A Thoughtful, Supportive Approach to Psychological Testing

I’m a psychologist, a parent, and a person who gets it.

About Me

Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Founder, Private Practice (Richmond, VA)

I’m Dr. Lee Ridens, a licensed clinical psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist with over 15 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, I love all things beach and water-related and now live in Midlothian with my husband, two sons, and our energetic rescue pup. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!) and my doctorate in School Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Go Vols!).

Before private practice, I worked extensively in K–12 schools, evaluating students for AD/HD, autism, learning differences, and emotional-behavioral concerns, which shaped my practical, collaborative approach.

My Background & Expertise

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Commonwealth of Virginia)
Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
Proficient in AD/HD, autism, learning disabilities, 2e profiles, and emotional-behavioral assessments
Experience with special education referral and eligibility process, 504 Plan development, and school behavior plans.
Extensive history working with parents of children with various developmental and behavioral differences.
Strengths-based, relationship-centered evaluation model
Focus on clear, actionable reporting and follow-through

Why I Do This Work

I have lived most of my life with an awareness of what AD/HD is as a diagnosis. As a family member of numerous individuals with AD/HD, I get what it feels like to be late to almost every event known to man. I understand the frustration of waiting for others to be ready, as well as others waiting on me to be ready; of feeling the need to interrupt and simultaneously being upset that I was interrupted by someone else; and of being bored by long winded conversations with even my most loved ones (i.e., “get to the point.”)

As a parent of AD/HD, I have lived the frustrations of having to repeat myself DAILY to get the same thing accomplished that we always try to accomplish. “Hands to self,” “where are these shoes supposed to go?” and “who left this wrapper on the floor?” are common phrases heard in my home. Sitting in our seats for dinner? Maybe. I let this one slide a while ago.

Later in life, I figured out that I have a touch of the adda-hadda (AD/HD) myself, and so many things make sense with many of my habits. Mainly, my understanding of the interconnectedness of AD/HD with other experiences of anxiety and perfectionism.

I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. It is not lost upon me the privilege this gives me in being invited into the inner landscape of a family. I love helping people find ways to be a better version of themselves and to find joy in life. Whether this means identifying challenges in learning, differences in social communication, or the spirited nature within… I promise to stay curious, listen without judgment, and make every evaluation fit your questions, your life, and your goals.

I help people understand how their brain works and explain specific strategies they can use to address their ‘road blocks.

– Dr. Lee Ridens

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.

(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).

Let’s Start With a Conversation

If you’re wondering whether testing is the best next step, let’s talk it through together.

If you simply need guidance for how to handle difficult behaviors at home, we can talk through that too!