Meet Dr. Deanna Zarei, Psy.D.
AKA Dr. Z
Dr. Deanna Zarei, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist
Education/Training
-Doctor of Psychology, Psy.D., from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington
Licensed Psychologist in Colorado
Post Doctoral Fellowship at the Burrell Autism Center in Springfield, Missouri
Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship at Burrell Behavioral Health in Springfield, Missouri
Trained in administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2)
The ADOS-2 is considered the gold standard for observing and identifying symptoms of ASD in children and adults.
-Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington
-Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington
Minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
Minor in Diversity
Background/ Experience
She has been called teacher, lady, and “Z” by her clients, but notably she prefers to be referred to as Dr. Z. Dr. Deanna Zarei has experience working with autistic individuals in community mental health, private practice, and pediatric settings. Dr. Zarei has experience conducting psychological evaluations specializing in the identification of ASD and other co-occurring disorders, and in providing psychotherapy to autistic individuals. She also has experience implementing trainings for caregivers and families of autistic children that focus on increasing understanding of neurodevelopmental diagnoses and addressing autism-specific behaviors. Dr. Z uses behavioral strategies and neuro-affirming care to elicit participation and capture a snapshot of a child’s current functioning. She has experience diagnosing mental health disorders that are co-occurring with autism, such as: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual developmental disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, sleep-wake disorders, feeding and eating disorders, elimination disorders, communication disorders, and motor disorders.
Dr. Zarei’s ‘Why’
Everyone deserves to be seen, understood, and respected. Dr. Zarei has a passion for working with individuals who have been identified as having neurodevelopmental disorders. She enjoys celebrating her client’s unique qualities and strengths. Dr. Z enjoys interacting with children on their developmental level and connecting with them on a personal level.
Dr. Zarei finds purpose in providing families with diagnostic clarity. Diagnostic clarity provides children and their families with an increased understanding of their individual and family identities. An autism diagnosis empowers caregivers, school personnel, and providers to advocate for the child’s rights and needs within various settings. The diagnosis allows access to resources, treatments, and interventions that increase the child’s effective functioning. She attempts to educate the community about misconceptions about the autistic community.
Dr. Zarei has a warm presence, patience, and is understanding of sensory sensitivities. She uses a strengths-based approach and makes neurodiversity accommodations for her clients to feel comfortable in showing their unique profile of strengths and growth areas. Dr. Z enjoys using curiosity, creativity, and playfulness to make herself engaging and relatable to her clients.
