Dr. Carol Gandolfo , AZ Psychologist PSY-005279, CA Psychologist 16933

Dr. Carol Gandolfo is a licensed psychologist with twenty years of clinical experience working across a wide range of settings and populations. She holds state psychologist licenses in Arizona (AZ Psychologist PSY-005279) and California (CA Psychologist 16933), reflecting her long-standing professional training and practice. Early in her career she completed internships in diverse environments, including a homeless shelter, placement with a licensed psychologist, a counseling center, and a Developmental Disabilities State Hospital, taking on varied cases to build a broad clinical foundation.

Over the years she has worked with both individuals and families addressing domestic abuse, family conflicts, childhood concerns, and substance use challenges. She also spent several years at two Developmental Centers where her focus included developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disabilities, as well as serious mental health conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Her work in those settings involved forensic issues and she has provided expert testimony for recommitment hearings and competency training.

In addition to her clinical roles, Dr. Gandolfo has contributed through volunteer service, including participation on a fire department Critical Incident Stress Management team, mentoring women transitioning from incarceration, and serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Much of her volunteer work has concentrated on trauma response and suicidality, informing a practice grounded in experience with complex, high-need cases.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Carol Gandolfo uses evidence-informed approaches to help clients address immediate concerns and deeper patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and learn practical strategies to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, client-centered method that supports people who are facing ambivalence about change, such as when addressing addictions, health behaviors, or readiness for life changes. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing and resolving the impact of traumatic experiences while building coping skills for post-traumatic stress and related challenges.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Gandolfo works collaboratively with each person to determine the best fit based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they review options and adapt techniques so therapy aligns with what the client wants to achieve.

Online therapy with Dr. Gandolfo is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions, access support from licensed professionals without lengthy travel, and integrate therapeutic work into everyday life.