Danielle Dufresne

Danielle Dufresne

Instructor

Danielle Dufresne, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia and Connecticut. She specializes in psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational assessments for individuals presenting with a range of behavioral, emotional, cognitive, educational, and developmental challenges. Currently, she is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University who primarily works in the GMU Center for Psychological Services. Within the GMU Center for Psychological Services, a community-based clinic dedicated to the training of graduate level students and supporting members of the community,  Dr. Dufresne serves as the Assessment Associate Director and provides direct supervision to the clinicians. In addition, Dr. Dufresne also conducts comprehensive assessments for those seeking clarity about their educational, cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioral needs. Such understanding can support workplace and academic accommodations, provide diagnostic clarity, and guide treatment planning.

Simultaneously, Dr. Dufresne is the owner of a private practice in Connecticut where she provides comprehensive assessment and consultation services to families, schools, and other agencies to identify an individual’s unique patterns of strengths and challenges so as to inform recommendations for support. This includes not only comprehensive assessments, but also collaboration with relevant people involved in supporting the client (e.g., family members, treatment providers, school and educational teams). She also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Hartford. At present, this role includes supervision of doctoral level graduate students. Previously, Dr. Dufresne’s adjunct faculty position led her to be an instructor in psychological assessment, a committee member for the Qualifying Examination process, and a committee member for a completed doctoral dissertation.

Dr. Dufresne’s clinical work has taken place across a variety of settings and with a range of clients. This includes working with children, adolescents, and adults in private practice, outpatient clinics, residential treatment programs, inpatient psychiatric units, clinical day schools, and public and private schools. In addition to her expertise in conducting psychological, educational, and neuropsychological evaluations, Dr. Dufresne has also been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and has provided individual and group therapy.

Dr. Dufresne obtained her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. She continued to pursue her doctoral training at her alma mater via the Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology where she obtained her Psy.D.

Expanded Publication List

Tolin, D.F., Gilliam, C.M., & Dufresne, D. (2009). The economic and social burden of anxiety disorders. In D.J. Stein, E. Hollander, & B.O. Rothbaum (Eds.). Textbook of Anxiety Disorders (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Courses Taught

PSYC 792: Comprehensive Assessment Psychology Practicum

Education

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology - University of Hartford, Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology (APA Accredited Program)

M.A. in Clinical Practice - University of Hartford, Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology

B.A. in Psychology & Criminal Justice - University of Hartford (Summa Cum Laude and Psychology Honors)

Recent Presentations

Current Trends in Teleassessment: Developing and Navigating a Hybrid Model for Psychological Assessment. APA 2021 Convention, Virtual. [Addressed the methods and tools for developing, navigating, and supporting a hybrid model of assessment.] Presented along with Tawfik, S.H.; Wright, A.J.; Cellucci, A.; Huffman, J. & Mannis, R.