Best Forensic Psychologists In Austin Near Me

4worldlovers: "Sometimes in life we find ourselves staring up at a huge mountain wondering how we are ever going to get to the top. We may feel like turning back, like the path is too long and too difficult. Or we may not see a path at all and have no idea how to move forward."

I often tell therapy clients that a therapist is like a guide who has climbed that mountain not only once but many, many times and with many people. Someone who knows the best paths, where to stop and rest and where to push forward. Someone who can carry some of the load when you are tired and struggling. A good therapist can help you not only get to the top of that peak but learn along the way how to conquer the peaks that lie beyond.

4worldlovers: Since 1985, Dr. Ferrara has been offering forensic psychological services in the State of Texas and throughout the United States. Using the scientist-practitioner model, Dr. Ferrara has provided a variety of services to forensic clients including: assessment, treatment, program design, program implementation, interrogation, profiling, teaching, research, publication, and training.

While an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Ferrara was a volunteer worker at the Austin State Hospital for two years. After graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree and before he began his doctoral program in clinical psychology, Dr. Ferrara worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Austin State Hospital for one year.

While in graduate school, Dr. Ferrara was awarded the summer internship at El Reno Federal Correctional Facility. Dr. Ferrara was awarded a National Institute of Mental Health Fellowship in child studies. Dr. Ferrara completed his residency at the Audie Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where his rotations included inpatient substance abuse treatment, inpatient psychiatric treatment, and outpatient child and family services.

Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Ferrara was hired as a unit therapist on the Adult Unit at Shoal Creek Hospital. Dr. Ferrara was promoted to Unit Director for the Acute Unit and the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. While working at Shoal Creek Hospital, Dr. Ferrara worked extensively with a variety of diagnoses and clinical issues including: personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and suicidal patients.

Dr. Ferrara served as the Chief of Counseling. His duties included supervising mental health staff and maintaining standards for mental health and rehabilitation services throughout the State of Texas, for one residential treatment center, five training schools, nine halfway houses, and 117 contract placements. Dr. Ferrara designed and implemented a variety of programs, most notably the Sex Offender Treatment Program, sex abuse trauma treatment program, group counseling program, and substance abuse treatment program.

Dr. Ferrara worked briefly as a unit psychologist before being promoted to Chief Psychologist for the prison system. Dr. Ferrara’s duties included supervising mental health staff and maintaining standards for mental health services in more than 40 prisons throughout the State of Texas. Dr. Ferrara also supervised the Mentally Retarded Offender Program and the psychiatric hospital programs operated by the prison system. Dr. Ferrara designed and implemented the Sex Offender Treatment Program and the Program for Aggressive Mentally Ill Offenders (PAMIO).

4worldlovers: Life is a continuous process of growth and change. At times it is seamless and easy and at other times a struggle. People usually start counseling when they feel ineffective in the struggle. Examples of struggle could be insurmountable professional or relationship challenges, recent loss or trauma, experiencing major life events, or not feeling confident or comfortable with yourself. The providers will use compassion, skill, and understanding to help you restore peace and balance to your life. They will help you build upon your strengths to attain the personal growth you desire. "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf."


Founded on the principles of quality service and compassion, The Raeda Group, PLLC is Austin’s leading Private Practice, offering a variety of services to our clientele. Our staff of seasoned professionals use advanced therapeutic techniques coupled with dynamic interventions to achieve maximum results. Through our focus on exceptional customer service, we ensure that our clients are satisfied with their experience.

The name of our private practice was purposely chosen. "Raeda" is the Latin word for coach. A coach is generally viewed as an expert in a field who trains others trying to learn, or improve, a skill in that field. You can find coaches in all aspects of athletics, education, and occupation. Coaching can also be a powerful tool for our own mental health and the health of our relationships. Coaching can help you create and maintain the highest quality of life. In addition, coaching can be used to help you bounce back from life’s curve balls.

4worldlovers:
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been working with teens and their families for over 20 years. Individual and group sessions typically focus on the following issues: PEER RELATIONSHIPS Trouble fitting in Isolating from friends Feeling misunderstood Bullying FEELINGS Feeling sad, bored or lonely Feeling anxious or scared Avoiding stressful situations FAMILY Feeling misunderstood by parents Getting into arguments with parents Feeling bad about things that happened in the family DIVORCE HIgh conflict, court involved divorce Repairing parent child relationships post divorce Coparenting SCHOOL Lack of motivation Difficulty focusing Feeling like you are not a good student I also provide walk and talk therapy outside on a walking trail for teens who might feel more comfortable outside of the traditional office setting.

4worldlovers: Austin Psychological & Testing Center is a comprehensive diagnostic practice with convenient locations in the Austin area including South Austin and Cedar Park. Our doctors and staff specialize in the assessment of child development disorders including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ages 6-17 only), and Learning Disabilities in children, adolescents, and adults.