CNS
CENTER FOR NEUROBEHAVIORAL SERVICES
We're Here To Listen!
260-471-2300
About CNS
CNS is a private practice providing outpatient services for high risk special needs children and their families. We also provide services for adults with complex medical/cognitive/emotional and/or behavioral issues. As a lifespan practice, our patient population ranges from infancy through late adulthood. Unexplained issues do not have to be never ending. With accurate diagnosis, counseling, and a clear plan one can move stuck issues into productive opportunities.
Our Mission
Our office is dedicated to providing easily accessible neuropsychological and clinical mental health services with the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.
We focus on children with known or suspected conditions, including:
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• Children exposed to substances in utero
• Cognitive and Behavioral issues from
genetic/chromosomal abnormalities
• Complex medical conditions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Developmental delays/disorders
• Congenital and traumatic brain injuries
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Complex trauma and abuse
• ADHD
• Cancer
As part of our work with adults, we are focusing on the following:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Impact on relationships
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Parenting issues (particularly special needs children)
• Cognitive changes (including decreased executive function, memory loss)
Women's issues, including:
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Infertility
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Single mom/working mom issues
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Emotional issues related to:
• Heart disease/heart surgery
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• POTS (postural orthostatic
tachycardia syndrome)
• Ehlers-Danlos
Telehealth
CNS is open, providing care when you need us most. Telehealth and in-office appointments are available to many new and established therapy patients (some individuals may not respond well to telehealth, and telehealth is not suitible for all).
Office 260-471-2300
Ext. 1 Office Manager, PA's & Psychiatry
Ext. 2 New Patients Seeking Services, Evaluations & Testing
Ext. 3 Insurance & Billing
Ext. 4 Therapy & Medical Records
Outpatient Services
& Advocacy
The treatment of high risk special needs children and adolescents requires an eclectic array of methods and techniques, depending on the developmental and cognitive functioning as well as clinical issues of the individual child or adolescent. The evaluation and treatment of a child or adolescent cannot be divorced from the family and environment (including academic, cultural, and community) in which an individual lives.
How Can We Help You
Individual therapy involves a trusting relationship with a trained therapist using a variety of techniques and methods to bring about change in the child, adolescent’s or adult's feelings and behaviors. Individual therapy allows the child, adolescent or adult to receive emotional support, resolve conflicts with others, understand their feelings and problems, and try out new solutions to old problems.
Individual Therapy
Play therapy is to children what talk therapy is to adults. Play is children’s natural way of expression and helps them express their feelings more easily and naturally through toys and other materials rather than through words.
Expressive arts therapy is an integrative, multimodal approach that utilizes a variety of methods including writing, music, visual arts, drama, and dance to help access the thoughts and emotions that trigger symptoms of anxiety and depression. It helps patients connect with their emotions, communicate what they are thinking and feeling, and develop greater overall self-awareness. That in turn informs and supports the primary work and goals of individual therapy and family therapy.
Play Therapy/Expressive Arts Therapy
Family therapy helps family members improve communication, resolve conflicts, and understand the effects of the child or adolescent’s emotional, behavioral, and medical (including genetic) difficulties on the family. This knowledge can help the family advocate more effectively for their child in all areas, including academic settings.
Family Therapy
Neuropsychological assessment is the standardized administration of cognitive tests and the individualized interpretation of the results of these tests to form conclusions about brain-behavior relationships and brain function.
Neuropsychological Testing
Psychiatric services involve the mental health assessment, diagnosis, and medication management and evidence based treatment for anxiety, depression and disruptive behaviors of the individual child or adolescent and allows the integration of genetics and behavioral sciences in a more comprehensive understanding of human development and behavior.
Limited Psychiatric Services
Neuropsychological Evaluation
A Neuropsychological Assessment Consists Of Three Stages
1
2
The initial consultation is a 60–90 minute appointment with the doctor during which information is gathered about a person's concerns or difficulties and medical background and history. A clinical examination is then conducted, and the findings are used to determine what specific tests will be used to answer the referring questions from the patient's doctor. A family member is encouraged to attend this appointment to help provide information about the patient if the patient is an adult, and absolutely required if the patient is a child or adolescent.
Neuropsychological testing is based on the patient's concerns as well as those of their referring physician and the information gathered during the initial consultation. It is typically completed in 3-6 hours in one day. On the day of testing, please make sure you or your child who is testing takes their medications as regularly prescribed, gets a good night’s rest the night before, eats a balanced breakfast and/or lunch, and has snacks/drinks for during the testing process. All tests are individually administered and designed to provide detailed information about how a person's brain works. Many tests are "hands on" and require assembling, sorting, organizing, etc.
A typical evaluation involves assessment of:
• Intellectual abilities
• Attention and concentration
• Learning
• Memory
• Higher level reasoning
• Problem solving
• Language abilities
• Visual-spatial skills
• Motor functioning
• Sensory Skills
• Emotionality and
personality functioning
• Adaptive function
3
The review consists of a forty-five minute to an hour appointment in which the doctor reviews the diagnostic test results with the patient and/or a family member (if your child was the one tested, only the parents/guardians are required to attend this appointment). This appointment allows an opportunity for further questions and to discuss the implications of the assessment that includes any ongoing concerns as well as future directions and recommendations.
Psychiatric Medication
Upon physician availability, Psychiatric consultation and medication management are available for patients who are actively involved in therapeutic treatment at CNS or another facility. Individuals who are not engaged in ongoing psychological treatment are not eligible to receive medication through our office.
Patient
Information
Completed forms are required for all patients and are due when you arrive for your appointment.
Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow check-in, completion of additional brief forms, and a review of the information by the doctor or therapist prior to seeing you. IF YOU DO NOT ARRIVE ON TIME, YOU MAY NOT BE SEEN THAT DAY.
If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible.
260-471-2300
Co-pays, Co-insurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket payments are expected on the date of services. This is a requirement of the contract you have with your insurance company.
Accepted Insurances
Traditional Medicaid Accepted In Addition To:
MDwise, MHS, CareSource and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as all plans such as Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan, and Hoosier Care Connect.
Medicare Accepted:
Part B & Part C
Commercial Insurances:
Advantage Health, Aetna, Ambetter, Beacon Health Options, CIGNA, ComPsych, CoreSource, Encore Health Network
Federal Employees Program, GEHA, Humana, Lutheran Preferred, Medical Mutual
Physicians Health Plan, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Sagamore Health Network, Signature Care, Three Rivers Preferred, TriCare East, UMR, UnitedHealthcare
Meet
Our Team
Barbara C. Gelder, Ph.D.
Dr. Gelder is the owner of CNS and is a practicing neuropsychologist specializing in the neuropsychological assessment of individuals who have been prenatally exposed to toxins (alcohol, drugs, etc.), who have chromosomal/genetic abnormalities, head injuries, issues related to chemotherapy, trauma (abuse/neglect/loss) and complex behavioral disorders as well as adults with issues involving attention/concentration and aging.
Dr. Gelder has been the co-founder of several support groups dealing with Alzheimer’s ADHD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and genetic syndromes. She has co-authored several articles dealing with issues of children prenatally exposed to alcohol, and has presented to numerous audiences on a variety of topics. She does not accept forensic, child custody, or civil litigation cases.
Education
Ph.D from Ball State University
Sylvia A. Manalis, M.D.
Dr. Manalis has several decades of experience in psychiatry; she specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry in outpatient psychiatric settings. She provides diagnostic and medication services to children and adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, various chromosomal disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and anger problems. She is Clinical Assistant Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, IUSM-Fort Wayne. She is the author of: A Guide for Parents of Troubled Children: Working with a Child Psychiatrist ( available on amazon).
Education
MD from Indiana University
Nicole Gaunt, LCSW
Nicole is a licensed clinical social worker who has been with CNS since 2019 and has worked with clients in multiple settings in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas over the last 28 years. She provides both therapy and assessment services for children, young adults, individuals, and families using an integrated approach tailored to the unique needs of each new client. Nicole believes that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Nicole approaches both therapy and assessment as healing processes, helping to answer deep-seated questions that individuals have about themselves, their experiences and their relationships. With a passion for supporting diversity, Nicole provides an environment of compassion and support to help individuals and families overcome obstacles to move forward and thrive. If looking for guidance with anxiety, depression, loss, traumatic life experiences and/or family strain, it takes courage to ask for help. Admitting you can't do everything on your own, is the first step in achieving wellness in a fast paced and demanding world.
Education
Master's Degree in Social Work from Indiana University
Bernadine Payton, LMHC
Bernadine is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who has over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, elderly and couples. Clinical settings include: inpatient psychiatric hospital outpatient psychiatric offices, immigrant and refugee community agency.
Clinical Experience includes clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, couples conflict, family conflict, self-esteem issues, and grief and loss issues.
Therapeutic approaches include CBT, motivational Interviewing, Solution focused therapy, Narrative therapy, and therapy-informed play therapy.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Ball State University
Master’s Degree from Indiana University Purdue University –
Fort Wayne IN
Kaitlin Nini, MSSA, LCSW
Kaitlin is a licensed clinical social worker and has been with CNS since 2019. She works with children (0-18) and women who are faced with challenges related to attachment and bonding concerns, behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety, trauma, medical trauma and specializes with development delays in children. In addition to applying therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered therapy, play therapy, and art therapy, Kaitlin believes utilizing a full family approach to create a healing environment for the family as well as overall well-being of the client. Kaitlin has a combined experience of over 10 years working with women and their children.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Oakland University
Master of Social Science Administration – Case Western Reserve University
Gabrielle McCaskill, LMHC-A
Since 2016, Gabrielle has worked with children and adolescents, adults, veterans, victims of domestic violence, and accepts clients from various other diverse populations. As an existential-humanistic therapist with an eclectic approach to therapy, she believes in utilizing tools from multiple therapeutic theories including, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-commitment, dialectical behavioral, and other modalities and therapeutic interventions while remaining focused on processing and working through the strife and anxieties that life presents.
Gabrielle believes individual human experiences are innately fraught with adversity along life’s exciting and perilous journey. However, with self-awareness (including awareness of emotions, behaviors, and thoughts), appropriate coping skills, and a strong therapeutic/personal support system, every person can attain their individual goals. The quote, “there is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance” is a great expression of what Gabrielle strives to impart to all of her clients on their journey forward in life.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Human Services (concentration in Youth and Families)
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Debb Clevenger, MA
Debb is a Christian provider who understands the importance of being compassionate and what it means to accept grace. She would not consider herself a passive or laid back provider, but understand one's need to move at one's own pace. She believes everyone is given a certain amount of time for each season of their lives and the importance of moving forward. Life isn't always easy. One of her favorite psychologists and authors is Ram Dass. He shared the following quote "We're all just walking each other home.” Debb would consider it an honor to walk with you toward your better life.
Education
Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Indiana Institute of Technology
Master's Degree in Psychology from Crown College
Vicki Murgaw, LMHC
Vicki has been a counselor for 20+ years. She has worked with adolescent males and females, helping them to work through trauma, anxiety, depression and for some deviant sexual behaviors. In the last 10 years Vicki has worked with adults who are working through trauma, anxiety, depression and marital problems. Her office with CNS is in a church in Jonesboro. She uses a Great Dane/Lab mix therapy dog as part of her practice. He helps people feel comfortable and comforted when they are working on difficult issues.
Education
Master’s Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University
Michele Viers, NP
Michele is qualified to practice both
primary care and psychiatry, allowing her to care for her patients body and mind. She has a strong passion to help those who struggle with mental health, especially within the adolescent population. Michele feels it is important to provide a caring environment that makes an otherwise vulnerable situation of discussing mental health concerns feel comfortable. She takes the time to listen and incorporate the opinions of her patient when making decisions regarding their care, making it a truly patient centered care. She absolutely love what she does and looks forward to meeting you!
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University
Masters of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University; Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Primary Mental Health Certificate from Purdue
Nicci Mays, BA
Nicci graduated from Indiana University with a degree in psychology with emphasis in neuroscience. She has worked in various research and clinical settings studying brain imaging, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and neuropsychology. Currently she specializes in neuropsychological assessment as a testing technician of both children and adults.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Indiana University
Ben Meyer, Ed.S.
Ben is a licensed school psychologist who works for a local school district in the Fort Wayne area. He has worked at CNS at least part-time since 2017 completing neuropsychological testing as a testing technician. He is also am interested in children who may have an autism spectrum condition. He is married and has three children. He and his family enjoy going to the zoo, swimming, and playing family games.
Education
School Psychology Ed.S. from Valparaiso University
Lori Gomez, Billing/Financial Manager
Lori has over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration/management, medical billing, coding, human resource management, obtaining prior authorizations, employee training and customer service. She is dually certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders in medical coding and medical billing. She has worked as the financial manager for CNS for the last 3 years assisting team members in billing/insurance protocol and account collections. Lori loves spending time with her family, siblings, and her 2 shepherd puppies.
Education
CPC: Certified Professional Coder
CPB: Certified Professional Biller
Interested In Joining Our Team
Click below to see our available positions
Additional Resources
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Autism Speaks
Center For Families With Special Needs
National Center For Learning Disabilities
ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
International Dyslexia Association
Resources For Families - Child Mind Institute
Parents Together
Grieving Children
Center For Non-Violence
We're Here For You!
Covid Information
What Our Patients Should Know
Our clinic is open to assist our patients and the doctors who have referred you here for diagnostic and therapeutic care.
As of 12/20/22: Due to the increase of cases for RSV, Influenza, and COVID, all patients, family members, and staff are now required to wear a mask while in the building. This will be in place until further notice.
Given concerns about COVID-19 and the effects this virus has had on our community in Fort Wayne, CNS will continue to follow guidance for small businesses as recommended by the CDC. We also follow guidance from Allen County’s Health Department. We check health updates frequently and make changes as additional information becomes available and recommended.
The following are several tips to cope with the COVID-19. These come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will update this guidance for our clinic and patients as additional information becomes available from the State of Indiana or The Federal Government.
Opening Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Friday: 9am to 4pm
Limited Evening & Saturday Hours
3010 E. State Blvd. • Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Office 260-471-2300
Ext. 1 Office Manager, PA's & Psychiatry
Ext. 2 New Patients Seeking Services, Evaluations & Testing
Ext. 3 Insurance & Billing
Ext. 4 Therapy & Medical Records
Fax 260-471-2778
COVID-19 Guidelines
In an effort to ensure the safety of all of our patients and our staff the following precautions are in place for all appointments:
• Please stay home if you have symptoms of cough, cold, fever, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
• Please stay home if you have been in contact with anyone exposed to or
infected by the coronavirus.
• Please stay home if you have tested positive for coronavirus.
• In order to reduce exposure, adult patients are asked to attend their
appointments by themselves.
• If a family member needs to be present because of age or circumstances (such as elderly patients who do not drive or children who need a parent)
please have only one person accompany the patient.
• Please leave all siblings or additional family members at home.
• We disinfect all surfaces and materials between appointments.
• Social distancing will be maintained whenever possible.
• Neurocognitive diagnostic testing will be in person.
We realize that these guidelines may create some level of hardship for some families
and apologize in advance for any inconvenience. Our goal is to continue to provide all
of our patients and their family members with the highest possible medical and psychological
care possible, while also ensuring the highest level of safety and health of all.
Thank you for understanding!
Please call our office with any questions or concerns. 260-471-2300