Caroline Shanholtz

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the states of Arizona and California and am a PSYPACT authorization holder (I am able to see clients from any PSYPACT state). I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, a Masters of Counseling (M.C.) degree from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona. I went on to complete a child-focused clinical internship at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and a fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles, where I gained extensive experience supporting children and families. I also received specialized training through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. This training equipped me to collaborate on interdisciplinary teams and to advocate effectively for youth with neurodevelopmental differences, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as maternal mental health issues. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their parents or caregivers. My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings—including pediatric primary care clinics, community mental health programs, schools, and juvenile detention centers—where I have supported youth facing diverse mental health challenges. I draw on evidence-based practices such as Parent Management Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to provide effective, tailored care. My work often focuses on helping parents navigate challenging behaviors in children and teens, from temper tantrums to difficulties with limits and curfews. In addition, I have specialized expertise in treating traumatic stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in youth who have experienced events such as physical or sexual abuse, exposure to domestic violence, medical trauma, serious injury, or natural disasters. I also work closely with parents on issues related to their identity and experience in parenting. I have completed specialized training through Postpartum Support International (PSI) to provide care for individuals experiencing perinatal mental health concerns, such as postpartum anxiety and depression, birth trauma, or grief related to miscarriage and loss. In addition, I have experience in supporting individuals navigating fertility challenges. I am especially passionate about helping parents with the transition to and from parental leave, offering coaching and guidance before leave (e.g., communicating the news to employers, planning with managers), during leave (e.g., preparing for the return to work), and after leave (e.g., adjusting to life as a working parent). As a psychologist, my role is to draw on evidence-based practices to thoughtfully assess and address each family’s needs, while honoring their unique cultural background and individual circumstances. I strive to provide a warm, welcoming environment where every family member feels supported, and I work collaboratively with families to help them reach their goals.