IN Shaler Winter 2016 | Page 24

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC. Your Partner in the Journey to a Happier, Healthier Life I n the 40 years that Psychological Associates, Inc., or PAI, has been helping people with their mental health, there has never been a better time than now for society at large to understand the importance of the services that can be offered. Started in 1976 by Dr. Margaret Paterson Becker, PAI has been under the ownership of Dr. Steven Pasquinelli since 2012, and has been a growing practice ever since with his capable management. A former school psychologist for the Deer Lakes School District, Dr. Pasquinelli’s background in assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults is extremely strong, and the practice as a whole has therapists who are experts in treating people of all ages from toddlers to senior citizens. “We have therapists trained to work with individuals who suffer from a very wide variety of concerns and needs that include depression, anxiety, trauma, couples counseling, and for those who are in recovery for drug and alcohol addictions” Dr. Pasquinelli said. And in today’s society, where seeking treatment for mental health issues is being recognized as more of a strength than a weakness, more and more people are receiving the help they need to lead productive lives. If you’re a parent who suspects that your child may be having some problems that could use professional intervention, Dr. Pasquinelli said that there are definitely signs that can be seen: “When you’re talking about children, you’re talking about behavioral changes that are unexpected – a difference in mood and interaction with others, or wanting to avoid tasks and things that they used to enjoy, such as spending time with friends. It might be a phase or a temporary issue, and the first response should be to talk to their teacher. Try to find out what might be the cause,” he said. “Are grades starting to suffer? Are they having social problems? That’s an area where our group specializes - working with children and families, making suggestions for change to help them get back to where they were and where they should be mentally.” The therapists at PAI also specialize in work with children on the autism spectrum. A Social Thinking group was very successfully run in the spring of 2016, and another group will be starting in the fall of 2016. If you’re not sure whether your problems warrant this level of service, Dr. Pasquinelli has a general rule of thumb that he follows when advising others: “When you’re feeling a noticeably high level of stress that seems to be impacting your life, it is good to have someone to work with as a positive support. It’s a healthy option for someone to take. It never hurts to talk about an issue; professional support can teach you coping strategies and help you get to where you want to be.” Treatment plans are inclusive, and, with client/parent consent, they are willing to work alongside other medical providers or school officials when appropriate. A team approach is just one of the many benefits of the treatment that PAI provides their clients. PAI has two convenient locations, one on Route 8 in Hampton and one on Rt. 19 in Cranberry, and they are accepting new clients at each location. They accept most major insurances and offer case-by-case payment plans for client assistance. For more information on all of the services PAI provides, or to make an appointment today, go to their website at www.paipsych.com or call them directly at 412.486.2948. 22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Shaler Hampton Staff Top L-R: Tamra McClafferty, Grant Kissel, Gale Foster, Bottom L-R: Joyce Ruzanic, Dr. Steven Pasquinelli, Crystal Shaffer, Missing in photo: Sara Affalter 4284 William Flynn Highway Castletown Square South, Suite 201 Allison Park, PA 15101 Cranberry Staff L-R: David Jerome, Amy Kleissas, and Dr. Steven Pasquinelli 20397 Route 19 (on Brandt Drive) Suite 310 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 412.486.2948 www.paipsych.com