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Meet the Team

We’re all just doing our best to strive for more good days. Our hope is that through our work together, we can pave the way for just that- more good days with moments of growth, resilience, and genuine well-being.

Arwin Cotas-Girard

Arwin Cotas-Girard, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY31381)

I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. 

 

I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs. As a therapist, I utilize an integrative approach while tailoring my approach to the client's needs. With children, I enjoy using play therapy, art, and other techniques that allow my young clients to express themselves beyond words. I am PC-CARE certified through UC Davis and enjoy working dyadically with children and their parents through play. I believe therapy and assessment should not only be investigative, but also playful, warm, and respectful.

 

I have worked with children, families, and adults throughout my career within multiple settings, such as non-profit agencies, in-home services, within the Department of Education, private practice, the Marine Corp Base, and large hospital settings. My interest working with children began in my formative years as the neighborhood and family babysitter and continued after graduating Magna Cum Laude from San Francisco State University.

 

My first post-college job was as an Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist working with children on the Autism Spectrum, spending multiple hours a day with clients and their families in their homes, schools, and communities. Due to the rewarding nature of this work, I was inspired to pursue a doctoral degree in Psychology from the Wright Institute with my training strongly focused on comprehensive assessments.

 

As a first generation immigrant, I am passionate about providing services and adequate care to underserved communities. My research on a Filipino American assessment measure has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. I am an advocate for gender-affirming care and treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

 

In addition to my private practice, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Collaborative Assessment Association of the Bay Area. I am currently working as the Head of Clinical for Kismet Health helping to develop the first pediatric telehealth platform made for providers by providers. I am also passionate about training the next generation of providers and am adjunct faculty at the Wright Institute as a supervisor for assessment students. 

 

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading books, eating good food, going for hikes, seeing musicals, traveling and exploring, and going on adventures- both big and small- with my dogs, family, and friends. 

 

I hope to spark curiosity within my clients and answer any questions that they may have about themselves throughout the evaluation and/or therapeutic process. I strive to bring the insight and clarity necessary to ensure my client’s future well-being. I look forward to meeting with you to assist you in your journey of self-discovery and towards more good days ahead!

Julianna Bianes, Psy.D.

Registered Psychological Associate (#94027849)

Julianna Bianes

I am a Psychological Associate working under the supervision of Dr. Arwin Cotas-Girard. My speciality is working with neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults both through therapy and psychological assessments. For the last eight years,  I have had the privilege of working with individuals with a variety of diagnoses such as trauma, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and a variety of learning disabilities in multiple settings including schools, outpatient clinics, and large hospital systems. I also have expertise and experience in working with couples and relish being able to help them communicate more effectively and deepen their connection.  

 

In assessments, I have specialized in providing comprehensive child assessments in a hospital and private practice setting, particularly focusing on ASD assessments. During my assessments, it is important for me to be able to provide my clients and their families with answers in a warm, safe, and non-judgmental way. 

I am passionate about helping others through being curious, authentic, and connected so that my clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. I work in a relational, person-centered, multicultural, and trauma-informed way. I strive to allow my clients and families to bring in their unique cultural experiences and histories so we are able to explore and examine how different social and political systems impact us. One of my greatest joys is being able to empower, witness, and aid others with the many obstacles that life can bring and to see the growth, resilience, and power that each person processes. 

I have served the Division of Filipinx Americans in Psychology since 2021 as the Communications Coordinator and now as the Membership Coordinator. We organize a biennial national conference which aims to provide a space for students and professionals  to connect and explore the social, cultural, emotional, political, and personal factors affecting various aspects of Filipinx American psychology.  

In my free time I enjoy dancing hip hop, reading immersive fantasy books, and playing board games. 

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Office Information

Our office is located in downtown Walnut Creek near Broadway Plaza, and the Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center. There is free visitor parking and the office is in the South Tower on the first floor (Suite 177). The office is wheelchair accessible and has a private waiting area.

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