Carol L. Penn, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Treatment Philosophy
My theoretical orientation is a combination of object relations (the developmental foundation of intellectual, emotional, and relationship/attachment styles and traits) and psychoanalytic theories of unconscious and pre-conscious functions. Though at times I use cognitive behavioral methods, my theoretical orientation informs my thinking. I have a profound respect for the uniqueness of each individual and do not believe in "cookie-cutter" treatments. Some clients find relatively quick benefit from advice, homework assignments, or simply a fresh perspective, while other human emotional problems are more complex and require more time to uncover, assess, and treat. It is one of my greatest joys to work with each individual, where they are at, in a collaborative way to help them find a more peaceful, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
Credentials
I received a B.A. in psychology in 1978 and an M.A. in psychology in 1980, from the University of Nevada/Las Vegas. I received a Ph.D. in 1984 from the California School of Professional Psychology. My master's thesis explored suicidal thinking among college students, and my doctoral dissertation examined variables related to efficacy of alcohol treatment programs. I was first licensed in clinical psychology in 1986 in California (PSY9316) and later in Oregon (3565). My National Provider Identification Number was issued in 2009 (NPI 1962646539).
Training
My pre-doctoral field placements have included California Men's Colony (a prison in California); Fresno County Adolescent Day Treatment Program; and Fresno Community Hospital Outpatient Mental Health Department, where I later was chosen for a post-doctoral internship and worked in the eating disorders clinic.
Work Experience
During my master's program, I worked as a teaching assistant in the psychology department at UNLV. During my doctoral program I worked as a registered psychological assistant to Allan Hedberg, Ph.D., a psychologist in private practice in Fresno. After graduating but before licensure, I worked at the outpatient eating disorders clinic at Fresno Community Hospital. After licensure, I jointed the multidisciplinary team at the inpatient eating disorders clinic at Fresno Community Hospital. After several years, I began a private practice in Fresno, where I worked for 21 years, specializing in individual psychotherapy for adults. After the financial crash of 2008-2009, I closed my practice and began working for the California Department of Corrections, from which I am now retired.
Fees and Insurance
I do not belong to any insurance networks and do not bill insurance. This ensures confidentiality for clients and minimizes the time I spend on paperwork and phone calls. I provide superbills at the end of each session with all the information included which your insurance company needs to reimburse you directly, if you choose to submit it. To compensate, and to accommodate those with financial strain, I offer a sliding fee scale from $50-$150 per hour.
Payment is due at the start of each session, and I do not accept credit cards.
Please do not hesitate to call or write with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you.