Dr. Sandy Jensen Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with over 20 years experience performing assessments and conducting therapy with individuals ranging from infancy to their advanced years.   Dr. Jensen’s undergraduate training included degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology.  She earned a Master’s of Science in Justice Studies at Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University.  Her pre-doctoral internship was at the Florida State Hospital where she specialized in Forensic Psychology and developed a specialty working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities, including Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and other related conditions.  She gained extensive experience in forensic evaluations, including violence risk assessments, Competency to Stand Trial, and insanity evaluations.

Dr. Jensen began her career developing a community program evaluating and treating infants, children, adolescents and families who lacked insurance or the ability to pay for psychological services.  From there she served as the Clinical Director at several child and adolescent residential treatment facilities.  As her career progressed, Dr. Jensen served as the State of Wyoming Behavioral Health Disaster Coordinator and on the Wyoming Department of Health Joint Preparedness Advisory Committee.  She developed the Pre-Admission Screenings and Resident Review (PASRR) process for multiple States,  served as a Board Member for the National Association of PASRR professionals (NAPP) and maintains an Advanced Dementia Care Certification from University of Wyoming.  She overhauled the Wyoming Medicaid Developmental Disabilities and Acquired Brain Injury Waivers assessment process and advocated for the use of Behavioral Technicians and Analysts.  She worked with the Medicaid Finance Division to develop codes and guidelines allowing behavioral specialists to bill Medicaid and the Waivers for their services.  She also worked with the Wyoming Medicaid Program Integrity Unit and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit as an Investigator.   She was also a certified instructor of the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and MANDT and reviewed the use of restraints on individuals with Developmental Disabilities residing in residential and community based settings.  She is a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Dr. Jensen also has a background in law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services and has worked as a Special Deputy, Reserve Deputy, Correctional Officer, EMT-A, and as a member of multiple Search and Rescue teams.  She has also performed the duties of a Crime Analyst, assisted in developing criminal profiles, consulted with law enforcement and EMS agencies providing crisis management and fitness for duty services.  While working in law enforcement, Dr. Jensen was recognized for her Heroism Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

Dr. Jensen is a Clinical member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) and has conducted sexual predator evaluations and sexual offender treatment for adolescents and adults.  She was the Clinical Director of programs addressing sexual issues for individuals with Developmental Disabilities as well as adolescents with a history of sexually inappropriate behaviors (both adjudicated and non-adjudicated). She has also worked within the prison system providing sexual offender assessments, sexual risk assessments, and providing individual and group therapy.

Dr. Jensen believes that a family approach is the most effective means to addressing child behavioral issues.  Applying the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she meets with the child individually and in group sessions with their peers.  Parents are encouraged to attend both individual and group sessions to express their concerns, develop skills, and to also learn from the experiences of other parents.  She has also worked with individuals experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, relationship issues, issues related to the transition to new life roles (adulthood, retirement, etc.) and exploring their sexuality and gender issues.

In her free time, Dr. Jensen enjoys spending time with her family, including her pets.  She enjoys working in her yard, kayaking, and playing musical instruments.  She is looking forward to searching for agates and exploring the Black Hills where she would spend family vacations as a child.

To schedule an in-person (or teletherapy) appointment, please call Scovel Psychological at 605-721-8822.