Maryke Caputo, PhD
Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Resident in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Caputo specializes in comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations, child and adolescent psychotherapy, and family consultation. She helps children, adolescents, and families gain answers, find clarity, and build practical pathways toward emotional wellness, academic success, and stronger family functioning. Guided by genuine empathy and informed by extensive experience across school and clinical settings, she strives to understand each child's unique strengths, challenges, and potential. Viewing parents as experts on their own children, she works collaboratively with families, educators, and healthcare providers to support meaningful, lasting progress at home, at school, and in the community.
Clinical Approach and Services
Dr. Caputo's clinical approach combines thoughtful assessment with evidence-based intervention, beginning with a comprehensive understanding of each child's cognitive, emotional, and neurodevelopmental profile. She conducts psychological evaluations for individuals from preschool age through young adulthood using a rigorous, multi-method approach that includes clinical interviews, standardized testing, behavioral rating scales, and direct observation.
Using individually tailored assessment batteries, she helps clarify complex presentations involving ADHD, specific learning disorders (including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia), autism spectrum disorder, and mood or anxiety concerns. Each evaluation concludes with a detailed, individualized report containing practical recommendations that families and educators can implement across home, school, and community settings.
Dr. Caputo also provides active, solution-focused psychotherapy for children and adolescents experiencing generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, ADHD-related frustration, behavioral challenges, and emotional dysregulation. Drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she helps young people develop healthier thought patterns, strengthen coping skills, and improve emotional regulation.
Recognizing that children function within an interconnected family system, Dr. Caputo partners closely with caregivers through structured consultation. She provides evidence-based behavior management strategies, positive reinforcement systems, and practical coaching to support emotional and behavioral growth. Drawing on her extensive experience in public schools, she also helps families understand and navigate school-based supports, including Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Education and Training
Dr. Caputo earned her PhD and MA in School Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, an APA-accredited program where she received advanced training in psychological assessment, multicultural counseling, pediatric neurodevelopment, and interventions for children and adolescents.
Her doctoral dissertation examined how a young child's temperament interacts with Theory of Mind to influence early social competence and peer relationships. This work continues to inform her understanding of children with social communication challenges, autism spectrum conditions, and peer relationship difficulties.
Prior to her graduate training, she completed a BSc (Honors) in Psychology from the University of Cape Town and a BA in Psychology and English Literature from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Her educational background gives her a broad and culturally responsive perspective.
Professional Experience, Certifications, and Advanced Training
Dr. Caputo brings extensive experience across public school systems, specialized outpatient settings, and trauma-informed care. She served as a School Psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools, where she conducted psychological evaluations, managed crisis response procedures, and developed behavior intervention plans. Her school-based training also includes an APA-accredited doctoral internship in Loudoun County Public Schools and clinical practica in Prince George's County Public Schools.
In outpatient settings, Dr. Caputo completed a specialized externship at The Tree House Child Advocacy Center, where she provided Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to children and families recovering from traumatic experiences. She also provided community-based therapy and assessment services through the COE-CARES Psychological Center.
Dr. Caputo has completed advanced training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), NASP PREPARE Crisis Intervention, suicide risk assessment, and threat assessment.
In addition to serving as a Resident in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Caputo holds an active Virginia license as a School Psychologist. She is currently completing supervised clinical hours toward independent licensure as a Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. During her residency, she practices under the direct supervision of Dr. Carol Williams-Nickelson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clarity’s Founder and CEO, helping to ensure families receive collaborative, high-quality care.
Dr. Caputo is an active member of the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.
