Emotional/Behavioral Evaluations
Testing for Emotional and Behavior Challenges in Seattle & Portland
Helping children and families make sense of social, emotional, and behavioral experiences in ways that build understanding, confidence, and meaningful support.
Anxiety & Sleep Difficulties
Depression & Low Mood
Self-Esteem & Confidence
Mood Regulation & Impulse Control
A comprehensive psychological evaluation is about looking at the whole picture, not just a single mood or behavior.
Many parents come to me when life feels increasingly heavy. Perhaps your child is constantly irritable, withdrawing from friends, or facing "big reactions" to small frustrations that leave everyone exhausted. It’s a lonely place to be, quietly wondering if this is just a phase, typical development, or something that needs a different kind of support. My goal is to help you stop guessing and start understanding the what’s going on beneath the surface.
Together, we’ll highlight your child’s innate strengths while identifying the specific hurdles impacting their self-regulation and confidence. This process provides more than just answers; it delivers a practical roadmap for home and school, equipped with the strategies you need to support their emotional well-being.
You may be wondering…
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It can be difficult to distinguish between "strong-willed" personality traits and a clinical emotional challenge. Parents will often reach out when intense reactions (such as extreme irritability, aggression, withdrawl, or defiance) interfere with school or family harmony. While all children have "off" days, persistent big emotions and behaviors are often a form of communication, signaling that a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed or they lack the tools to meet the demands of their environment.
Together, we’ll looks past the "bad" behavior to identify if the root cause is an anxiety disorder, mood regulation issue, or unrecognized trauma. We’ll also investigate if these outbursts are tied to neurodivergence, such as ADHD or impulsivity, autistic sensory overload (meltdowns), or frustration from a learning difference.
By understanding the "why" behind the outbursts, we shift from reactive discipline to proactive, neuro-affirming support, giving you a clear roadmap to help your child feel safe and regulated.
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Yes. When a child refuses to go to school or begins withdrawing from friends, they are communicating that their environment has become too taxing. This is often linked to social anxiety, depression, or a feeling of being misunderstood by peers and teachers.
A comprehensive behavioral evaluation helps "untangle" these feelings. I provide a clear picture of your child’s emotional landscape, which is the first step in creating a plan that helps them feel safe enough to re-engage.
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A "habit" is typically a learned behavior that can be reshaped through simple consistency. However, a clinical diagnosis indicates that a child’s challenges are rooted in neurobiology or a significant emotional blockage. When a child’s struggles are tied to ADHD, autism, or a specific learning difference, traditional discipline often feels ineffective because the behavior is an involuntary symptom of how their brain is wired to process stress, sensory input, or information.
I use standardized clinical tools and observations to determine if your child needs behavioral "tips" or a more specialized, therapeutic approach. By identifying whether a behavior is driven by neurodivergence (like the impulsivity of ADHD or the sensory overwhelm of autism) or an underlying learning gap, we can begin using strategies that better fit your child’s nervous system.
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An evaluation acts as a bridge of understanding. Instead of viewing your child as "difficult," families and schools can begin to see them as "struggling with a specific set of hurdles.” Detail reports can provide:
A Roadmap for Home: Tools to de-escalate conflicts before they turn into meltdowns.
School Advocacy: Data to support an IEP or 504 Plan under the "Other Health Impairment" (OHI) or "Emotional Disability" categories.
A Collaborative Path: A clear set of goals for your child’s therapist or pediatrician to follow.
HOW IT WORKS
Reaching out for an psychological evaluation can be a big step.
I aim to make the process feel clear, supportive, and as low-stress as possible. Below is a simple overview of what to expect, so you know how we’ll move forward together — step by step, with plenty of room for questions, collaboration, and care along the way.
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We start with a brief call to get to know each other, talk about your concerns, and see if my approach is a good fit for your family. This is also a chance to answer your questions and clarify next steps.
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If you decide to move forward, we complete a detailed intake to gather your child’s history, routines, and patterns. Together, we design a personalized test battery that fits your child’s needs.
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I’ll meet with your child individually and conduct observations and activities to assess attention, focus, regulation, and other areas.
In many cases, I wil also speak with people who know your child well — family members, teachers, doctors, and others — and review any other relevant documents to get a full, well-rounded picture.
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Once testing is complete, we review a detailed report together. I explain the results in clear, everyday language and provide practical recommendations you can use to support your child at home and at school.
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