Dr. Jacklin Cardentey

Dr. Jacklin Cardentey (Dr. C) is a provisionally licensed psychologist at West Houston Psychology with a strong foundation in psychological assessment, neurodiversity-affirming care, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Cardentey earned a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, providing both therapy and comprehensive psychological evaluations.  She is fluent in both English and Spanish and can provide therapy and psychological assessments in either language, increasing access to culturally responsive care for diverse individuals and families. Dr. Cardentey is especially passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals across the lifespan so that they may gain deeper self-understanding.

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Dr. Cardentey has extensive training and experience in various forms of psychological testing. She has an interest in identifying Autism and ADHD in populations that are often underdiagnosed or misunderstood, including females and individuals with more subtle or internalized presentations. Her assessment process is collaborative and strengths-based, with a focus on clear diagnostic clarity and practical recommendations for home, school, and daily functioning. With a background in school psychology and applied behavior analysis, she brings a developmentally informed, systems-based perspective to her work.

 

In therapy, Dr. Cardentey utilizes a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach tailored to each client’s developmental stage, needs, and interests. She incorporates developmentally appropriate strategies such as games, play-based interventions, and client-identified interests to support engagement, increase emotional awareness, and build meaningful skills. Her therapeutic work often focuses on emotional regulation, identity development, executive functioning, and practical coping strategies, while maintaining a safe, supportive, and validating environment where clients of all ages feel understood and empowered.

 

Outside of her professional role, Dr. Cardentey enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and fur baby. She loves traveling, watching television, and exploring new cuisines. As a disabled veteran spouse, she has a strong appreciation for the unique experiences and challenges faced by military-connected families and incorporates this understanding into her clinical work. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys working as the Practicum Training Director and providing hands-on learning to future clinicians.