Dr. Critton is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She has devoted her career to working with individuals, couples, families, and children to help them cope with anxiety, depression, anger, stress, fear and toxic relationships.
After graduating from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Dr. Critton continued her education at Pepperdine University, earning a MA in Clinical Psychology. In 2001, Dr. Critton attained an MS and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in Palo Alto, California. She then completed a two-year Postdoctoral Early Childhood Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Dr. Critton then spent several years as a member of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Early Childhood Mental Health Faculty, where she specialized in building resilience in infants and young children at risk, due to biological and psychosocial circumstances. She has also worked extensively with mother/child dyads to improve and strengthen their relationships. From 2004-2005 Dr. Critton was an Adjunct Faculty member at Pepperdine University teaching graduate students family therapy and assessment . Dr. Critton established her private practice in 2007, while she was also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. While at Harbor UCLA, Dr. Critton was responsible for training medical residents about child development. She also provided therapy for at risk mothers, and trained psychology students in therapy and assessment of children and adolescents. Currently, Dr. Critton spends the majority of her time on her private practice in Redondo Beach. She also serves as a consultant to the Harbor UCLA Options for Recovery program and supervises masters level and doctoral psychology students at Albert Knapp Associates.
Testimonials
Dr. Critton has the expertise to understand and address concerns families have relating to the development, learning and behavior of their children. Her experience with early education and school programs offers families the unique opportunity to comprehensively plan for their children’s needs.
Marie Kanne Poulsen PhD
Professor of Pediatrics
USC Keck School of Medicine
Dr. Critton has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with children and their families. Her assessment skills provide a valuable tool in developing an effective treatment plan to address specific social, emotional and educational concerns. Dr. Critton’s warmth and respect for her families/clients help to create an environment of trust and comfort.
Lisa Fasnacht-Hill, PhD
Long Beach Memorial/Miller Children’s Hospital
Pepperdine University