Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilene Kaskel, Psy.D.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Kaskel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Interestingly, I had always planned on becoming a writer and so, in college, I initially declared English as my major (with a minor in psychology). Over time, however, I realized that I enjoyed my psychology classes and did well in them. By the end of my sophomore year, I changed my major to psychology.
As I neared the end of my undergraduate program, I began exploring potential vocations. Although there were several viable options, I realized that a bachelor’s degree, in and of itself, would not afford me the option to treat patients under my own license. I knew that if I wanted to have a full range of choices in terms of a career, I would have to continue my education.
Once I made the decision to pursue graduate school, I was hoping to be accepted directly into a doctoral program, rather than starting in a master’s program and reapplying to a doctoral program in two years. The programs, however, proved very competitive. Although I had fared very well throughout my undergraduate studies, the Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs only accepted a small number of applicants per year – anywhere from 10-100 depending on the program.
Ultimately I applied to seven programs. I was rejected or put on the waiting list for several of them. Feeling discouraged, I braced myself for disappointment but ultimately I was pleased to be accepted to the doctoral program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington, DC.
Shortly after my acceptance, I became apprehensive, having realized that my endeavors would take me away from the people and city I had become so familiar with. I knew no one in Washington, DC. and the idea of a five-year program in unfamiliar territory now seemed overwhelming. I remember calling my parents on my first night in DC to tell them I was reconsidering my plans. Luckily, they convinced me to give it a month, one month turned into a year, and then one year into five.
Although not required, I opted to complete a Clinical Research Project (CRP) on school interventions for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, thus earning my master’s degree after two years in the doctoral program. While in graduate school, my mindset was to eventually work as a therapist. I pictured myself in a nice office, helping people find happiness and improve their lives. Despite my plans, however, I was repeatedly assigned to practicums and externships that were primarily assessment based.
I was disappointed originally, yet little did I know that the skills I had acquired would help me become so marketable in my future. I had learned to administer and interpret a wide gamut of assessments and I became very proficient in doing so. Just before graduation, I heard about an opportunity with a local group practice that was primarily assessment based. I reached out to the owner, was interviewed, and, two days after completing my postdoctoral position, was hired as an independent contractor for the practice.
I stayed at the group practice for about 6.5 years, completing hundreds of evaluations. It was a great experience and one that I am very grateful for. Over time, however, unavoidable circumstances at the made it very difficult for me to do my job to the best of my abilities. At this point, I decided to explore other job opportunities, though nothing seemed like a good fit for the skill set I had developed or for the advancement of my career.
At the end of December of 2016 and after a great deal of consideration, I took a huge risk. I left my job at the group practice and started my own private practice. Needless to say, I was nervous. I worried that I hadn’t done enough to develop a niche, to make myself stand out from the hundreds of other psychologists in the area. I stayed up nights worrying about the future- about the months of little or no income and how I would establish relationships with referral sources.
I’d assumed that most of the first year would be spent building my business; however, while I certainly did market, I was shocked to find that the work came quickly. It seemed that I’d already made an impression in the area and that other professionals preferred to continue to work with me. More specifically, I offered valuable skills that were sought after: being able to complete a comprehensive evaluation, interpret the findings, and write and edit a 15-20 page report within 24-48 hours. I hadn’t realized it before, but I’d already found my niche.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any new business, there have been challenges. There is definitely a learning curve associated with running a company and you learn what being “busy” truly means. When I was growing up, my father always offered a piece of advice that he had heard from his own mother: never fear failure. What he meant is that there will always be difficult moments, there will always be obstacles to overcome; however, these are the moments that the real learning occurs. The hours I have spent researching and consulting in order to run this business has been exhausting at times, though I’ve never shied away from hard work and I know the value of asking questions.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Center for Clinical Psychology story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in clinical psychological evaluations and neuropsychological evaluations and the name of my private practice is Center for Clinical Psychology. In addition to testing, I provide psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families. I was trained in an assimilative integrated approach to psychotherapy, with additional training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
I continuously strive to remain cognizant of the fact that working with a psychologist can be a very vulnerable experience for patients. Therefore, I have, and always will put 110% into my work. Ultimately, my goal is to provide services at a level of quality I would want for my own family.
I know that waiting the typical 2-6 weeks for evaluation results can be anxiety provoking for patients so what sets me apart, I believe, is my efficiency. As I mentioned earlier, I am able to complete a comprehensive evaluation, interpret the findings, and write and edit a 15-20 page report within 24-48 hours. Being able to provide results to people so quickly has proven to be a valuable skill.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure that I believe in luck, though perhaps this is just semantics. I am, however, grateful that I am privileged enough to have a supportive family, as well as family members who also work in the mental health field. My father, in particular, is very business savvy, so that has been a huge help during this business endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5550 Glades Road
Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33431 - Website: www.drkaskel.com
- Phone: 561-463-2235
- Email: ilenekaskelpsyd@drkaskel.com
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