About Dr.Salanga
Top San Fernando Valley Psychologist
Shabnam (Shab) Moghbeli Salanga, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in California (#Psy27797), and the owner of MindWorks Psychological Assessment (Formerly, the Psychoeducational Assessment Center) in Los Angeles.
Dr. Salanga specializes in psychological, emotional, cognitive, educational, behavioral, and ADHD testing with children, adolescents, and adults in the greater Los Angeles and Ventura County areas.
Dr. Salanga believes in comprehensive assessments that are strength based and help identify areas that a child and individual can thrive.
Experienced Practice
Dr. Salanga has many years of experience providing general therapy to various populations throughout Los Angeles, CA, until she realized her passion was conducting behavioral, educational, and emotional psychological testing. She pursued her assessment passion at the prestigious Reiss Davis Child Study Center and Institute program for Psycho-Educational Diagnostic Testing Service (PEDS). Located at Vista del Mar, the PEDS program supports the Vista del Mar mission to train, develop, and provide a continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives. Dr. Salanga received a complex and comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and experience required to provide her clients with assessments and resources that will help them realize their fullest potential and flourish in academic environments.
Dr. Salanga also has experience conducting evaluations in many settings across southern CA and has been able to help children and adults from all walks of life. She has a variety of professional therapy experiences, a strong educational background, and a passion for her work. Dr. Salanga also currently teaches courses in psychological testing in various graduate school programs around Los Angeles, where she has been able to teach other students her passion.
Successful Results
Dr. Salanga has seen first-hand how educational and psychological testing can impact a child’s life for the better, and as a result, she is passionate about ensuring the educational and emotional success of children and adolescents. Most children, and many adults, struggle at various points of development and learning in their lives. Comprehensive assessments can identify underlying issues and help provide details and resources for turning weaknesses and difficulties into moments for growth, understanding, and success.
Specialized assessment is a detailed evaluation of each child or client. A comprehensive assessment is an intensive process, requiring in-depth interviews, the input of parents, teachers, and the child, one-on-one testing sessions, and observations. Once the assessment has been completed, you will have a comprehensive report detailing you or your child’s myriad abilities and needs. You will have an age-referenced profile of your child’s cognitive, learning, and behavioral abilities that can clarify the sources of academic struggles.
Dr. Salanga works very closely with teachers, parents and the student to promote the child’s educational success. For emotional testing, she works closely with therapists and parents to help identify the best treatment plan possible. For overall improved performance and success, Dr. Salanga can help identify what can be done at home and school to allow your child to thrive both emotionally and academically. Psychoeducational assessments are key diagnostic tools for identifying children with neurodevelopmental issues (ADHD, Learning Disabilities), and if they have psychological or conduct disorders (anxiety, depression).
Dr. Salanga serves as an advocate for her patients in school settings, and often participates in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Once your child is placed on an IEP, they have the opportunity to start their school year on the right foot and can form positive associations with their learning environments. An IEP designed to meet your child’s individual needs, and an advocate to support their specific learning abilities will help prepare your child for their greatest opportunities to succeed. Dr. Salanga has also had great success with adolescents and adults who need to get special accommodations on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT’s, GRE’s and various other licensing tests.