Find a Top Psychologist Near Me in Ontario, CA – Book an Appointment Instantly

Dr. Heather Kertesz-Briest is a Clinical Pediatric Psychologist with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of youth with acute and chronic health conditions. Dr. Heather has over ten years of experience in pediatrics, working with children, adolescents, and young adults in pediatric medical settings throughout the country. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology, completed her pediatric-focused residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and a two-year pediatric-focused fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 
Dr. Heather has expertise in providing consultation, psychotherapeutic intervention, and psychodiagnostic and cognitive assessment for a wide range of presenting concerns including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating and feeding difficulties, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and academic and learning difficulties, amongst others. 

Every child and family are unique, and therefore Dr. Heather’s philosophy is to thoughtfully understand each young person from a holistic, bio-psycho-social perspective, integrating this information into the individualized assessment and treatment plan. She begins with a brief consultation to understand you and your child’s or teen’s concerns, and will work collaboratively with you to develop a plan to assess and address your concerns in the most appropriate, timely way. 

Dr. Heather is a mother of two girls, enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, doing arts and crafts, and outdoor activities. 

Dr. Ataipour has extensive experience working with individuals with multicultural backgrounds and upbringings. Her fluency in Farsi has enabled her to help individuals dealing with acculturation struggles, generational difficulties, discrimination and the effects of immigration on family members. She understands the importance of cultural sensitivity and tailors each individual’s treatment accordingly.As a therapist, Dr. Ataipour brings her whole self to the clinical process with an appreciation and compassion for the uniqueness of each person and their experiences. She considers the roots of mental illness to be emotional injuries which can keep individuals blocked, fearful and full of negative associations. She works with clients to manage through these barriers in order to fully realize their life’s potential.

Education and Background

• Psy.D in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology
• MA from California School of Professional Psychology
• BA from UCLA
• 20+ years providing psychotherapy to Adults, Adolescents, Couples and Families

Clinical Orientation

• Psychodynamic
• Client-Centered Humanistic
• Solution-focused
• Family Systems
• Cognitive Behavioral

Specialization and Interests

• Depression
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Handling job loss and career revival
• Couples and families with relationship conflicts
• Recovery after trauma and abuse
• Adjustment to life transitions

Clinical and health psychologist Elena Bagourdi, PhD, is the co-founder and program/clinical director of EXIS Youth. Located in West Los Angeles, California, Dr. Elena or Dr. B., as her clients call her, has expertise in the treatment of addictive behaviors, trauma, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.

Since 1998, Dr. Elena has been working as a psychotherapist with individuals and their families. As the program/clinical director at EXIS Youth, Dr. Elena is highly invested in constantly expanding the therapeutic modalities used. She stays up-to-date and seeks out the most cutting-edge therapeutic approaches to incorporate into their existing program. This way, she can sustain the effectiveness of their program and further enrich its breadth.

Dr. Elena holds a PhD in clinical/health psychology, as well as a master’s in clinical psychology and organizational and economic psychology. She has a deep interest in her community, and she is on the board of local nonprofit organizations. Dr. Elena has also collaborated extensively with nonprofit organizations overseas. For instance, she co-led the World Health Organization (WHO)'s "mhGAP" pilot project in Greece on behalf of EPAPSY, a local nonprofit organization.  

In addition to EXIS Youth, Dr. Elena has a successful private practice as a psychotherapist.