Dr. Kefer incorporates a warm, humanistic treatment approach to his practice of clinical psychology, with particular experience working with youth and their families. He provides individual, group and family therapy. Dr. Kefer has expertise working with children with varied behavioral problems and psychological histories. In particular, he has worked with children who are highly distractible and impulsive (ADHD), moody and irritable (Childhood Depression, Bipolar Disorder), anxious, and prone to acting out or rule-breaking (ODD, CD). Dr. Kefer has also worked extensively with children with a history of trauma (PTSD) and anger-management problems. His doctoral dissertation focused on the relationship between cognitive factors and stressor types with the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dr. Kefer has been affiliated with MindWell Psychology, P.C. since 2006.
EDUCATION: Brandeis University, B.A. with concentration in Psychology and American Studies, 1995; Hofstra University, M.S. with distinction in School-Community Psychology, 1998, and Psy.D. in School-Community Psychology, 2003
INTERNSHIPS: Farmingdale Public Schools in Farmingdale, NY; St. Mary Children and Family Services in Syosset, NY
POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AND EXPERIENCES: Comprehensive Emotional Disabilities Services Site, FCPS; Primary Supervisor, FCPS Clinical Internship Program; Work Groups (Executive Function, ESY Social Skills Curriculum Development, Test Review Committee)
CREDENTIALS: Doctorate in School-Community Psychology, License in Clinical Psychology in the Commonwealth of Virginia, License in Psychology in the State of Maryland
SERVICES PROVIDED: Individual psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and young adults; family therapy
EXPERTISE:
- Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar)
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Disruptive Behavior Disorders (ODD, CD)
- Trauma (PTSD)
Dr. Kefer has extensive experience working in the public schools. He is currently employed by the Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia (2002 to present) as a school psychologist in a program for special-education students who struggle to access instruction due to social-emotional barriers. Dr. Kefer has also served as rotation and primary supervisor to school psychology doctoral interns. These experiences have honed Dr. Kefer’s clinical skills. For those outside of Fairfax County, it also makes him an invaluable resource for families who are concerned about their child’s school performance or who are navigating the special-education process. Contact MindWell today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kefer.
Dr. Kefer is married with two adorable (albeit naughty) sons. His interests include baseball, pop culture, movies, music, camping, hiking and travel.