Developmental Psychology

photo-psychology

We strive to help each child reach their full potential and enjoy a happy, productive life. Early identification and treatment is vital to improving the quality of life for a child with a developmental disability. Psychology Services provide comprehensive testing for children with developmental disabilities. Ph.D. level clinicians focus on intensive testing in order to identify developmental delays and disorders.

Diagnostic evaluations

Comprehensive review of historical information and school records
Testing of intellectual and academic functioning
Behavioral observations
Emotional and behavioral symptom rating

Recommendations are given based on diagnostic impressions. Therapeutic interventions may include individual therapy as well as parent training. Social skill groups may be offered periodically. Psychologists provide expert diagnosis and treatment to children from 3 through 21 years of age with developmental differences. Dr. Moen also provides therapy and training for parents of children with developmental and behavioral disorders.

We are very grateful and have been tremendously blessed by the Child Study Center.

Melanie F.

Areas of expertise

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders
Autism spectrum disorders
Behavioral disorders
Developmental delay
Developmental difficulties associated with genetic syndromes
Learning disabilities
Intellectual disabilities

Psychology Services

staff-margaretd

Margaret T. Dempsey, Ph.D.

Manager of Psychology
Licensed Psychologist

Margaret Dempsey, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who joined the Child Study Center in 2007. She graduated with her doctoral degree in School Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Dempsey completed her internship year in the Pediatric Psychology program at Michigan State University. Afterwards, she was an assistant professor at Tulane University for five years. Her work at the Child Study Center focuses on the evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents with learning disabilities, attention difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Dempsey has also provided clinical supervision for pre-and post-doctoral students.

Dr. Dempsey is a 2014 WPS 65th Anniversary Unlocking Potential Award recipient. She was recognized not only for her fifteen years of service to children and families in North Texas, but also for her high degree of professionalism, highly individualized approach to testing and treatment planning, constant pursuit of up-to-date measures and testing procedures and for her unwavering dedication to her clients.

staff-tracyh

Tracy L. Harrington, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Tracy Harrington, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who joined the Child Study Center in 2009. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Oklahoma State University and her Master of Arts degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Tulsa. Dr. Harrington completed her child and pediatric clinical internship and a one year fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her training sites included the Civitan-Sparks Interdisciplinary Clinics, a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) and University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities training site (UCEDD), and Children's of Alabama. While in graduate school, Dr. Harrington was awarded the Scientist Practitioner Award in recognition of her work in meeting the ideas of the scientist practitioner model of psychology training and practice.

Dr. Harrington's work at the Child Study Center primarily includes the evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, learning differences, attention difficulties, disruptive disorders, and mild mood issues. She enjoys providing evidence based therapy to families, such as behavior management training, to parents of young children with disruptive behaviors. Dr. Harrington regularly works with students and families from the Jane Justin School and the Autism Services program. In addition, she provides psychological consultative services to Developmental Pediatrics and to the Genetic Down Syndrome Clinic.

Amanda Moen

Amanda Moen, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Amanda Moen, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who joined Child Study Center in 2022. She completed her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctorate in School Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Moen completed her clinical internship and postdoctoral training at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute. Afterward, she worked as a clinical child psychologist in the Behavior Management Clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. At Kennedy Krieger, she performed therapy in both individual and group settings, and provided assistance in the training of clinical interns and postdoctoral fellows. While in graduate school, Dr. Moen was named as a Buffett Early Childhood Institute Scholar, and received grants for dissertation research from both the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and the Society for the Study of School Psychology.

Dr. Moen’s work at the Child Study Center includes evaluation and delivery of evidence-based treatment, primarily via Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and behavioral parent training. She specializes in working with children 2-10 years of age with disruptive behavior (noncompliance, tantrums, mild to moderate physical aggression), ADHD, ODD, anxiety, sleep concerns, toileting concerns, tics (using CBIT), and developmental concerns.

We're here to help.

You probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-303-9200.