Psychological evaluations that feel thoughtful, personal, and empowering.
Strengths-Based AD/HD, Learning Disability, & Autism Evaluations in Richmond, VA
You’re Here for a Reason. Let’s Start There.
You might be noticing that your child is having a harder time keeping up at school with focus, learning, or behavior.
You might be an adult starting to wonder if AD/HD, autism, or a learning difference has been part of your story all along.
Or maybe you’ve been through testing before but didn’t get the clarity or answers you were hoping for.
No matter the situation, having questions is a good place to begin. My role is to help you find thoughtful, practical answers.
Hi, I’m Dr. Lee S. Ridens.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychological evaluations for kids, teens, and adults.
But that’s not the whole story. I know what it feels like to live with AD/HD, both within myself and surrounded by others with the same ‘unique’ thinking patterns.
So when I say I understand what you’re going through, I truly do. I’ve navigated the daily frustrations, the overwhelm, and the late-night research rabbit holes. I know how confusing and discouraging it can feel when you’re trying to get answers.
That’s why I do this work. And I truly love my job.
Explore My Services
What I Bring to Every Evaluation
Over a Decade of Specialized Experience
I’ve spent 15+ years helping people make sense of learning, relationships, behaviors, and emotions. I’ve worked in both urban and rural schools, in private practice, and with individuals from all walks of life, and I carry that range of experience into every session.
Strengths-based Reports
Your report isn’t just a list of scores. It’s a meaningful, easy-to-understand roadmap based on your unique strengths and challenges with specific, research-based recommendations you can actually use at home, in school, or at work.
A Process That Respects Your Pace
Whether I’m working with a child or an adult, I never rush the process. If we need to take breaks, split testing into multiple sessions, or create a quieter, more flexible setting, we will. Comfort leads to better clarity and performance.
Detailed, Thoughtful Feedback
After testing, an in-depth results appointment is scheduled to review testing outcomes.
Optional Child Feedback Session
Some kids need help understanding their results in a way that feels kind and empowering. I offer such understanding (just for them), using visuals, metaphors, and brain-based stories to help it all make sense either through meeting with them or writing them a letter.
Timely Turnaround
Reports are generally completed within one week of the final testing session, as long as all required forms are completed. Turnaround time may be slightly longer during holidays and school breaks. We’ll review everything together in a virtual appointment at a time that works for you.
No hidden costs/fees
Quotes for testing are all-inclusive and explained upfront, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Payment plans, pre-payment options, and HSA/FSA coverage are available where applicable. For more details about payment options, insurance, and policies, please see our FAQ page.
– Dr. Lee Ridens
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Evaluation
Intake Interview (Virtual)
We’ll start with a one-on-one conversation via a telehealth appointment. This is where I’ll learn more about you (or your child), what’s been going on, what you’re hoping to figure out through testing, and how I can help guide you moving forward. We’ll also go over any forms or background information you’ve shared.
In-Person Testing
Testing takes place at my office in Richmond, and usually happens over one or two sessions. I follow your (or your child’s) lead when it comes to pacing. Some people need more breaks than others. I encourage you to bring snacks, dress comfortably, and if you need a fidget or comfort item to make the experience less stressful, go for it!
Feedback Session (Virtual)
Once testing is complete and I’ve reviewed everything, we’ll meet again via telehealth appointment to go over the results. I’ll walk you through the findings, talk through any diagnoses (as applicable), and share specific, realistic recommendations you can actually use at home, at school, and/ or at work.
Roadmap Report
You’ll receive a comprehensive written report that puts everything together: scores, patterns, insights, and next steps. I write these to be understandable and practical, something you can share with teachers, therapists, or just keep for yourself. Reports are generally completed within one week of the final testing session, depending on the time of year and completion of all required materials. Results are reviewed together in a virtual appointment.
Child Feedback (Optional)
Some kids benefit from hearing about their results in a way that makes sense to them. In this optional 15-minute session, I meet with your child through a video appointment and explain things using visuals, stories, and metaphors. We talk about how their brain works, where they shine, and what tools can help, all in a way that feels kind, safe, and empowering. As an alternative, I write a letter to your kiddo with the same information/ format.
A Note About Fees
I know that evaluations are an investment in time, energy, and cost. That’s why fees and payment details are reviewed clearly and in advance.
- All-inclusive pricing covers intake, testing, scoring, report writing, consultation with outside professionals as requested, and your feedback session.
- Payment options with credit card in file
(Note: Balance is due prior to results review)
Option 1. Pay in full. Total cost is paid on the day of intake.
Option 2. 50/50. Half is paid on the day of intake; half is paid on the day of the results review.
Option 3. Payment Plan. I can do either a prepayment plan where you pay small amounts each week leading up to your intake appointment; OR start the payment plan on the intake date. The caveat is that the results and report are not released until services are paid in full.
- I accept FSA/HSA payments; however, clients are responsible for confirming eligibility and coverage with their plan provider.
- Not in-network with most insurance companies, but I can provide you with a Superbill after the results appointment to submit to the insurance company for possible reimbursement.
- Lyra. I am a participating provider with Lyra mental health for testing services. To initiate the process through them, log in to your Lyra patient portal, or contact your insurance representative.
- Independent Educational Evaluations. I am an approved provider for IEEs with some local counties. Please ensure that you have been approved for this service by the county prior to contacting me (i.e., the county will provide a request approval through a Letter to Agency and a release of information).