About DR. bickoff
Sandbar Psychological Services, owned and operated by April Bickoff, Psy.D., provides a supportive environment for individuals seeking to find their footing amid life’s changing tides. Dedicated to helping clients reach their full potential, Dr. Bickoff has built her career on guiding individuals toward their personal and developmental goals. Within this approach, clients are equipped to better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while developing actionable strategies to manage the daily stressors that impact self-esteem and overall well-being.
Recognizing that taking the initial step to seek support can be challenging, Dr. Bickoff has purposefully cultivated a safe, judgment-free space. The practice operates on the foundational belief that personal growth is an ongoing journey for everyone, and reaching out for professional guidance is a highly commendable step toward positive change.
Experience
With more than fifteen years of extensive clinical experience, Dr. Bickoff has served in a diverse array of professional settings, ranging from outpatient clinics and medical group practices to adolescent residential treatment facilities and juvenile court systems. She earned her Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) in 2011 from Loyola University Maryland’s highly regarded program, receiving specialized training in both therapy and assessment under the guidance of leading experts in the field. She conducted her dissertation on the relationship between clinical tests of executive function and independent living skills.
Approach
Dr. Bickoff’s therapeutic approach is characterized by warmth, authenticity, and a deep commitment to clinical collaboration. Recognizing that no two individuals experience challenges in the exact same way, she prioritizes highly individualized care over a one-size-fits-all methodology. By carefully assessing each client's unique strengths and presenting concerns, Dr. Bickoff ensures that therapeutic services are meticulously tailored to meet their specific needs.
Holding specialized certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dr. Bickoff operates from the foundational belief that meaningful change stems from altering how individuals perceive and respond to their present circumstances. She employs a dynamic, integrative methodology utilizing a variety of evidence-based techniques. For younger clients in particular, this approach thoughtfully incorporates elements of creativity and play to facilitate engagement and therapeutic progress.
Specializations
Dr. Bickoff specializes in providing comprehensive psychological care for children (ages 4 and up) and adolescents, in addition to young adults and parents. She remains open to supporting any individual who may benefit from her clinical expertise, encompassing a wide range of presenting concerns, including:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Specific Phobias, OCD, Health Anxiety, Performance and Sports Anxiety
- Low Self-Esteem
- School Stress
- Anger Management
- Social Struggles
- Post-Traumatic Stress
- Parenting Challenges
- Attention and Concentration Issues
- Toileting and Sleep Issues
- Focused AD/HD Evaluations (coming soon)
- Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluations (coming soon)
Scope of Practice Limitations
To ensure that all individuals receive the highest standard of appropriate care, please note that Dr. Bickoff’s clinical scope of practice does not include specialized treatment for patients whose primary concerns relate to the following areas:
- Eating Disorders
- Sensory Issues
- Substance Abuse Issues
- Emergency Crisis Management
- Custody Evaluations and Disputes