About

Mikala L. Saccoman, PhD

Dr. Saccoman is the owner of the Central Oregon Psychology Center and a Licensed Psychologist (#2229).

She completed her doctoral degree (PhD) in School Psychology at the University of Utah where she entered the Neuropsychology track and participated in grant-funded training for the identification and treatment of Autism. Her doctoral training followed a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Colgate University and a Master's Degree in School Psychology from the University of Hartford. Her pre and post doctoral training included public school settings, specialized schools for students with Autism (The Pingree School for Autism in Salt Lake City), clinical research settings (Utah Autism Research Project), and outpatient hospital settings (St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon).

  • While at St. Charles she assisted Dr. Sondra Marshall in opening the region's first multi-disciplinary pediatric assessment clinic, known as the PEDAL clinic. Dr. Saccoman's doctoral research investigated the neurocognitive effects of intensive treatments for severe depressive disorders in adults.

    Dr. Saccoman spent the early part of her career working as a School Psychologist in Central Oregon. Her work in School Psychology afforded her intimate knowledge related to the provision of school-based support services for students in this region. She draws heavily upon this knowledge today to assist families in navigating school supports and in collaborating with local school staff. Dr. Saccoman is a strong and knowledgeable advocate for students with special needs in Central Oregon. In the later part of her doctoral training she gained experience in adult clinical and forensic neuropsychological assessment, refining her clinical skills in assessing and diagnosing adults with neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions.

    In her leisure time, Dr. Saccoman enjoys cooking, yoga, running, hiking, skiing, and spending time with her spouse and dog.

Brian T. Evans, PsyD

Dr. Evans, is a Licensed Psychologist (#1871), who has practiced in Central Oregon for the past 15 years providing compassionate assessment and treatment. He uses a strength-based perspective based on the assumption that although people are wired for wellness, life can sometimes get in the way. He uses a variety of evidence-based interventions that may include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Parts Work Therapy. Whatever approach he utilizes, it’s always framed in a collaborative, integrative, and trauma-informed way and infused with a bit of humor. The goal is to help each client reach their full potential.

  • Dr. Evans has worked in a wide range of settings including sleep medicine clinic, primary care and hospital settings, rehabilitation medicine settings, as well as addiction and outpatient counseling centers. After graduating from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco, he completed his pre-doctoral internship in Neuropsychology at UC Davis Medical Center providing both assessment and treatment. His practice is focused primarily on treatment and assessment of late adolescents and adults. He enjoys working with clients who have a wide range of challenges which may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and adjustment problems.

    Dr. Evans loves to take full advantage of Bend's trails where you might find him running, biking, hiking and spending time with his family and three dogs.

Aaron Burrick, LCSW

Aaron Burrick is a licensed clinical social worker (#L14144), who specializes in the treatment of neurodivergent and gifted children, adolescents, and families. With a strong relationship at the foundation of his work, Aaron uses evidence-based and relational techniques to collaboratively move his clients toward their goals. He completed his clinical training at the Boston College School of Social Work and at the University of Connecticut, and has significant experience supporting the gifted population, teaching social and emotional skills, and working with children and families in school-based and outdoor settings.

  • As a therapist, Aaron combines evidence-based practice and attachment theory to create a strengths-based road toward lasting change. He draws from a variety of approaches that range from social and emotional skill-building to deep explorations of identity and purpose. Prior to working as a therapist, Aaron has worked as a school counselor, elementary and middle school teacher, and summer camp administrator. These positions have allowed Aaron to create a therapeutic space that is active, fun, and characterized by a positive and collaborative energy.

    In addition to his clinical work, Aaron has conducted research on help-seeking behavior, studied neuroscience, and designed curriculum for group therapy and social and emotional learning (SEL). He has also written about the relationships between mental health, physical activity, and the outdoors.

    Outside of the therapy office, Aaron enjoys endurance sports, reading, playing board games, listening to music, and spending time with his spouse and dog.