resources (TCAR)
Licensure
- Licensed Psychologist, State of North Carolina. License Number: 2156
- National provider ID: 1497970628