Joan Apo
I was Born in Boston Massachusetts. Graduated with B.A. in Psychology from Manhattanville College in New York in 1968. Taught fourth grade one year. Graduated with M.S. in Psychology from Virginia State University in 1970. Moved to Hawaii in 1970 and started PH.D in Psychology at University of Hawaii. Simultaneously, I worked for Hawaii Department of Educational in Honolulu District as School Psychologist on a "Special Education Diagnostic Teaming" based in Honolulu District. When The University of Hawaii "closed" its Counseling Psychology Program , I transferred to United State International University in San Diego and receive PH.D. in 1981.
After working for Department of education for 13 years, I moved to New York City in 1982 for 4 years and worked on a "NYC Special Education Diagnostic Team", and Private Company doing Special Education Evaluations and Assessment of Highly Gifted Children.
I returned to Hawaii in 1986, and immediately was employed by Department of Education again. Licensing requirements demanded therapeutic experience so I moved employment to the "Hawaii Department of Health-Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division" based in Kalihi and Diamond Head offices. I retired in 2011.
I had started my private practice at the same Aiea location in 1990, and I continue to provide services there. Due to my long history working in the public schools, I have knowledge of the complex school system, and know how to obtain needed services. I have grown to have a deep understanding our Island people and provide services to them. ( Studied the following languages: Japanese (3 yrs), Hawaiian ( 4 yrs) , Samoan (1 yr), Tahitian (1 yr) ,and Spanish (5 yrs). I did my Ph.D on Polynesians, and had a IQ test translated into Samoan to address cultural issues. I also provide services to our Military Families, who experience difficulties being far from home base and their support systems, as well as, many spousal deployments lengthy deployments.
Ph.D
Clinical Psychology
United States International University
1981
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (HMO), CIGNA HealthCare (PPO), Private Healthcare Systems, Other
ADHD, Anxiety/Panic Disorders, Behavioral Problems, Career/Employment Concerns, Depression, Education/Personal Development, Family, Grief/Loss, Learning Disabilities, Marriage & Divorce, Multicultural Issues, Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder, Parenting Issues
Advocacy, Coaching, Cognitive/Behavioral, Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), Education Consultation, Expressive Therapy, Humanistic, Parent Guidance, Psycho-Educational
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