Emotional & Behavioral Evaluations
Understanding Feelings Behind Behavior
When big feelings or confusing behaviors start to take over your child, I help you as the parent, to understand what’s going on beneath the surface.
When Emotions Show Up Loud
Outbursts. Shutdowns. Anxiety that looks like anger. Sadness that hides behind irritability.
For many children (and even adults), emotions aren’t easy to put into words, so they come out in other ways. What looks like “misbehavior” might actually be fear, sensory overload, or internal stress.
An emotional and behavioral evaluation helps uncover what’s really going on, whether it’s anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, or something else entirely, and outlines a plan to support emotional well-being.
Who This Is For
- Children or teens with frequent meltdowns, outbursts, or mood swings
- Kids who’ve become quiet, withdrawn, or seem “checked out”
- Students struggling socially or emotionally at school
- Families feeling unsure how to help their child feel better — or how to make life feel easier again
- Age for this evaluation is capped at 25.
What We Might Explore
Depending on the age and needs of the client, the evaluation may explore:
- Anxiety, stress, or chronic worry
- Depression, sadness, or loss of motivation
- Behavioral patterns (e.g. aggression, defiance, impulsivity)
- Emotional regulation and coping skills
- Social-emotional development
- Adjustment to life changes (grief, divorce, school transitions)
- The emotional impact of neurodivergence (AD/HD, autism, etc.)
- Overlap with learning or attention challenges
My Approach
When someone’s behavior feels “too much” or confusing, it’s usually a sign they’re carrying more than they can express. I approach emotional evaluations with care and flexibility because a child’s behaviors are often their way of communicating when they don’t have the words to do so.
Here’s what it’s like to work together:
I lead with curiosity, not judgment.
Behavior is communication. I help decode it, not criticize it.
We explore the full picture.
I take time to learn about emotional patterns, life experiences, and what stress looks like in your (or your child’s) daily life.
You’ll get a strengths-based report.
Your evaluation outlines successes, emotional challenges, and practical guidance for next steps.
You’ll get a roadmap.
You’ll receive a roadmap that connects the emotional dots and outlines clear, supportive next steps whether that’s therapy, school support, or changes at home.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Evaluation
Intake Interview (Virtual)
We’ll start with a one-on-one conversation over video. 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 by video 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 and at school.
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.
– Dr. Lee Ridens
Get to the Heart of What’s Going On
If emotions or behavior feel like too much lately, I’m here to help you figure out why.