I provide comprehensive emotional and behavioral assessments for children and adolescents to better understand concerns related to mood, behavior, and emotional functioning. These evaluations help clarify the nature of a child or teen’s difficulties and identify factors that may be affecting their well-being at home, at school, or in social settings.

An emotional and behavioral assessment is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of a child’s emotional health, including areas such as anxiety, mood, behavior regulation, and coping skills. The goal of the evaluation is to identify patterns of strengths and challenges and to provide practical recommendations that support the child and family.

The evaluation typically includes:

• A clinical interview with the child or adolescent

• A parent interview to review developmental, emotional, and behavioral history

• Standardized questionnaires and rating scales that assess emotional functioning and behavior

• Review of relevant background information when available

Information is gathered from multiple perspectives, including the child and parents, in order to understand how emotional or behavioral concerns may present across different environments and situations.

Emotional and behavioral assessments may help clarify concerns such as:

• Anxiety or excessive worry

• Performance, test-taking anxiety

• Mood difficulties, including sadness or irritability

• Behavioral regulation and impulse control

• Emotional adjustment and coping skills

• Social or school-related stressors

In some cases, concerns related to attention, impulsivity, or executive functioning may emerge during the evaluation. When appropriate, the assessment may indicate whether a comprehensive ADHD evaluation would be recommended to further clarify these concerns.

Diagnostic conclusions are made in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and relevant Norwegian clinical guidelines.

Following the evaluation, families receive a comprehensive written report summarizing the findings, diagnostic impressions when appropriate, and individualized recommendations. These recommendations may include strategies for home and school, suggestions for further support or treatment, and guidance to help the child strengthen emotional and behavioral skills.

Please note that assessments are conducted in English using standardized measures developed in English, with comparison groups based on UK and U.S. normative samples.