Today we’d like to introduce you to Agnesa Papazyan
Hi Agnesa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Of course! I was born in Armenia but moved to the U.S. when I was five years old, so I feel very much like a Los Angeles native. I grew up in “The Valley” and developed an interest in mental health early on. After graduating from Grant High School, I went to UCLA for my undergrad. Go Bruins!
I then followed my passion for mental health by earning a Psy.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of La Verne. During my training, I got to work at some amazing institutions, including CHOC Children’s Hospital, as well as the Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the Autism Clinic at The Children’s Center in Michigan when I lived there.
With over 20 years of experience, I focus on helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning Disorders, and other behavioral issues. I provide thorough evaluations and diagnoses for children with various challenges and really aim to help families understand their strengths and weaknesses to better support learning and behavior at home and school.
Now, as a licensed clinical psychologist, I conduct comprehensive neurodevelopmental, psychological, and educational evaluations, working with school districts and parents to meet the needs of kids and teens.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, and there have definitely been some bumps along the way. Moving to the U.S. from Armenia meant I had to adapt to a new culture, learn a new language, and figure out how to balance my Armenian heritage while fitting into a new environment. Luckily, there’s an incredible Armenian community here in Los Angeles that helped a lot.
Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also came with its own set of challenges. The field is always evolving, so staying on top of the latest research and best practices means I’m constantly learning. During my training, I often felt frustrated by the limited resources and support available for people with ASD, but that’s also what pushed me to advocate more strongly for this community.
Balancing the demands of intense clinical training wasn’t easy either. Working at places like CHOC Children’s Hospital and the Autism Clinic at The Children’s Center in Michigan was incredibly rewarding but also very demanding. The emotional weight of helping children and families facing significant neurodevelopmental challenges can be tough, but it has also made me more resilient and empathetic, ultimately making me a better clinician.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning disorders, and various behavioral concerns. My work involves providing comprehensive evaluations and interventions for children, adolescents, and adults, helping families understand their strengths and weaknesses to support learning, social-emotional development, and behavioral functioning both at home and school.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals with neurodevelopmental and psychological challenges, conducting countless assessments and offering personalized interventions.
I think what sets me apart is my commitment to staying current with the latest research and best practices in the field. As an immigrant, I also understand the cultural nuances and stigmas that can impact mental health and development.
I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on the lives of my clients and their families. Seeing children thrive because of the support and guidance I’ve provided is always incredibly rewarding. My team’s dedication to advocacy and ability to connect with families truly set my practice apart. I’m also proud to be a TV spokesperson for Autism Awareness, making information on autism and neurodiversity fun and digestible for all kinds of audiences!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Outside of my work, I love hiking and exploring the beautiful trails around Los Angeles. Getting dinner with friends and family is always fun and can be a great way to relax and catch up. I also enjoy just blasting and singing to my favorite songs in the car and enjoying all that LA has to offer. These activities keep me balanced, sane, and healthy and bring a lot of joy and fulfillment to my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doctoraggie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aggie/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dr-aggie-agnesa-papazyan-psyd-sherman-oaks-ca/273590
Image Credits
Alexa Jaclyn
https://www.instagram.com/alexajaclynbranding/
