As a clinical psychologist, I have spent several years focused solely on providing testing services, with a particular emphasis on neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, ASD, and Specific learning disorders. I have experience in both pediatric and adult populations, with particular attention to those who may not have received the care or attention for mental health-related issues that they wish they could have had earlier in life. My hope is that these assessments inform treatment planning and promote greater self-understanding and acceptance.

Typical Session

We would first meet via telehealth in order to complete an initial clinical intake. At its conclusion, we would schedule an in-person meeting to complete testing. In most cases, we are able to complete all of the testing in a single appointment. After we finish testing, I may be able to provide initial feedback based on scoring that has been completed, although I will not have a full clinical picture until the report is finalized. I require about 1-2 weeks to finish the report, at which time you will be provided a digital copy, along with an open invitation for additional questions, concerns, or needs for clarification. In many cases, I am also happy to complete various, simple follow-up documentation requests (e.g. academic accommodations forms) at no additional cost.

My Approach/Experience with Stigma

Particularly regarding the stigma surrounding mental health, and as applied to my clinical evaluation specialty, one of the most common concerns expressed by my clients is a feeling of being dismissed, based on what others feel certain diagnoses “should” look like. Examples:

• A person quietly struggling with ADHD is putting in three times as much effort in school to get the same results as someone without, and yet their condition is not recognized because “their grades are fine.”

• A person with a predominantly-inattentive form of ADHD is told that they are just "lazy," and that if they did have ADHD, they would be hyperactive.

• A person who spends exorbitant time and effort preparing for and navigating social environments to “blend in” successfully does so (i.e. camouflaging/masking), but is then told that they can't be on the spectrum because "they're verbal," “make eye contact,” and/or "don't engage in hand-flapping."

Regardless of the condition, my work seeks to hear my client's experiences, even when they might not be easily verbalized. Through a combination of direct inquiries, cognitive exercises, observations, and surveys/inventories, I want to appreciate the internal and external experiences of the client that can help to bring light to a much more nuanced picture. Ideally, the evaluation and final report can provide a sense of validation and self-acceptance for the client, and a foundation of understanding that they can take with them throughout their life journey.