The Tampa Psychologists at Rice Psychology Group work to provide a broad scope of consultation, therapy, counseling, and assessment services. While most of these experienced professionals work with Rice Psychology Group as employees, we do have independent contractors provide some of our services. The independent professionals are identified as such in their descriptions below. By having a diverse group of clinicians, we can provide a high level of needed psychological services to the individuals and families in the Tampa area.
Our Core Values
Learn More About Our Tampa Psychologists
Wendy B. Rice, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist & Founder of Rice Psychology Group
Since opening her private practice in Tampa in 2001, Dr. Wendy Rice has become widely known in the region as a highly-qualified and compassionate psychologist. She has extensive experience in working with children, adolescents and adults, offering clinical interviews, consultations, testing and assessment, and general psychotherapy.
Dr. Rice has helped clients with a broad range of difficulties that include ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression and learning issues. She brings empathy, years of training and experience, humor and a passion for helping others. The saying, “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life”, applies to Dr. Rice each and every day. Although the jury is out on whether computer-based cognitive training is the answer to ADHD and memory problems, Dr. Rice was the first to pioneer the use of Brain Train software for Cognitive Training in Tampa. Additionally, her insights on a variety of psychological, social and learning issues are often featured in local media.
In 2006, Dr. Rice relocated her practice’s headquarters to its current Carrollwood location, and in 2010, she added several therapists and expanded her services to create Rice Psychology Group. Rice Psychology Group opened in South Tampa in the winter of 2012 and moved to its permanent Hyde Park location in the summer of 2017. Under Dr. Rice’s direction, the practice’s psychologists and therapists work to offer personalized care in an atmosphere that’s both professional and relaxed.
Dr. Rice began her career in Manhattan at a practice that specialized in working with children with difficult temperaments. She received her Master’s degree and Doctorate in Psychology from Yeshiva University in New York City. From there, she completed her American Psychological Association (APA)-approved internship in clinical psychology at the Astor Home for Children in the Bronx.
Dr. Rice also completed two years of additional training in adult psychodynamic psychotherapy through the Tampa Bay Psychoanalytic Society. She later completed a formal two-year postdoctoral certificate program in clinical neuropsychology under the direction of renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg to better understand and treat the connection between behavior, learning and memory, and brain functioning.
Credentials and Certificates
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- International OCD Foundation – Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training
- Social Thinking – Clinical Training: Level 1 Assessment
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale – 2nd Edition (ADOS-II) to assess and diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Collaborative Divorce and Parent Coordination (Not currently offering these services)
EXCITING NEWS! Dr. Wendy Rice is now authorized to practice in almost all 50 states! If you live outside of Florida and would like to learn more about how Dr. Rice can help you or if you would like to schedule your appointment, contact us here.
Fun Facts about Dr. Rice:
- Favorite sport and hobby: Horseback Riding – horse shows, trail rides and basically anything horsey!
- Favorite vacation spot: Botswana, Africa on Safari
- Current favorite bakeries in Tampa: Smallcakes (Carrollwood), Wrights Deli (South Tampa) and Publix (everywhere!)
Recent Blogs by Dr. Wendy Rice
Ashley Diehl Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist & Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Dr. Diehl is a licensed psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist who specializes in positive psychology, helping children and adolescents build social-emotional learning, and in the delivery of services and supports in schools. She has experience working with individuals who have emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties, and has worked with in a variety of settings, including: public schools, alternative education, residential, and private practice.
Through individual, family, and small group counseling, Dr. Diehl address an array of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, family conflict, school difficulties, behavioral difficulties, social skills, organization and executive functioning difficulties, and other adjustment concerns.
Dr. Diehl enjoys working with individuals and their families through a strength-based perspective. She utilizes a variety of strategies to not only address clients’ weaknesses, but also foster clients’ strengths in order to overcome challenges. Dr. Diehl believes there is no “one size fits all” model and by collaboratively working together, goals can be identified, evidenced-based practices can begin, and progress can be monitored.
She is passionate about fostering children and adolescents’ social and emotional learning skills so that they can understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, establish rewarding relationships, feel and show empathy, and make responsible decisions.
Dr. Diehl enjoys and has extensive experience with comprehensive assessments of children and adolescents who are struggling with learning, attention and a mix of social, emotional and behavioral challenges. She is well known for her ability to match appropriate supports and services to individual needs. Her previous experience within schools allows her to provide realistic and specific recommendations to address needs and capitalize on strengths at school, at home and in the community.
After receiving her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Dr. Diehl relocated to Tampa and obtained her education specialist and doctorate degrees at the University of South Florida.
Fun Facts about Dr. Diehl:
- She is a huge Tampa Bay Lightning Fan and enjoys going to hockey games whenever she gets the chance.
- She loves action movies. Marvel movies top her list.
- She enjoys traveling, especially to the mountains to hike.
Recent Posts by Ashley Diehl
Anna Schrack, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist & Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Dr. Anna Schrack is a doctoral level, University of Florida trained (Go Gators), Licensed Psychologist, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Schrack earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in both psychology and criminology from the University of South Florida, graduating with high honors. Subsequently, she attended the University of Florida, where she acquired her Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in school psychology. Dr. Schrack attained practical experience in the schools with the Marion County and Citrus County School Districts. Dr. Schrack further developed clinical skills with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida concentrating on anxiety and depressive disorders.
Dr. Schrack specializes in the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure with Response Prevention (E/RP) in the treatment of Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) and Related disorders. She also utilizes Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics/Habit Reversal Training (CBIT/HRT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices in treatment. Her clients are almost exclusively adults and children ages 6 and older who struggle with OCD, phobias, social anxiety, perfectionism, general anxiety, postpartum anxiety/OCD, panic, PANDAS, PANS, Tourette’s, tics, misophonia, hoarding, eating disorders, and/or depression. Because many of these issues impact not only the individual but also the family, Dr. Schrack includes parents, spouses and other family members as indicated to ensure the best treatment and outcomes. With her experience and training within the school system, Dr. Schrack is also a valuable resource for families in bridging the gap between mental health accommodations and school needs.
Dr. Schrack strives to help her clients live their best life, experience more joy and less suffering. She does this by creating a supportive and safe environment in which clients are invited to share openly without judgment. By providing clients with tools, she encourages them to find ways to overcome challenges. Dr. Schrack enjoys learning from each client and adapting therapeutic strategies based on the needs of each individual.
EXTRA! EXTRA! Dr. Anna Schrack, Anxiety and OCD Expert is now authorized to provide therapy in almost all 50 states! If you live outside of Florida and would like to learn more about how Dr. Schrack can help you or if you would like to schedule your appointment, contact us here.
A few fun facts about Dr. Schrack:
- Favorite Vacation Spots: St. Augustine Beach on Anastasia Island and Maui, Hawaii
- Enjoys dancing: In particular, Ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba) and Latin (Salsa, Bachata, Merengue)
- Enjoys board games and card games
Recent Posts by Anna Schrack
Andy Coble, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Andy is a licensed mental health counselor who recognizes the value of bringing warmth, an open mind and genuine kindness to each client. He specializes in working with children and adolescents, along with their families, to improve problems related to anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance and argumentativeness, general behavior issues, trauma and substance use. He successfully guides parents through the sometimes extremely difficult job of raising children in 2018, taking into consideration pressures from schools, social media and extended family. Andy has a true gift for helping families in conflict improve communication and relationships.
Andy has a master’s degree in counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology which is now called Argosy University. Throughout his career in both Illinois and Florida, Andy has provided counseling, prevention and intervention services at community-based organizations.
A strong proponent of understanding and treating behavioral and mental health issues, Andy utilizes family systems, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered approaches. He believes in a strong working relationship with his clients that helps to empower them and ultimately act as a catalyst for change.
Fun Facts about Andy:
- Andy loves music and plays saxophone, guitar, and a little piano.
- A true sports fan – Andy loves to be on the field as well as in the stands.
- Andy’s favorite food is Chicago-style pizza!
Recent Blogs by Andy Coble
Amanda M. Cosgriff, Ph.D., BCBA, Licensed School Psychologist & Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Dr. Amanda Cosgriff is a Florida licensed school psychologist and a board certified behavior analyst who has a passion for providing clinical services to individuals with autism and related disabilities, ADHD, and children and adolescents with behavior difficulties. A Louisiana native, she earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!) and she earned her masters and doctorate degrees from Mississippi State University.
After completing her American Psychological Association (APA)-approved internship with the Illinois School Psychology Internship Consortium (ISPIC), Dr. Cosgriff moved to Oklahoma City where she was a postdoctoral fellow for the Moore Autism Center, P.C. where she provided services for individuals with autism and their families.
Dr. Cosgriff has experience working with individuals with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and mild depression, along with those that need help with making better choices, behavior difficulties, emotion regulation, and self-esteem. She has received extensive training in delivering evidence-based interventions rooted in applied behavior analysis for children/adolescents and emerging adults across a variety of settings including public schools, alternative education, university, and private practice. She also specializes in the assessment and treatment of individuals with autism, developmental delays and with children who exhibit behavioral difficulties.
She is passionate about providing psychoeducation and helping parents/guardians understand their child’s behaviors and how support them throughout their development. She uses a developmental and collaborative team approach when working with families to identify effective interventions individualized to meet the needs of each client and family.
Dr. Cosgriff uses a multidisciplinary approach when working with children/adolescents, young adults, and their families to help them develop the skills they need to provide the best possible outcomes. Her love for helping others is easily seen with her humor, joy, and play when working with children and adolescents. This approach helps to engage her clients in treatment and almost effortlessly establish positive relationships. Dr. Cosgriff believes in the importance of teaching functional daily living skills, coping strategies, life skills, social skills, and identifying evidence-based interventions to help individuals and their families become as successful as possible.
Credentials and Certificates
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Florida Licensed School Psychologist
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Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition (ADOS-2)
Fun Facts about Dr. Cosgriff:
- She was a gymnast for 13 years
- Is a dog lover and pawrent to a Doberman named Dublin
- She is a big foodie and enjoys traveling (her favorite place is Ireland)
Katie Havemann, M.A., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Katie is a registered mental health counselor intern who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with OCD, anxiety, specific phobias, social anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. She recognizes that these disorders often affect the whole family and collaborates with family members throughout treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Katie completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of South Florida. She started her mental health career working as a mental health technician in a children’s crisis unit, then worked as a case manager at USF. Katie completed a practicum as a therapist in a children’s crisis unit and adult crisis unit and finished her master’s internship as a behavior specialist at Roger’s Behavioral Health treating OCD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders at the partial hospitalization level of care. Since graduation, Katie has continued working with children and adolescents diagnosed with OCD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.
Fun Facts about Katie:
- She loves going to concerts and music festivals.
- She enjoys crocheting blankets and stuffed animals.
- She wants to visit and hike at least one trail at every national park.
Beatriz Alvarez – M.S., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Beatriz is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults who deal with OCD, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. Guiding parents through the best ways to support their children and providing education to family members on how to create a safe environment is key, and this is part of her approach to care. Beatriz completed her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, and her Master’s degree from National Louis University. Her journey in mental health began as a Care Manager at Gracepoint Wellness serving as the liaison between doctors and patients to ensure quality care. Beatriz completed her practicum at Rogers Behavioral Health working with OCD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders at the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient level of care and also at Coalition Recovery assisting clients in their journey through addiction recovery. After graduating Beatriz stayed on at Rogers, first as a Behavior Specialist and then as a Therapist.
As a mental health advocate long before making it a career, Beatriz understands the importance of safety, support, actionable steps, and rapport building.
Fun Facts about Beatriz:
- Beatriz was born in Cuba, and her first language is Spanish
- Basketball is her favorite sport, and is a huge supporter of the Dallas Mavericks
- Beatriz has a dog that is a mix between a Shitzu and a Frenchie, and is named Chuleta which translates from Spanish to English as “Pork Chop”
Brandi Lonergan, Office Manager
Brandi Lonergan joined RPG in February 2017 as Administrative Assistant. She has 15 years of front office experience in a variety of setting including most recently a busy veterinary office. Brandi made the transition seamlessly from helping people help their pets to assisting people seeking care for themselves and their loved ones Her dedication to easing the pain and suffering of both people and animals is evident daily in how she takes care of RPG’s clients, clinicians and therapy dogs.
Fun Facts about Brandi:
- Brandi’s favorite hobbies are spending time with her family, kayaking, snorkeling and travelling.
- She loves to bake.
- She is an animal lover.
Jacquiline Guerra – Administrative Assistant
Jacquiline Guerra joined RPG in November of 2023 as the Administrative Assistant. Jacqui graduated with a B.A. in Art Therapy from the University of Tampa. She is currently a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in counseling with a Concentration in Art Therapy at PennWest University. She has three years of experience in administrative duties in multiple private practices and is ready to help more people with RPG!
Jacqui enjoys working with people and spending time with family and friends. She likes to paint, draw, and read when she can, and play with her French bulldogs. Also, (often) you’ll see Jacqui with candy, a soda, or fruit as she loves sugar.
Fun Facts about Jacquiline:
- Jacqui enjoys camping and canoeing
- She loves horror movies.
- As a military brat, she’s been to four different countries: Germany, Austria, France, and Canada!