Child Psychologist Needed

My BFF is a child psychologist for the Antioch school system, and makes house calls for troubled kids to evaluate and work with them. She would not be available in your area, but all contact with her starts with the schools' guidance departments. She does not work for a program like OCS, etc...

See if the school has a guidance department and work from there. If not, the principal or someone in the administration should be able to direct you to private services.

Hi - I am so sorry you are going through this. My 13 yo daughter is very difficult and similar to yours in many ways - shy with strangers, perfectly behaved at school, challenging behaviors at home. Rates are very similar across mental health professionals. Focus on someone you can work with and who your daughter will connect with. I know the money seems overwhelming but best to invest now.

I would also take some time to think about your responses to her when she behaves and speaks negatively. A great book is "Talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk" by Adele Faber. It kind of models for you how to listen like a shrink - LOL. Trains you to empathize and help kids solve their own problems.

Good luck - keep us posted

I have worked professionally with Dr. Arielle Albert at Michigan Ave. Neuropsychologists (I'm a school social worker) and she is great! Also, I've heard good things about Dr. Danielle Black at the Family Institute at Northwestern (Downtown Chicago and Evanston). I know she does assessments. I have done a lot of work with the Family Institute, and they are great!

A typical neuropsych eval. involves observing the child in various environments as well as testing, etc. Nothing invasive -- don't worry!

Best of luck!