Biography



Biography

Jeanine Pontes-Boelter, Ph.D.

therapy for children, adolescents, and adults

Areas of Specialty

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

~ Lao Tzu

Therapy Services

I am a clinical psychologist who has been licensed since 2008 but working in a therapeutic setting since 2002.  I completed my Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego, with an emphasis in Child Development and Clinical Psychology.  I completed my Masters of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego. I have a breadth of clinical experience in a variety of treatment settings.  I have worked with individuals throughout the life span (children as young as 2 years old to elder adults as old as 95 years old) with a variety of clinical issues (ie
eating disorders, emotional overeating, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, parenting, OCD, grief, self-injurious behavior, ADHD, family conflict, relationship issues, academic stress). I have worked in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and inpatient psychiatric levels of care.  I was a primary clinician in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents who struggled with eating disorders for approximately 7 years.  Adolescents in this program had a multitude of eating disorder symptoms (typical and atypical symptoms) with a variety of family dynamics and cultural backgrounds.  

I use an integrative approach in my practice that draws upon several types of therapy, however there are four primary influences in my work: Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Family Based Therapy (FBT). I have also been trained in an effective parenting approach called Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and in a technique to help family members and friends most effectively support their loved ones battling and recovering from a mental health diagnosis called Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). Since every individual is unique, some therapeutic approaches may be better for different people. I also believe in the power of having an authentic, compassionate, non-judgmental relationship (which I cultivate with all of my clients / families). 

My goal is to not only help you through current issues and concerns but also prepare you to successfully manage them on your own in the future.  A secondary goal I have for you is to help you appreciate your strengths, accept your weaknesses without judgment (have compassion for yourself), and to empower you to verbalize your wants and needs.




 Areas of Specialty


 - Eating Disorders (specialize in ages 10 - 35) / Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, & ARFID
   *I have specialized training in helping Athletes with Eating Disorders.
 - Emotional Overeating / Binge Eating
 - Body Image Struggles
 - Mood Management (Anxiety, Depression) / Emotional Resiliency
  *I have specialized training in helping with anxiety in childhood.
 - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Phobias
 - Maladaptive Behaviors (self-injurious behavior, self-sabotaging)
 - Childhood Behavioral Problems (aggressive behavior, tantrums)
 - Parenting Strategies & Support
 - Relationship Issues & Support
 - Self-esteem building / Empowerment
 - Life Transitions (ie transition into college, transition into parenthood, life/work balance)
 - Stress Management
 - Bereavement


           

THERAPY SERVICES


I provide individual, family, and co-parenting psychotherapy (in office or teletherapy if deemed appropriate).  I offer 50 minute therapy sessions for $335 per session. I can provide longer sessions if interested or needed. I provide care coordination with your treatment team (if multiple providers are involved) on a weekly basis which is included in my session fee (within reason). I do not accept insurance directly; however, I am happy to provide you with an itemized invoice for third-party reimbursement (if you have out-of-network insurance benefits then your insurance may cover a percentage of your private therapy fees - please call and check!).  I accept cash, check, credit card (Ivy App), Zelle, or Venmo.  I see clients on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays.

Notice to clients and prospective clients:

Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.