Areas of Practice
Dr. Dufton conducts comprehensive and impartial parenting and child custody evaluations, typically initiated at the request of a third party such as the court or a retaining attorney. In these cases, the referring party—not the individual being evaluated—is considered the client.
Each evaluation is designed to assess individual and family factors relevant to the best interests and well-being of the child(ren). Dr. Dufton integrates information from multiple sources to develop objective, evidence-based opinions regarding parenting plans and access arrangements that best support the child(ren)’s healthy development, stability, and relationships.
The evaluation process is systematic and neutral, and typically includes clinical interviews with each parent and the child(ren), collateral interviews with relevant professionals or family members, behavioral observations, review of records, and, when appropriate, psychological testing. Recommendations concerning parental responsibilities, decision-making, and contact schedules are based on the data gathered and Dr. Dufton’s professional judgment.
Dr. Dufton also provides consultation to attorneys regarding parenting evaluations, family dynamics, and related forensic issues.
Parenting/Child Custody Evaluations
Dr. Dufton provides individual therapy for adults and adolescents.
Her individual therapy services address a broad range of emotional, behavioral, and personality-related concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma-related stress, parenting challenges, life-stage transitions, and general adjustment difficulties.
She also offers family-based interventions, including co-parenting counseling, parent coaching, divorce planning, post-separation adjustment, and family restructuring.
Dr. Dufton’s expertise is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Please note that Dr. Dufton is a fee-for-service provider and is not affiliated with any insurance panels.