Meet Our Founder
Dr. Jade Starleaf
Background & Qualifications
Dr. Jade Starleaf is a warm, compassionate, and skilled licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience. Specializing in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families, Dr. Starleaf focuses on providing tailored, holistic support for autism, pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, and other anxiety-related disorders.
Dr. Starleaf is recognized for her expertise in conducting comprehensive diagnostic assessments, including administration of the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), the gold standard for autism evaluation across the lifespan. Her careful, collaborative approach helps families feel supported and empowered as they pursue understanding, healing, and growth together.
As a mother of a neurodivergent child, Dr. Starleaf understands first-hand the range of emotions, worries, and questions that parents may experience while navigating their children’s unique developmental journeys. This perspective deepens her ability to connect with and guide families, honoring their struggles while also recognizing their children’s tremendous potential.
Dr. Starleaf believes in a strength-based approach to neurodivergent care focusing not just on challenges, but also on the many talents, passions, and resiliency that children bring to their worlds. This approach emphasizes creativity, strong memory, advanced pattern recognition, loyalty, honesty, deep compassion, and a unique ability to view problems from a different perspective – all traits frequently found in neurodivergent individuals. She strives to help each child grow and flourish by honoring their unique profiles while fostering greater understanding, connection, and collaboration within their families.
Expertise & Approach
Dr. Starleaf is trained in the latest evidence-based psychological treatments. Her expertise includes:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for autism, social anxiety, and depression
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD
- Panic Control Treatment for Panic Disorder
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
She has provided these therapies at renowned institutions such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Harbor-UCLA, gaining valuable experience in treating a variety of mental health challenges.
Clinic Philosophy & Core Values
Dr. Starleaf earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. She subsequently completed an intensive APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Pacific Clinics Behavioral Health, where she specialized in treating high-risk youth with severe and persistent mental health disorders in a challenging, intensive outpatient setting. Dr. Starleaf also trained at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, gaining additional experience in a hospital setting, and conducted psychological research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), further adding depth and expertise to her clinical perspective.
As an early career psychologist, Dr. Starleaf served in a consultative role on the APA Division 43 (Society for Couple and Family Psychology) Board, reflecting her growing leadership in the field. She was later invited to teach as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Alliant International University, mentoring the future generation of clinical psychologists. Dr. Starleaf values strong leadership, collaboration, and mentoring. Therefore, she is passionate about fostering a strong team of clinicians who can provide the highest standard of care.
Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Starleaf was the lead singer in a touring rock band after moving to Los Angeles at the age of fifteen – even opening for Bon Jovi at the Staples Center. Her unconventional path and rich life experience ignite her strong advocacy for young people, fueling her understanding, compassion, and ability to connect with those navigating difficult journeys.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Starleaf loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and two Labrador Retrievers. She is the oldest of six children and maintains a deep, close bond with her family — a connection that guides and inspires her both personally and professionally.
Through her years of training, practice, and lived experience, Dr. Starleaf strives to foster a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where children, teens, and their families can celebrate their strengths, navigate their struggles, and grow together toward greater peace, resiliency, and connection.
Ready to get started?
Taking the first step toward support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re seeking therapy for your child, teen, or young adult—or you’re looking for diagnostic clarity—Starleaf Psychological Services is here to help. We offer compassionate, expert care tailored to your family’s unique needs.
