Psychologists in Tampa | Tampa Counselors | Therapy in Tampa

Meet Our Team

The clinicians 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

Our Core Values | Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, FL

Learn More About Our Tampa Psychologists

 

Wendy B. Rice, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist & Founder of Rice Psychology Group

Dr. Wendy RiceSince 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. Wendy Rice with Milo the therapy dogsDr. 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

    • 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)

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

  • Rice Psychology in TampaSuicide Prevention: Knowing When & Where to Get Help
    By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Believe it or not, suicidal thoughts are frequent visitors to therapy sessions. At Rice Psychology in Tampa, we recognize that these thoughts typically
  • Political Discussions Within Families | Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, FLElection Tension: When Families Flare Up with Politics
      The political landscape of 2023 has been incredibly contentious, to say the least. It has forced us, as a nation, to have conversations about difficult topics, take sides, and frequently butt
  • Navigating ADHD: A Guide for Every Struggling Parent Tampa PsychologistsNavigating ADHD: A Guide for Every Struggling Parent
      As a parent, we know you want to give your kid the best, including helping them succeed and making their struggles or pain disappear. However, when your child’s behavior seems uncontrollable

Elaine Spencer Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Elaine SpencerDr. Spencer is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, young adults and families. Her clinical experience includes treating depression and anxiety, trauma, behavioral problems, relationship difficulties as well as family and school-related issues. She has had the opportunity to work in a variety of contexts, including outpatient care, residential treatment and school settings. Dr. Spencer also has experience conducting child and adolescent psychological evaluations.

Dr. Spencer received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She received her Masters degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver Professional School of Psychology. She then completed her American Psychological Association (APA)-approved internship at the Kaiser Permanente Department of Psychiatry in San Diego, California. After completing her post-doctoral training, she then became a staff psychologist at the Trauma Counseling Department in the Rady Children’s Hospital Chadwick Center in San Diego, California.

Dr. Spencer is passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults and families and she strives to create a safe environment in which to explore therapeutic issues. She utilizes evidenced based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, in addition to non-directive play therapy and psychodynamic/family approaches. Creativity plays a central role in Dr. Spencer’s approach to therapy and she often incorporates art and games into the therapeutic process. Dr. Spencer feels it is important to focus on strengths, to develop healthy coping skills and to incorporate a solid support system in order to help them achieve their optimal emotional and physical well-being.

Fun Facts about Dr. Spencer:

  • Enjoys running and just completed her second marathon
  • Huge Disney fan and Dory is her favorite Disney character
  • Used to be a preschool teacher

Recent Blogs by Elaine Spencer

  • Introverted Child | Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, FLThe Introverted Child: Understanding This Behavior and Teaching Your Kids That it’s Perfectly Fine
    By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist “She’s finally starting to come out of her shell.” “It just takes him a little longer to warm up to others.” “She’s more of a listener than a talker.”
  • Group of friendsThe Power of the Group
    By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist When parents realize that their children or teens are struggling and need support, they often consider individual therapy. It’s true that
  • parents playing with their kidsEmotionally Connecting With Your Children
    By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist As a mother of two young children, I often feel that there are not enough hours in the day to take care of them and accomplish all of the seemingly

Ashley Diehl Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist & Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Dr. Ashley DiehlDr. 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

  • What Are the “Post-Holiday Blues?” Tampa PsychologistsWhat Are the “Post-Holiday Blues?”
    Even with the holidays looking different this year, for those like you, there is still a lot on your plate. You’re decorating, buying gifts, cooking, taking photos, and connecting with family – […]
  • Mindfulness Tampa PsychologistsMindfulness
    If we all weren’t juggling enough between the many hats we wear as parents, spouses, professionals, and friends; now we have the added stress that has come with the challenges associated with […]
  • Back to school | Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, FLBack to School: Tips for Helping Your Kids with Their Worries
      Summer is coming to an end, meaning that it’s now time to gear up for a new school year! This can often make kids anxious or worried, even if it’s not their first time in school. There are so […]

Anna Schrack, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist & Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Meet Our Team Tampa Psychologists

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.

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

  • The Illusion of Control in the Year of COVID-19 Tampa PsychologistsThe Illusion of Control in the Year of COVID-19
    June 2021 looks vastly different from June 2020, in the United States at least. We went from the uncertainty of what COVID-19 would bring, the difficulty of facing social distancing, and scrambling
  • Psychosomatic Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Tampa PsychologistsPsychosomatic Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    Today, I was actively sweating even though I wasn’t being physically active. I was just sitting at the table drinking tea. I felt fatigued, but I’d been very active the previous day. I also felt very

Sumari Oms, M.A., Licensed School Psychologist

Meet Our Team Tampa Psychologists

Meet Sumari Oms, a Licensed School Psychologist with a passion for supporting the well-being of preschoolers, children, teenagers and emerging adults. Sumari specializes in assessing and treating psychological and learning disorders, making a positive impact on the lives of those with whom she works.

Sumari’s journey is truly inspiring! She started with a bachelor’s degree in education, specializing in early childhood. After spending many years as a dedicated teacher, she decided to further her education in psychology, focusing on school psychology. Sumari’s dedication to children with special needs in school settings is remarkable. Sumari’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including assessing and treating specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, as well as addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, behavior, social dynamics, and family challenges. Sumari’s commitment extends even further, as she has been providing therapy and support to children and families within the foster care community. She specializes in providing therapy for those dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma (including PTSD).
Outside of her profession, Sumari is a loving mother to a daughter and cares for two adorable furry canine companions named Coco Loco and Tootsie Roll. It’s clear that Sumari’s heart is full of compassion and dedication to improving the lives of children and families.

Fun facts about Sumari:

  • Sumari loves spending time with her puppies , going to the beach and hiking.
  • Sumari loves to paint and dance in her free time.
  • Sumari is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Recent Posts by Anna Schrack

  • The Illusion of Control in the Year of COVID-19 Tampa PsychologistsThe Illusion of Control in the Year of COVID-19
    June 2021 looks vastly different from June 2020, in the United States at least. We went from the uncertainty of what COVID-19 would bring, the difficulty of facing social distancing, and scrambling
  • Psychosomatic Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Tampa PsychologistsPsychosomatic Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    Today, I was actively sweating even though I wasn’t being physically active. I was just sitting at the table drinking tea. I felt fatigued, but I’d been very active the previous day. I also felt very

Andy Coble, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Meet Our Team Tampa PsychologistsAndy 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

Meet Our Team Tampa Psychologists

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
  • 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

Meet Our Team Tampa Psychologists

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.

Brandi Lonergan, Office Manager

Meet Our Team Tampa PsychologistsBrandi 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.

Jessica Carlson, Administrative Assistant

Meet Our Team Tampa Psychologists

Jessica Carlson joined RPG in March of 2020 as an Administrative Assistant. She has 7 years of front office and administrative experience in a variety of settings. Her strengths include staying organized, meeting new people and creating art to maintain an optimistic outlook. Growing up with 2 younger sisters, as well as experience as a preschool teacher’s assistant, Jess has a unique insight to help with RPG’s clients. Prior to joining the RPG team, she managed the front office for a busy Chiropractic practice.

Fun Facts about Jessica:

  • Her favorite hobbies include hiking, reading, photography and gardening.
  • Ideal vacation spot is in the mountains up north.
  • Loves going to hockey games with her husband. Go Lightning!!!

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