Dr. Laura R. Tishey

Hello, and thank you for your interest in Bright Minds Psychological Assessment. I started this practice to help children, teenagers, and young adults better understand their strengths and challenges so they can achieve their full potential—academically, emotionally, and socially. I also care about helping parents see their child’s challenges from a new perspective, understand what their child needs, and feel more confident in advocating for the support they deserve.

My experiences as an aunt have enriched my work as a psychologist. Spending time with my four nieces and nephews has given me a personal window into the many stages of childhood and adolescence, and the unique ways each child grows and learns. These relationships have helped me stay grounded in the day-to-day realities that families face and have helped me connect with both kids and parents in a warm, down-to-earth way.

For over 20 years, I have been a practicing psychologist, working with children, adolescents, and adults in both outpatient and inpatient settings. After graduating from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology – Chicago Campus, I pursued postdoctoral training at the Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center, now known as the Forensic Treatment Center – North, in St. Louis, and stayed on to work as a staff psychologist, forensic evaluator, and supervisor. During that time, I also worked as an independent contractor, conducting evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults for disability determinations.

Before attending graduate school, I worked in the mental health field at an intensive outpatient and extended partial hospitalization program at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, as well as a residential care facility for persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Clinical experiences during graduate school included training at the Diamond Headache Clinic, a center for the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as a private practice, all located in the Chicagoland area.

Over the last five years, I have been conducting psychological assessments for child, adolescent, and young adult populations at the Center for Behavioral Health at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). My work there involved evaluating a wide range of concerns, including ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning differences, giftedness, and emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. My clinical experiences have strengthened my dedication to supporting families as they navigate challenges related to learning, attention, emotional well-being, and development—always with the goal of providing clear, practical guidance they can put to use right away.