PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS IN ST. LOUIS FOR BOYS & TEEN boys 

Understanding your son on a deeper level.

When we tap into why he’s struggling, we can learn how to help him thrive.

Request an Evaluation

You’re trying to solve the puzzle of your son’s challenges, but the pieces keep shifting.

It’s distressing to see your son go through something you feel unequipped to handle—you knew parenting would be hard, but this feels overwhelming and nearly impossible. He’s acting out, having big emotional reactions, or perhaps just shutting down without being able to explain why. It's like he’s carrying this heavy load of emotions with no way of knowing how to manage it or set it down.

Watching your son struggle to navigate social interactions can be equally painful. It’s hard for him to make or maintain relationships, and you notice how awkward he seems and how isolated he is from his peers. He may be longing for connection but doesn’t have the confidence or skills to engage with others appropriately, leading to frustration, loneliness, and isolation. You're heartbroken, constantly teetering between wanting to do something to ease his pain and trying to help him feel okay about himself, despite it.

You’ve come to the right place. After over 30 years working exclusively with boys and teen boys, I’ve been witness to the many specific types of challenges they face. Growing up is never easy, but it’s especially difficult when you feel misunderstood, disconnected, and unsure of yourself. Your son deserves exceptional care and respect from someone who not only pays attention to and respects him, but will do everything they can to help him succeed.

The Evaluation Process

I’ve developed a comprehensive psychological evaluation process that helps parents gain a deeper understanding of their son and where he is struggling developmentally. It might be issues with emotional regulation, social skills, communication skills, decision-making, and/or difficulty organizing and planning. 

Through each 45-minute interview, I’ll dive deeper into your son’s current circumstances to develop a clear view of what he is uniquely struggling with. I’m very open and honest with what I learn and about what needs to occur going forward for things to improve, and hopefully, for problems to be resolved.

1.

Interview #1: Parents and Son or Teen Son

This initial interview is about gathering history and information on the present concerns or problems faced by your son from both your perspective and his. I do this in a way that helps us all gain a better understanding and broader view of what is actually going on, without making your son or teen son uncomfortable.

2.

Interviews #2, #3, #4, #5: Individual Evaluative Interviews with Son or Teen
Son

With boys, these interviews have both structured and unstructured play, time for drawings and artwork, and making magical wishes to understand their inner struggles and their worldview. 

With teen boys, there’s more of a conversational approach—we’ll discuss likes, dislikes, and the underlying challenges they’re experiencing. One of the main focuses with teen boys is building rapport and trust to encourage open communication about their concerns. I’m here to let him know I’m not his parent and someone safe that he can connect with.

Through these conversations, I can identify the unique behavioral, developmental, and social challenges your son is facing…all in a respectful and age-appropriate way.

3.

Interview #6: Parents Only

In our final interview, I’ll share my findings with you verbally. I do not make a written report. I'll outline the root causes of the problems we've identified, explain why they're happening, how they affect your son’s behavior and development, and present a detailed treatment plan.

You'll have the chance to ask questions, learn and take notes on helpful pointers, and get direct feedback on how to support your son or teen son going forward. Together, we'll clarify the steps needed to improve challenges at home, school, and beyond, and if we need to work with other professionals, we’ll discuss the best way to do that going forward. 

Let’s find the missing puzzle pieces of your son’s potential. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • If we decide we’re a good fit to move forward with treatment, I’ll meet with your son weekly. I usually work with your son until their problems and struggles are significantly better. A typical course of treatment is around one school year. Learn more about my counseling process here.

  • My focus will always be quality over quantity. I believe in providing the most exceptional care and experience for both you and your son. I have over 30 years of experience and I know what does and doesn’t work. This is why I keep my practice relatively small, so I can focus on those I work with and make a meaningful difference beyond a short-term fix.

  • This is a comprehensive psychological assessment that helps me identify where the different symptoms and behaviors your son is experiencing are stemming from. Some typical things I regularly identify are ADHD, learning disabilities, speech & language issues, OCD, Autism, phobias, ODD, and others.

  • Yes. To fully understand your son and what he’s experiencing, I need to thoroughly evaluate his behavior and struggles so that whatever next steps are taken can be the most successful and effective. Understanding specific psychological behaviors and development concerns is essential for realistic treatment plans that can be tailored specifically to meet your needs.

  • When indicated and appropriate, and with parental permission, I will consult with teachers if further information is needed. When parents are referred to another provider or for parent coaching, with their permission I will update that provider about the reason for referral.