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Welcome to the Institute for Girls’ Development!
Established in 2004, the Institute is dedicated to empowering girls, teens, adults, gender-expansive individuals, families, and their circles of community through engaged, culturally responsive, strength-based programs.
We collaborate with you to determine the best methods to assist you or your daughter or teen to heal and reach goals.
Our CEO and founder, Dr. Melissa J. Johnson sums it up wonderfully by saying, ” We work on the individual, relational and societal levels to support change. Empowering individuals of all ages to find their authentic voice and zest for life in a more just world is the most meaningful work we can do!”
We welcome you to explore our site or call us at 626-585-8075 ext 108.
Our Approach
We offer therapy and assessment, community education workshops and events for girls and parents, and professional training for educators and mental health professionals.
Give Us a Call to Learn More
Considering therapy for your child or teen – or yourself? We’re here for you, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have! We offer both in-person and online therapy sessions to fit your lifestyle.
If you would like to get started with one of our services, the first step is to complete a welcome call with a member of our Client Relations team. Simply choose your preferred day and time for the welcome call using our online scheduler. The prospective client does not need to be present for the phone call.
Learn more about getting started in therapy.
Skill Building Therapy Groups for Children, Teens and Parents
Would your child or teen – or would you – benefit from extra skill building, camaraderie, and support this year? If so, consider one of our weekly groups!
Group therapy offers a great way to build support, resilience, and community with same-age peers, an opportunity for real-time practice of skills within a safe and supportive environment, and a compliment to individual therapy or a cost-effective stand-alone option. Join us!
Explore Our Resources for Parents
Parents, we’re here for you! We offer individual parent consultations, weekly parent groups, maternal mental health support, a new parent education series for parents with autistic children, and more!
Learn more about our popular weekly groups:
Check out our latest offerings on our Parents Resource Hub!
Comprehensive Individualized Assessment
Does your child struggle in school, find it hard to focus on homework, or experience emotional ups and downs that are hard to understand? Has it been suggested that your child may benefit from accommodations for test-taking? Or are you a teen or young adult who has struggled in school but never been tested?
These are just a few of the situations in which a comprehensive assessment may help! Learn about our neuropsychological, cognitive, educational, and psychological testing.
Wellness Grit Group for Teens
Join us for skill-building, camaraderie, and practical tools to help live your best life! This weekly therapy group is designed for adolescents (ages 12–17) who are living with chronic physical pain in any form.
The group will provide a supportive space where youth can connect with peers who share similar lived experiences, helping to destigmatize the experience of chronic pain. Learn more!
Early Childhood Mental Health Services
Supporting Children and Families in the Earliest Years: The early years of life, from birth through age six, are filled with wonder, discovery, and rapid development. These years can also bring big emotions, major transitions, and unique challenges for both children and their caregivers.
Our Early Childhood team specializes in therapy and assessment designed specifically for young children and their families. Whether your child is navigating developmental differences, adjusting to change, or expressing emotions through behavior, we’re here to help. Learn more!