CAROLINE SHANHOLTZ, PH.D.

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Arizona and California and a PSYPACT authorization holder, allowing me to provide telehealth services to clients in participating PSYPACT states. I earned my Bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, a Master of Counseling (M.C.) degree from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona. I completed a child-focused clinical internship at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, followed by a fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles, where I gained extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. I also completed specialized training through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, which prepared me to collaborate on interdisciplinary teams and advocate for children with neurodevelopmental differences, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), while deepening my expertise in maternal and child mental health.

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I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and the parents and caregivers who support them. My clinical experience spans pediatric primary care clinics, schools, community mental health settings, and juvenile justice programs, giving me the opportunity to help families facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. I utilize evidence-based approaches including Parent Management Training (PMT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to provide individualized, practical treatment. My work often focuses on helping parents navigate challenging behaviors—from toddler tantrums and emotional regulation to adolescent independence, limit-setting, and family conflict. I also have specialized expertise in treating traumatic stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, medical trauma, serious injury, or other adverse experiences.

In addition to my work with children and families, I have a passion for supporting individuals throughout the perinatal journey. I am a Perinatal Mental Health-Certified (PMH-C) provider through Postpartum Support International and specialize in the treatment of postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, pregnancy after infertility or loss, miscarriage and infant loss, fertility-related stress, and the transition to parenthood. I also lead cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) groups for postpartum depression, providing mothers with evidence-based treatment in a supportive community setting. Whether working with individuals or groups, my goal is to help parents feel more confident, connected, and supported as they navigate the challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood.

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I am especially passionate about helping parents balance the many roles they hold. I enjoy working with families through the transition to and from parental leave by providing guidance before leave (such as communicating with employers and planning for time away), during leave (preparing for the return to work), and after leave (adjusting to the realities of working parenthood). As both a psychologist and a parent, I understand that every family's journey looks different, and I strive to provide practical, compassionate support that aligns with each family's values and goals.

As a psychologist, I believe that evidence-based care works best when it is tailored to the unique strengths, culture, and circumstances of each individual and family. My role is to bring clinical expertise while partnering collaboratively with clients, recognizing that they are the experts on their own lives. I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where every family member feels heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful, lasting change.