Dr. Nicole Colon-Quintana will begin seeing clients at LivingRite in January of 2021! For more information on Dr. Colon Quintana or to get on her waitlist, please call 779-777-7335.
About Me
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. I was originally interested in becoming an investigative journalist, but I soon discovered that my passion for investigation and for telling people’s stories went beyond reporting. I was drawn to understanding patterns of human behavior and also found immense joy in working with youth; something I had channeled for years through volunteer work aimed at promoting children’s healthy development. After deliberate consideration, I decided to become a clinical child psychologist. I chose to train at the Child Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at DePaul University because of the institution’s historical efforts to promote social justice, to serve the poor and marginalized, and to advance a service-based education mission. I received my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University in 2017 and my Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Child Clinical Psychology from the same institution in 2020.
Clinical Psychology
As a psychologist, I use a variety of approaches in treatment according to the needs of the client and their family. I tend to use cognitive-behavioral techniques the most; but these are complemented by client-centered, attachment, and psychodynamic principles of psychotherapy. I am dedicated to providing quality, individualized care to families of all backgrounds. I typically begin by making the therapeutic setting one of acceptance, understanding, and hope; and by paying special attention to the individual and environmental forces shaping the client’s self-identified problem. I develop a collaborative relationship with the client and their family by identifying goals for treatment. I also spend initial sessions helping families develop a better understanding the situation and providing education as needed.
Areas of Clinical Focus
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I have trained in both outpatient and partial hospitalization settings, developing expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for mood disorders, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) for anxiety disorders, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for behavior concerns. As a researcher, I have worked with low-income minority adolescents at risk for depression and conducted group therapy sessions in Chicago public schools. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish and can offer treatment in both languages.
Depression
Depression in children and adolescents is real and can look very differently from depression in adults. (see more here https://adaa.org/learn-
OCD and other Anxiety Disorders
Excessive worries in childhood and adolescence can be triggered by many reasons and can become debilitating for both the child and the family (see https://adaa.org/living-
Behavioral Concerns
I have specialized training in behavior management of preschool aged children with emotional and behavioral disturbances through PCIT (more about PCIT http://www.pcit.org/what-
Family Therapy
A fundamental part of my work with children and adolescents is to discover how family dynamics contribute to their identified problem and to provide a space for addressing these dynamics in session. Working alongside family members typically helps in opening communication, fostering understanding, and enhancing relationships. All of these can lead to reduction in symptoms among children and adolescents. I am always happy to accommodate family sessions within individual treatment as often as needed.
Integration of Faith in Treatment
I completed my pre-doctoral internship with the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium and feel comfortable integrating Christian faith in treatment, per the client’s request.