Kriston Schellinger, PhD

Do you feel stuck in supporting your child in sleeping through the night, toilet training, coping with big feelings, or separating from you to try new things? Are the parenting strategies you use not working the way you thought they would? Or do you feel not quite like yourself since having a new baby? As a clinical psychologist specializing in infancy and early childhood, I’m passionate about supporting families as they navigate the behavioral, developmental, and mental health concerns that can arise during the early years. I believe that supporting young children also means supporting the people who care for them, and I strive to create a warm, collaborative space where families feel heard, understood, and supported. I completed my graduate education at Loyola University Chicago, where I earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in working with children and families. I then completed my predoctoral internship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where I received specialized training in the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. I went on to receive additional training in Infant Mental Health during my postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital Colorado. There, I worked with women experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety concerns, as well as young children and their parents navigating behavioral, attachment, and developmental concerns. In my career, I have worked as a clinician and supervisor in top medical centers in San Diego, including UCSD and Rady Children’s, where I have supported parents and children with a wide range of concerns. I have expertise in addressing tantrums and behavioral concerns, infant and toddler sleep difficulties, toileting concerns, parenting stress, and mood or anxiety concerns that can come with parenthood. With extensive training in child development and interventions for young children, I take a thoughtful, individualized approach to care. Together, we will identify what is most important to you and your family and develop a plan that feels practical, supportive, and tailored to your child’s and family’s unique needs. Most importantly, I strive to be approachable, warm, and compassionate. While I draw on evidence-based strategies and clinical expertise, I also believe that feeling comfortable, understood, and connected to your provider is an important part of the therapeutic process. My goal is to create a trusting and supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and working together toward meaningful and lasting change. Finding the right provider is an important part of the process. If I’m not the best fit for you or your family, I’m happy to help you identify another provider who may be better suited to your needs. Please note that I do not accept insurance at this time, but I am happy to discuss cash pay options with you during a free consultation call.