Dr. Andrea Schneider

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience specializing in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and related neurodevelopmental conditions. My professional background includes clinical and research work at the UC Davis MIND Institute, where I have worked extensively with adolescents, adults, and families navigating questions related to diagnosis, identity, support needs, and mental health.

My practice is primarily focused on comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental assessment. I help individuals better understand their strengths, challenges, and support needs through evidence-based evaluations and diagnostic clarification. Common referral questions include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, ADHD, adaptive functioning, and neurodevelopmental differences that may have gone unrecognized earlier in life.

In addition to assessment services, I work with selected therapy clients who are seeking support related to anxiety, life transitions, self-advocacy, executive functioning, social relationships, and adjustment to a new diagnosis.

I strive to create a warm, respectful, and neurodiversity-affirming environment where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered.

My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming. I believe that effective treatment begins with understanding each person's unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and evidence-based interventions tailored to the individual's needs. I work particularly well with neurodivergent adolescents and adults who are navigating anxiety, stress, executive functioning challenges, social relationships, identity development, and life transitions.

As a psychologist with extensive assessment experience, I also help clients better understand how their cognitive, emotional, and neurodevelopmental profiles influence their daily lives. My goal is not to "fix" who someone is, but to help them build skills, self-understanding, and supports that allow them to thrive.

The first session is an opportunity for us to determine whether I am the right fit for your needs and goals.

I will ask about your current concerns, relevant history, strengths, and what led you to seek services. For individuals interested in assessment services, we will discuss the referral question, the evaluation process, and what information would be most helpful to obtain. For therapy clients, we will identify goals and begin developing a plan for treatment.

Clients often tell me they appreciate having a space where they feel listened to and where complex experiences can be discussed without judgment. My goal is for you to leave the first session with a clearer understanding of next steps and how we can work together moving forward.