WHO WE ARE

A white historic-style building on a city street corner, with large windows, decorative architectural details, and streetlights. Cars are parked along the street, and a traffic light and street sign are visible.

Our mission at BPEASPLLC is to provide the best mental health services possible.

We specialize in psychological assessments, developmental delays, evidence based practice, behavioral and academic interventions, bilingual services, etc.

Therapy modalities used include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Exposure Therapy

  • Virtual reality exposure therapy and testing

  • Etc.

We can be found tucked away in the basement of the historic Valentine Building.

A young man wearing a white virtual reality headset and headphones, standing in a modern exhibition space with blue lighting and whale artwork.
A logo for the company 'Nesplora' with a stylized blue butterfly with wings made of overlapping shapes, and the word 'Quantitative' written below in gray.
A young girl wearing a virtual reality headset in a brightly lit classroom with green chairs and yellow desks.
A doctor and an elderly patient in a medical office. The doctor is a young man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a white coat, and is sitting at a desk with a laptop decorated with stickers. The elderly patient has white or gray hair, is wearing glasses and headphones, and is holding a small object, possibly a medical device, in his hand. There are medical supplies on the desk, including a test tube with a colorful block model and a small orange container.
A young girl wearing a red sweater and headphones is in a classroom with desks and chairs, holding a pointing device. The classroom walls have educational posters, including multiplication and a timeline. The girl is focused, with her face partially visible.
Portrait of a smiling man with short brown hair and light stubble, wearing a lavender dress shirt with a subtle pattern, against a gray background.

Dr. Joel Bocanegra PhD NCSP - Owner and Director

Joel is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist. He graduated with his doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2014. Joel Bocanegra is also a combat veteran and has lived throughout the United States due to being raised as a military brat. He is trained as a bilingual psychologist.

Joel has worked in numerous settings and populations to include rural, urban, reservations, internationally, etc. He is noted for his work with individuals with developmental delays, autism evaluations, trauma, veterans, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, etc. He also is noted for his extensive experiences with psychological evaluations. He is also an active researcher.

His hobbies include martial arts and fitness.

His clients describe him as kind, caring, knowledgeable, and thorough. He prides himself in helping his clients succeed through the use of evidence-based practice (doing what we know works) and establishing a healthy working relationship with his clients.

Zach Heaton EdS - Psychological Service Extender

Zach Heaton serves as a psychological extender and practicing school psychologist at BPEAS, PLLC, specializing in comprehensive psychological testing and evaluation services. He holds an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from Idaho State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University Vancouver.   

With extensive experience supporting high-needs youth across both educational and inpatient settings, Zach brings a deep understanding of complex psychological needs to his clinical work. His dual background in psychology and education allows him to provide thorough, empathetic care and precise, actionable evaluations.   

Originally from Central Washington, Zach moved to Southeast Idaho for his graduate training and proudly continues to call the region home. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring local trails, fishing, and taking advantage of the outdoor activities Southeast Idaho has to offer.

Makayla Wagner - Administrative Assistant

MaKayla Wagner is the Administrative Assistant at BPEAS, PLLC and is currently completing her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Idaho State University. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Utah, and is preparing to transition into clinical social work practice in the summer of 2027.

MaKayla brings valuable experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families across a variety of settings. Her diverse background includes serving as a crisis advocate and working in counseling and social work roles within multiple school systems. These experiences deepened her commitment to mental health and reinforced her belief in looking beyond a diagnosis to understand each individual’s unique story.

In her current role, MaKayla supports the psychological assessment process while actively expanding her clinical knowledge. She prioritizes building genuine connections and creating a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable, respected, and heard. Colleagues describe her as hardworking, kind, and mindful—bringing warmth, authenticity, and a touch of humor to ensure everyone she works with feels truly supported.

Outside the clinic, MaKayla is an active community volunteer who loves staying active and spending time outdoors. You can often find her lifting weights, hiking, boating, snowmobiling, or riding her motorcycle. A vegetarian and self-proclaimed foodie, she is always excited to try a new dish or unwind with a great movie or TV show.

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