Heather Twedell, PsyD

 Dr. "T"

Licensed Psychologist/Consultant

Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

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Dr. Heather Twedell received her doctorate in forensic psychology from Alliant University in 2011.  She is a licensed psychologist in the states of Texas and California.  Dr. Twedell's work with first responders, along with her family ties to law enforcement, gives her a strong appreciation and understanding of the culture and stressors specific to first responders. She has developed a diverse and unique set of skills working with law enforcement and fire departments and various clinical settings, including emergency departments, outpatient hospital programs, neuropsychology rehabilitation centers and corrections.   During her time with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Dr. Twedell provided critical incident debriefs, individual, couples and family therapy for sworn and civilian employees, co-developed and provided trainings, conducted inter-Department research, provided consultations for the Department's Peer Support Program and consulted with various bureaus including the Special Victims Bureau.   Dr. Twedell is highly motivated to assist departments in prioritizing the wellness of their personnel to promote both occupational and personal success.  Current services include individual, couples and family therapy, group therapy, critical incident debriefing,  psychological crisis intervention, annual wellness checks, equine assisted workshops, program development, research, trainings and consultations. She is committed to working collaboratively with both departments and individuals to facilitate positive change, growth and resiliency. 

Education

California School of Forensic Studies (CSFS) at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.

            Program: Psy.D. in Forensic Psychology (2011)

            Program: M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2009)

Chapman University

            Major: B.A. in Psychology (2007)

Certifications

Peace Officer Standard & Training (POST) Certification

FBI Crisis Negotiations Certification

Institute of Criminal Investigation POST Instruction Certification

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Experience

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2018 - Present

Private Practice Licensed Psychologist/Consultant - F1RST

OurWatch Licensed Psychologist

Various Consultation and Support provided to First Responder Departments,  Associations, Outpatient Treatment Centers  and Private Entities

Lead psychologist on First Responder Research in North Texas

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2016-2018

St. Joseph Hospital

Outpatient Behavioral Health - Licensed Psychologist

Emergency Department - Licensed Psychologist

Co-developed Evidenced Based Treatment Curriculum for IOP-PHP

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2012-2016

2009 - 2012

Law Enforcement Psychologist, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department - Employee Support Services Bureau (ESSB)

Co-Developed Department Wide Mental Health Training

Peer Support Program Assistance

Inter-Department Research

Post-Doctoral Fellowship

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Internships

 - St. Joseph Hospital Behavioral Health

 - Long Beach Memorial Behavioral Health and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

 - California Women's State Prison, Chowchilla, CA