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Consultation & Assessment for Parents of Young Children

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

Consult with a child psychologist

When you know something isn’t working but you’re not sure what to do, you need answers.

Welcome parents! I’m Dr. Lindsay Huffhines, PhD, IECMH-E® – a clinical child psychologist specializing in infant and early childhood mental health.

I work exclusively with parents, caregivers, and families with children aged 0 to 7 by helping them understand and navigate the nuances of child development. From concerning behavior to children’s emotional and relational well-being, I’m here for you, and I’m here with you. The parents I work with are thoughtful. They know when something is ‘off’ and know when they need help… but sometimes, they’re just not sure what kind.

If your instincts are driving you to look for answers, then you’re in the right place.

A smiling man in a green shirt and a young boy in a striped shirt sit closely together on a couch, facing a woman seated opposite them. The woman, wearing a light-colored collared shirt and a lanyard with an ID badge, has her hand gently placed on the boy's shoulder. She is holding a clipboard with a piece of paper and a pen. They are in a well-lit indoor setting, and the image is framed with an abstract, wavy beige border on a black background.
A woman wearing glasses and a light green top sits in a grey chair, smiling and holding a clipboard and pen. She faces a young girl who is kneeling on an adjacent grey chair. The girl, wearing a pink long-sleeved shirt, blue pants, and a patterned headband, is smiling broadly and has her hand resting affectionately on the woman's shoulder. They are in a bright room with a white brick wall decorated with colorful children's drawings and a black wall clock. The image is framed with an abstract, wavy beige border on a black background.
We’ll begin with understanding. And conclude with a plan.

I offer one-off consultations and assessment sessions to help parents and families take a step back and make sense of what’s happening. We’ll meet for a 60-minute clinical hour and discuss everything you’re concerned about and noticing, then I’ll respond with the psychological insights you need to determine your next step. We’ll consider the whole picture, including your child’s development, behavior, relationships, family circumstances, and your concerns as a parent.

The goal of these one-off clinical consultations is not to solve the concern, but to help you identify the concern and determine what (if anything) needs to be done so you can either breathe easy or else take the next step with clarity and confidence. Whether the next step is a specialized service, family psychotherapy, or a referral for an outside evaluation, you’ll leave with a clear plan for what to do next.

A service for parents seeking clarity, answers, and next steps.

If you are concerned about your child and want to consult with a child psychologist to name
the concern and get clarity on what (if anything) needs to be done… this service is for you.

A young man wearing a light green sweater and clear braces smiles broadly as he speaks with a woman, communicating using sign language with his hands. The woman, facing away from the camera, has her hand gently placed on his arm. They appear to be in a comfortable indoor setting with natural light coming through a window. The image is framed with an abstract, wavy beige border on a black background.

During our consultation and assessment, we’ll explore
questions like…

Is this behavior typical for my child’s age?
Does my child need a developmental or autism evaluation?

Do we need child-centered or family psychotherapy?

I don’t understand what my child is doing or what they want… what’s wrong?
Is there something happening in our family that may be affecting my child?
What kind of support is right for my child?

You don’t need to arrive with answers or even any questions. Sometimes, it’s hard to know exactly what questions to even ask, but that’s part of what this session is for. I have specifically designed the service to support parents who are trying to make sense of a concern but don’t know where to start.

What to expect

About the consultation and assessment meeting

At a glance:

This service is a clinical session where I meet with parents to discuss their concerns. The session is a 60-minute clinical hour and is available both virtually in participating states and in-person at my family therapy office in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

What happens:

During our time together, I’ll listen carefully to what you’re experiencing and ask the relevant questions needed for understanding the bigger picture. Then we’ll explore what may be contributing to the concern and what type of support makes the most sense. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get specific answers.

What happens next:

When our time concludes, you’ll leave with practical next steps. Sometimes, the next step is to simply try a specific strategy or continue monitoring the situation, or it may be beginning family-based psychotherapy or getting a referral to pursue a diagnostic evaluation.

What this service is not

Please note that this Consultation & Assessment Session service offering is not a standalone diagnostic evaluation. I do not currently offer standalone diagnostic assessments. The purpose of this session is to focus on understanding what is happening in your family and child’s life and helping you determine what specific type of support, evaluation, or resources may be appropriate.

Do I need a consultation and assessment meeting?

The 15-minute phone consultation is for parents who need confirmation.

It is simply an opportunity to have a meet-and-greet with me. It’s ideal for parents who are already fairly certain they know what the concern is and have a strong sense of what service they’re looking for. During the free phone consultation, you can discuss your high-level concerns, ask initial questions, and confirm whether my services are a good fit for your family.

The Consultation & Assessment is a full 60-minute clinical session ($330) where we go deeper to understand the specifics regarding your child and family’s situation. Additionally, we’ll also develop a thoughtful plan for what comes next.

If you’re not sure which one you need, start with the free phone consultation. I’ll help you determine the best place to begin.

A woman with short blonde hair and glasses, wearing a light blue button-down shirt over a white top and tan pants, sits in a chair holding a clipboard and pen. She is speaking and gesturing with her hands while looking toward two people seated in front of her. The two people, seen from behind, are holding hands. They are in a well-lit room that appears to be an office or therapy setting. The image is framed with an abstract, wavy beige border on a black background.
A smiling man in a green shirt and a young boy in a striped shirt sit closely together on a couch, facing a woman seated opposite them. The woman, wearing a light-colored collared shirt and a lanyard with an ID badge, has her hand gently placed on the boy's shoulder. She is holding a clipboard with a piece of paper and a pen. They are in a well-lit indoor setting, and the image is framed with an abstract, wavy beige border on a black background.

You don’t have to know what you need before reaching out for help.

Parenting can leave you with a lot of questions, and sometimes, the hardest part is knowing which question to ask first. Please know, when you’re with me, you do not have to arrive with a diagnosis or a perfect description or explanation of the problem. If your instincts are telling you that something feels different, confusing, or just kind of ‘off’ – then whatever it is, it’s worth understanding more deeply.

Whether you need answers, insight, or a plan, I’ll work collaboratively with you to ensure you get the support you need so your family can thrive.

A safe, helpful space where you don’t have to perform

I have so much compassion for the pressures parents face. From unrealistic comparisons to judgmental opinions, the weight of feeling like you need to have it all together is overwhelming. And completely unhelpful. You don’t need one more unfair expectation or unsolicited opinion. Every family’s circumstances are unique, and if you are seeking real support with real solutions that actually work for you and your family, please reach out whenever you’re ready.

The first step is a brief, complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. This is a no-pressure, zero obligation space for us to briefly connect, talk about what you’re looking for, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

For more information about Nesting Cups Psychotherapy, please visit my FAQ page.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation