Dr. Mesha Ellis

Hello and welcome to my website.  My name is Dr. Mesha Ellis.  I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides psychoeducational, clinical, and forensic evaluation services. I also provide court referred therapy services for children/adolescents, parents, and families.  I am a Certified Gottman Method Therapist, have obtained advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, and have been practicing for over 15 years. I have co-authored several peer-reviewed publications as well as presented at professional conferences. I am a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), and serve on the Board of Directors for the California Chapter of AFCC (AFCC-CA). I have additionally attained licensure to practice as a psychologist in California (PSY 20263),Georgia (PSY003274), Nevada (PY0990), and Tennessee (P0000002777). 

 

My Journey

I fell in love with the field of psychology during my senior year of high school.  I was able to take courses at my local university and decided to take Psychology 101.  What resonated with me most were the theories that helped to explain human behavior.  You see, I was the child who always asked "Why?"  Studying human behavior and the factors that contribute to and get in the way of healthy development and family functioning fit right with my personality and area of passion. I have had the great privilege and honor to share in a number of clients' journeys.  

My Style

My evaluative style is characterized by objectivity, warmth, empathy, humor, and a caring yet direct approach. I tailor assessments and evaluations to answer the specific diagnostic and evaluative questions raised.  Clients find me easy to talk to and fair minded. 

My Areas of Specialty

I evaluate applicants to private schools in the Atlanta area and have served a contract psychologist for the Joint Admissions Testing Program (JATP) for over 7 years. I additionally possess specialty training and experience in conducting forensic evaluations (e.g., competency, child custody, and sex offender) and police and public safety evaluations (e.g., pre-employment screening, fitness-for-duty). 

My child custody evaluation work is grounded in my experience as a forensic psychologist in criminal and juvenile cases and my research background with an emphasis on children and families.  I have extensive experience with forensic evaluation, court testimony, and with psychological testing of both adults and children.  I received post-doctoral training in juvenile forensic psychology and adolescent inpatient treatment at the University of Washington and Child Study and Treatment Center from 2001-2002. I have held faculty positions in Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology and at Morehouse School of Medicine where I taught graduate level research methods, theory, and child assessment and treatment courses. I have also co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented at regional and national professional conferences. My research has included the area of family violence.

I currently conduct juvenile forensic mental health evaluations in Los Angeles County as well as pre-employment and second opinion evaluations as a P.O.S.T. Compliant Peace Officer Psychological Evaluator in the state of California. In addition to specializing in the conduct of child custody, forensic, and police officer/public safety mental health evaluations, a large part of my private practice is dedicated to performing developmental, psychoeducational, and clinical evaluations. Furthermore, I additionally provide consultation in matters related to special education placement and services.

I sincerely invite you to contact me if you have questions or want to learn more about my service offerings.You are welcome to e-mail me directly or call my office at (678)905-7862. I look forward to hearing from you and am here to help.

Dr. Ellis' Services Include

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Clinical Evaluations

 Diagnostic assessment of behavioral, emotional, social, and developmental difficulties.

Dr. Ellis utilizes a strengths-based approach to assist with identifying resources in the child, family, and  community to support positive development.

 

 

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Psychoeducational Evaluations

Evaluation of learning difficulties, attention problems, and other factors that  affect school performance.

Dr. Ellis additionally conducts assessment to determine qualification for gifted or other special education programs in schools.

 

 

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Forensic Evaluations

Juvenile forensic evaluations (i.e., competency to stand trial, mental state at the time of offense, psychosexual, dangerousness,    transfer, as well as understanding & appreciation of Miranda Rights).

Dr. Ellis additionally conducts evaluations to assist with the determination of family law matters (i.e., child custody evaluations).