St. Louis Child Psychology and Psychological Assessments with Dr. Kezia Coleman, PsyD

Should my child meet with a child psychologist?

Different children have different needs when it comes to meeting with a psychologist vs. a psychiatrist vs. a therapist or counselor. I reached out to my colleague Dr. Kezia Coleman, and she graciously shared information on her practice here in St. Louis.

As a psychologist, Kezia provides both psychological testing (to officially diagnose you or your child with what is going on from a psychological perspective), educational testing (to provide an educational diagnosis that is used when creating IEP’s or school behavioral intervention plans), along with providing clinical therapy to select families.

Why did you choose to become a psychologist here in St. Louis, MO?

I have wanted to be a psychologist since I took AP Psychology in high school! Yes, I wanted to help people (cliché, I know), but I also enjoy supporting people as they navigate difficult situations and events; life is difficult, and I know I would not be where I am today without help! I decided to stay in St. Louis after completing a yearlong postdoctoral fellowship through UMSL, after falling in love with the STL diversity, people, and food!

What kind of treatment do you provide? 

I provide comprehensive psychological and educational assessments for children and young adults. I also provide individual and family therapy, generally using a cognitive-behavioral approach.

What ages do you work with?

At this time, my assessment services are generally limited to individuals aged 6-19. In therapy, I work with children, teenagers, and adults of all ages.

What can parents expect to leave with after working with you?

With an evaluation, parents can expect to leave with a better understanding of their child’s overall functioning and with specific ways to support their child at home, school, and in the community. In therapy, one of my specialties includes working with parents of children with difficult, disruptive or atypical behaviors. After working with me, parents and caregivers can expect to have a better understanding of how to support their child and ways to manage difficult behavior. Though treatment is not always easy, my final goal is for parents to feel encouraged and empowered when parenting.

When do you recommend parents consider getting a psychological evaluation for their child or teen?

Parents and caregivers should consider an evaluation if their child is demonstrating academic or learning difficulties, is showing behaviors or difficulties that appear to be affecting different areas of their life, and/or if they want to understand how a particular trauma or stressor has impacted their child’s functioning. Though many evaluation referrals come after a child is exhibiting significant difficulty at home or at school, evaluations can also assess a child’s strengths.

How long have you been working with anxiety, and how long have you been in St. Louis?

I have been working with individuals with anxiety for over five years, and I have been in STL for about three years!

Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?

My favorite types of clients are those who want to make some changes in their lives, and are invested in treatment.

What happens during a first appointment with you?

Individuals will get an introduction into assessment or therapy, of services offered, and a chance for us to get to know each other. Also, be prepared to fill out paperwork and to answer questions!

Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from anxiety?

I like to meet people where they are. I understand that individual with anxiety may be anxious about coming in, so we work together at a space that is comfortable for everyone.

What do you wish people knew about getting tested for psychological and intellectual concerns, including anxiety disorders?

Testing can be super helpful—it can help answer questions about what is going on in your life, and provide direction into what to do next. Anxiety can also manifest in a number of ways, so assessment can be very eye opening.

How can people learn more and contact you?

To contact me, please email me at drkeziacoleman@gmail.com. You can also call me at 314-472-3091; if you do not immediately reach me, please leave me a voicemail and I will return your phone call at my earliest convenience. More information can be found at drkeziacoleman.com.

What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

If I wasn’t a psychologist, I would have loved to be a dancer!

Curious to learn more about child psychology or child counseling? Compassionate Counseling St. Louis specializes in anxiety and anger management counseling for kids, teens, and college students - and we love helping parents figure out the next best steps for their child or teen, including referring out for psychological evaluations and assessments. You can set up a free 15-minute phone consult with us right on our website, at www.compassionatecounselingstl.com/consult