pasadena family therapists psychologists psychiatrists girls
workshops assessment add adhd children parents families
transgender sex change trans treatment BPD autism
gay lesbian bisexual post partum mindfulness empowerment
online in-person therapy gender expansion lgbtq queer
groups dbt dialectical behavior therapy cams suicidality
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!
Stand Up! Speak Out!® Summer Camp at Descanso Gardens
July Camp for Girls Going Into 3rd to 5th Grades Next Fall
In this super fun camp, girls will learn skills to help maintain healthy friendships, use assertiveness with compassion, and approach challenges with confidence.
Activities include scavenger hunts, creative projects, games, exploring Descanso’s beautiful paths and waterfalls, and more. Campers will have fun, get creative, make new friends, enjoy nature, and learn important skills for life! Sessions are July 14-18 and July 21-25.
July 13: Six Steps to Safety Self Defense Workshop for Teens and Young Adults
We want the young women in our lives to head off to college and work feeling empowered, prepared, and confident. So, we’re offering a comprehensive, four-hour self-defense class with popular instructor Lauren Roselle, CEO of Esteem Communication.
Throughout the six steps, participants will gain a clear understanding of their own strengths and get to practice realistic physical and verbal role-plays and essential self-defense techniques with a padded mock “assailant.” Learn more and register!
July 20: A Developmental Approach – Helping Children and Families Navigate Health Journeys
Are you an educator, mental health or health professional working with families? In our online training, Dr. Melissa Johnson and Dr. Ashlee Reid share strategies to offer support for families managing health worries and fears, allergies, stress-related physical symptoms and health conditions that include chronic pain and/or uncomfortable medical procedures.
Learn about the resources and tools practitioners can use to help families navigate the individual, family, and systemic challenges around health, pain and healing. 2CEUs for CA mental health professionals. Learn more and register!
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!
Check out our latest offerings on our Parents Resource Hub!