Richard Puls, PsyD

Rick Puls graduated from Pepperdine University with a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology and from American Behavioral Studies Institute with a Doctorate of Psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy.

He joined the Orange County Social Services Agency, Children and Family Services Division, in 1999, and has experience in a Special Medical Unit, Dependency Intake and Investigations, Family Reunification, Family Maintenance, and Legal Guardianship, He has held positions as a Team Decision Making Facilitator, a Staff Development Trainer, and Coordinator for the Social Services Agency’s Career Advisory Program.  He also serves as the Children and Family Services Coordinator for Structured Decision Making and SafeMeasures.

Dr. Puls has provided training on topics including, Engaging in Difficult Conversations Using Motivational Interviewing, Basic Interviewing Skills, Advanced Wraparound Meeting Facilitation, Structured Decision Making, SafeMeasures, and Writing Court Reports Centered on SDM Concepts,

Dr. Puls has also made public presentations and provided consultation on child welfare services.