Mental Health Services for The Whole Family
Welcome to Rising Lotus in West Palm Beach, where we offer holistic mental health services for the whole family, based on the latest research in Neuroscience & Child Development.
Our Specialties Include Play Therapy, Teen Therapy and Therapy for Child & Teen Trauma
Child & Teen Therapy — Psychological Evaluations — Clinical Supervision
Our Guiding Principle
Grounded in Relational Neuroscience, we understand that healing occurs within relationships and we emphasize the importance of relationships as a vital mechanism for change in a non-judgmental, strength-based environment. Our approach is to create a collaborative and responsive plan for children, teens and their families, to act as partners in developing a more balanced family life, and address the emotional and behavioral concerns in your family.
Our Unique Approach
Advances in relational neuroscience have created a new approach for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health concerns. Our developmentally-appropriate and trauma-sensitive approach is an effective method to support the entire family from pregnancy onward. Specialties include interventions that address Anxiety, Child Trauma, Depression, Divorce, Grief and Loss, OCD, Self-Harm, Sexual Abuse, Teen Issues and Teen Trauma.
We are also proud to provide Neurodiversity-Affirming and Queer+-Affirming Care for children, teens and adults .
How We Can Help
Rising Lotus offers a variety of therapy experiences for children, adolescents, families and adults. Many times, a therapeutic plan includes a combination of services.
Therapy
Rising Lotus offers individual Psychological Evaluations for children, teens and young adults who may have questions about Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, etc.
Psychological Evaluations
We offer Clinical Supervision for Registered Interns while they pursue LCSW and LMHC licensure, as well as those working toward Registered Play Therapist (RPT) status.
Clinical Supervision
Parent coaching provides a safe place for parents to express their concerns, worries, and questions, and receive fresh insights and practical tools from an experienced professional.
Parent Coaching
Testimonials
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Tara and her team at Rising Lotus are incredible to collaborate with. As a school counselor, I can always trust in the referrals we make and know that our students and their families are in good hands. It is an amazing feeling to have people in the community you can partner with and trust our students with - it takes a village!
Elementary School Mental Health Counselor, Palm Beach
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Tara and the staff at Rising Lotus have a keen sense of understanding, compassion, and commitment to their clients and families. I have personally shared clients with her for several years, and she strives to maintain quality care and interdisciplinary teamwork. I would recommend her ten times over! If you are looking for the best, look no further!
Tanya Smith, Palm Beach Speech & OT Specialists
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Tara McDonnell has been one of the most compassionate, giving people I have ever met. Her research and practice have added immeasurably to her natural openness and generosity. I have long seen her success with adolescents, and as someone currently seeking support for mine, I appreciate that DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) is available.
Robin Valenza
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This practice is a true therapy gem in west palm. They use evidence based practices and play therapy to help your child. The therapists are incredibly professional and knowledgeable. I would especially recommend Sami, who treats her clients with compassion, respect and will go out of her way to create the most individualized treatment plan to help your child.
Chris Ceballos
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Tara and her team are a top-notch group of clinicians to whom I often refer families. They are especially great with The Littles (toddlers to elementary age) and nuerodivergent kiddos. Their work is consistently research based, highly ethical and deeply compassionate. Definitely a go-to group!
Autumn Quiles, Boca Child Counselor
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Tara has built a safe space to provide best of care to the children she treats. She and her staff are dedicated to all of their clients
Rose Anne Herbert
Meet the Team
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![Tara-McDonnell-LCSW]()
Tara McDonnell, LCSW, RPT-S, QS
Tara is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and specializes in working with children under 6, including child trauma. Tara also provides Animal Assisted Play Therapy with her Canine Co-Therapist, Fiona
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![Alex-Connor-LCSW]()
Alexandra Connor, LCSW
Alexandra is Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with tweens, teens, and young adults, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and those who self-harm.
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![Melissa-Krulik_Ph.D]()
Melissa Krulik, Ph.D., NCSP
Dr. Melissa Krulik is a Licensed Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist with extensive experience with children, adolescents and young adults.
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![Jillian-Lepera-LMHC]()
Jillian Lepera, LMHC, C-DBT, QS
Jillian specializes in working with teens and young adults with high risk and self-injurious behavior. Her process focuses on relationship building, communication strategies, and trauma resolution. Jillian is also an Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach State University.
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![Sami-Wallshein]()
Samantha Wallshein, Pre-Licensed
Sami works with children and teens. Specializing in anxiety OCD, and those who identify as Neurodivergent, she provides trauma-informed care that focuses on early intervention.
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We welcome individuals and families of all abilities, ages, gender identity, immigration status, race, religion, sexual identity and socio-economic status.
