The Benefits of Bilingual Therapy: Meet Dr. Liyang Rajegowda

Aspiring Families is proud to highlight the exceptional services of Dr. Liyang Rajegowda, a seasoned educational psychologist fluent in both Mandarin and English. Dr. Rajegowda is an integral part of our team and brings a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to her role. Additionally, she consistently delivers comprehensive, expert, and inclusive care to… Read more »


The Power of Comprehensive Assessments in Children

Every child possesses a unique set of abilities and challenges. Some of these are visible and others are hidden beneath the surface. As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about your child’s intellectual, cognitive, academic, behavioral, developmental, social, emotional, and daily adaptive life functioning. If you find yourself navigating these concerns, comprehensive psycho-educational-developmental testing can… Read more »


Back to School: Tips on Staying Mentally Well

Mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent among our youth, and the CDC reports that one in three high school students experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. This is an alarming 40% increase from youth mental health trends in 2009. Most adults will assume that youth is filled with innocence and joy. Unfortunately, the CDC points… Read more »


Are Your Kids Worried About School Shootings?

KEY POINTS Many children are experiencing significant anxiety and distress about returning to school. Conversations with kids about school shootings can include asking what they understand about the phenomenon and what support they need. The United States has had the most school shootings worldwide since 2009. In a recent investigative report, Education Week provides us with some… Read more »


Mental Health Resources for Teens and College Students

An interdisciplinary approach to cope with depression and anxiety. Mental health professionals often use medications and talk therapy as gold standards for interventions. Research also focuses on therapy and medications, giving them the stamp of “FDA approved” and “evidence-based.” Unfortunately, this rather narrow approach to a myriad of mental health struggles keeps clients in the… Read more »


The Effectiveness of Pet Therapy and Equine Assisted Therapy

As the rates of depression and anxiety soar amongst children, adolescents, college students, and adults, the waiting lists for psychiatrists and psychologists continue to grow. Instead of waiting helplessly for months on end, we should take a closer look at pet therapy and equine assisted therapy for coping, resilience, hope, and healing. Research demonstrates that… Read more »


Types of Therapies for Mental Health: A Biopsychosocial Approach

Mental health treatment has typically focused on medications and therapy as gold standards for interventions. Most of our research is also highly focused on therapy and medications, giving it the stamp of ‘FDA approved’ and ‘evidence-based’. Unfortunately, this rather narrow approach to a myriad of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, tics, ADHD, and… Read more »


Summer Fun: Heal, Empower, and Rejuvenate Your Kids

Harness the summer to revitalize your kids and family and shake off the blues. KEY POINTS After a difficult year, a rejuvenating summer may help children ward off depression and anxiety. This summer, it may be best to avoid academically-focused classes aimed at catching up or speeding ahead. Summer opportunities may be found at schools,… Read more »


Giving Hope and Setting Goals for Kids and Teens in 2021

Buffering the rise of depression and anxiety in kids amidst social isolation. As we celebrate the new year, children and teenagers continue to be disappointed and frustrated with continued school closures and cancellations of sports and extracurriculars. Online schooling and social isolation continue to weigh our kids down, and the struggle with depression, anxiety, and self-harm amongst our youngest is surging. Despite the… Read more »


USA Today Interviews Dr. Maker on School Shooting Drills

“Teachers at an Indiana elementary school were left bruised, bleeding and frightened after being shot “execution style” with plastic pellets during an active-shooter training exercise in January”, according to the Indiana State Teachers Association. According to USA Today, “lockdown drills have been around for decades, but as fear of school shootings has intensified, they have… Read more »