Psychologists
Frank Gersh, Ph.D.
Frank received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in Clinical Psychology in 1978. He has been in practice in Iowa City for over 27 years.
Frank works with adolescents and adults doing psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, as well as psychotherapy related to depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, substance abuse, learning disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, marital conflict, and other various neurological and psychological conditions.
He consults with attorneys on issues such as competency to stand trial, understanding of one’s rights, insanity, diminished capacity, child custody, and disability.
Frank is a licensed substance abuse evaluator and he has served as a consultant for the American College Testing, Inc. (ACT).
John Hartson Ph.D.
John is a Pediatric Psychologist. He has been in private practice for nearly 25 years. He conducts evaluations and provides treatment for a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and learning problems for children and adolescents. These include, but are not limited to; Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Learning Disorders.
John provides consultation to lawyers and families related to parenting time. He provides expert opinions to the Court on abuse allegations, neuropsychological evaluations following head trauma, and other related issues.
John has authored three books and is a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops. He is an adjunct professor in Child Psychiatry at the University of Iowa. He is a consultant for ACT on high school students with ADHD and psychological/psychiatric disorders requesting accommodations for college entrance assessment.
Brenda Payne Ph.D.
Brenda earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with specialization in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1997. Brenda is Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology by the American Board of Psychology. She has been in private practice in Iowa City since 1999. Brenda works with children, adolescents, and their parents on a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, attention problems, behavior problems, and adjustment to divorce. She does diagnostic evaluations (psychological and neuropsychological) with children and adolescents related to concerns about attention deficits, learning problems, and emotional problems. Brenda has worked with the Iowa Psychological Association advocating for access to mental health treatment and currently serves on the Iowa Psychology Board in the Department of Public Health. Brenda writes a quarterly parenting column for the Iowa City Press Citizen Family Time Magazine.
Tricia Hoffman Psy.D.
Tricia earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in 2006 with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked with children, adults, and families in a variety of settings including community healthcare centers, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. For the past five years, she has focused her efforts on children and families that have endured traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, and other life event traumas. Tricia currently sees children, adolescents, and families for psychological evaluations and therapy. Typical concerns may include adjustment to life events (e.g. divorce, adoption, death in the family), parenting education, depression, anxiety, attention issues, learning disabilities, and other behavioral and psychological difficulties. Tricia also has extensive specialized training treating children with Reactive Attachment Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Yu Harumi Ph.D.
Yu received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Washington State University in 2006, and has provided clinical services in three university counseling centers since 2002. Prior to coming to Iowa in 2009, Yu worked as a licensed psychologist/ coordinator of outreach and multicultural services at Counseling & Psychological Services at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. Although his primary focus has been with adults (i.e. college age and above), Yu enjoys working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. He can provide individual and couples counseling, psychological assessment, consultation, and workshops on various mental health-related issues. Yu’s areas of specialization include: depression, anxiety, stress management, interpersonal relationships, life transition/adjustment, multicultural/diversity issues, career development, alcohol/substance abuse, existential concerns, and coping with trauma. Yu is also bilingual (English and Japanese) and can provide counseling in Japanese.