Clinician Spotlight: Dr. Thảo-Châu Trịnh, Psy.D.

An inside look into the minds at Mind Matters

What brought you to the field of psychology?

I’m a second-career psychologist. Originally, I worked in biotech and pharmaceutical research. While on leave after sustaining a work injury, I volunteered as a grief counselor for individuals who lost a parent or caregiver. In my culture (Vietnamese), mental health is often stigmatized, and while we honor the deceased, there isn’t much space to openly process grief. Having experienced the loss of a parent as a child, I was motivated by this need to help create a space for children to process trauma and loss, applied to grad school, and here I am.

How did you develop this particular passion for assessment?

Coming from a scientific background, my mind enjoys analyzing data. Assessment provides a nice blend of analytical, clinical, and therapeutic work that feels particularly fulfilling. Many individuals enter therapy without fully understanding the challenges they face (they know the “what”), and assessments can illuminate the reasons behind their experiences (the “why”). I embrace a Therapeutic Collaborative Assessment (TCA) model, empowering clients to craft their own narratives and gain deeper self-awareness. One of my favorite aspects of TCA is providing direct feedback to children through personalized stories that align with their interests and culture. This makes complex concepts more relatable and understandable for them.

What drew you to working in private practice at Mind Matters?

I looked for a practice that aligns with my values of serving and supporting diverse communities in Berkeley and the East Bay. It was important for me to find a role that reaches communities in need while allowing for flexibility in scheduling, so that I can take care of myself and my family.

When assessing a child, how do you keep a child’s cultural context in mind?

Clinically, I’m always thinking about culture and context for a child, whether it’s racial, gender, spiritual practice, socio-economic status, their family system, the impact of COVID, and even the school they attend. I consider all these things when assessing and looking at data. While standardized test results can provide valuable insights, we need context to make meaning of the data.

What would you tell newer clinicians who want to provide culturally affirming assessments like this?

Lean into the process of getting to know your client and where they come from. Ask questions to understand their point of view. This process not only provides valuable insights, but also helps clients feel more comfortable and at ease. They’ll trust that you see them as a whole person rather than just a snapshot from an assessment. This fosters a deeper therapeutic relationship.

______________________________________________________________________

Thảo-Châu Trịnh, Psy.D., PSY (she/they) is a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults.  They have worked in a variety of settings as both a therapist and an evaluator, including with young adults at a College Continuation High School Program, with students at a K-12 Charter School, with foster youth at an outpatient mental health clinic, and with preschoolers and kindergarteners at UCSF Benioff Oakland Children’s Hospital’s Center for the Vulnerable Child. Their approach to psychoeducational evaluations is informed by the therapeutic collaborative assessment model. They works very closely with caregivers, teachers, social workers, and other providers to learn about a child’s strengths and areas of need.

Get a Psychoeducational Evaluation for Your Child in Berkeley or San Francisco, CA

Interested in working with Dr. Trịnh and any of our other dedicated Licensed Psychologists? Our comprehensive Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological evaluations take a 360 degree view, so that we can better help parents understand their child and the accommodations and interventions they need to thrive.

1. Reach out to schedule an appointment.
2. Schedule your child’s evaluation at our Berkeley office or San Francisco office.
3. Learn more about your child so you can support them on their journey.

Other Services We Offer in Berkeley & San Francisco

In addition to psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations, we offer neurodevelopmental screenings. when your child needs a targeted approach. If you aren’t sure what next step to take, consider a parent guidance session. Our clinicians attend school meetings for our clients too.