

The Testing Psychologist Podcast
Dr. Jeremy Sharp: Licensed Psychologist & Private Practice Consultant
Helping psychologists, neuropsychologists, and mental health professionals start, grow, and scale psychological testing services in private practice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 49min
528. AI for Testing Psychologists: My Proposed AI Competencies
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this episode, I walk through my draft framework for AI competencies in psychology, designed to help clinicians and trainees navigate ethical, secure, and effective AI use. With AI adoption spreading rapidly in mental health, psychologists need clear benchmarks for what competence actually looks like. Drawing on my experience running an APA-accredited internship program, I outline seven domains of competence—from foundational knowledge to professional advocacy—that can guide both training and practice. This episode is a practical roadmap for supervisors, trainees, and clinicians looking to integrate AI responsibly into their work.
Main topics covered:
Why psychologists need defined AI competencies
Ground zero: foundational AI knowledge for clinicians
Transparency and informed consent when using AI
Bias mitigation and equity in AI-supported services
Privacy, security, and HIPAA concerns with AI tools
Accuracy, misinformation, and safeguarding judgment
The clinician’s role in maintaining human oversight
Liability, ethics, and continuing education in AI
Professional development and advocacy for responsible AI
Resources Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist consulting
Reverb: AI report-writing software
APA guidelines for AI use
The Testing Psychologist proposed AI Competencies
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

Sep 17, 2025 • 49min
527. AI for Testing Psychologists, Part 2: Ethics, Supervision, and Protecting Clinical Judgment in the AI Era
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this episode, I step back from the nuts and bolts of AI tools and dig into the ethical, supervisory, and professional development challenges of using AI in psychological assessment. I share insights from aviation, medicine, and radiology to highlight risks like automation bias, skill decay, and over-reliance on AI. I also discuss how clinicians and trainees can protect their critical thinking, balance workload reduction with deliberate practice, and frame AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement for judgment. This conversation is designed to spark reflection on how AI is shaping not just our workflows, but our ethics, training practices, and professional identity as psychologists.
Main topics covered:
Does reducing cognitive load always help—or can it erode clinical skill?
Strategies to prevent skill decay and maintain clinical proficiency
Over-reliance, automation bias, and how to resist it
Structured reflection exercises to improve judgment
The role of deliberate practice in training and supervision
Using AI as a thought partner versus a worker
How AI-supported education can preserve skill development pathways
Frameworks for trainees: explain-to-verify and reflective reasoning
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
“Panel on AI & Testing (AAPdN Annual Conference, April 2025)”: https://www.theaapdn.org/
“We’re All Wrong Sometimes: Blindspots, Biases, & Getting Better w/ Dr. Stephanie Nelson (The Testing Psychologist #276)”: https://thetestingpsychologist.com/276-were-all-wrong-sometimes-blindspots-biases-getting-better-w-dr-stephanie-nelson/
“Reverb (AI-assisted report writing for psychologists)”: https://reverbreports.com/
“Automation bias: a systematic review of frequency, effect, mediators, and mitigators (JAMIA, 2011)”: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3240751/
“Humans and automation: use, misuse, disuse, abuse (Parasuraman & Riley, 1997)”: https://web.mit.edu/16.459/www/parasuraman.pdf
“Automation-induced complacency: NASA review and experiments (Prinzel et al., 2001)”: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20020021642/downloads/20020021642.pdf
“Cognitive forcing strategies in clinical decisionmaking (Croskerry, 2003)”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12514691/
“Effect of availability bias and reflective reasoning on diagnostic accuracy (Mamede et al., JAMA 2010)”: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/186585
“The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance (Ericsson, Krampe, & Tesch-Römer, 1993)”: https://cseweb.ucsd.edu/classes/fa08/cse599/Papers/Ericsson.pdf
“Care to Explain? AI Explanation Types Differentially Impact Chest Radiograph Diagnostic Performance and Physician Trust in AI (Radiology, 2024)”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39560483/
“Does AI help or hurt human radiologists’ performance? (Harvard DBMI summary of Agarwal et al., 2024)”: https://dbmi.hms.harvard.edu/news/does-ai-help-or-hurt-human-radiologists-performance-depends-doctor
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

Sep 16, 2025 • 49min
526. AI for Testing Psychologists, Part 1: Practical Tools and Ideas
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this episode, I dive into the real-world ways psychologists can harness AI in their practices. As a practice owner, consultant, and co-founder of Reverb, I share how AI can streamline report writing, organize clinical data, and improve efficiency across workflows. I walk through specific tools and examples—from summarizing evaluations and tailoring reports for different audiences to using AI for business tasks like financial analysis, scheduling optimization, and even creating visuals. Whether you’re brand new to AI or already experimenting, this conversation highlights the most practical wins and pitfalls to be aware of right now.
Main Topics Covered
What AI can and cannot do for psychologistsUsing AI in report writing: background/history, tables, interview summaries, document reviewsGenerating recommendations and tailoring reports for different audiencesAI tools that enhance clinical workflows (Reverb, Bastion, Microsoft Copilot, Notebook LM, etc.)Creating visuals, handouts, and simplified reports for parents, teachers, and clientsAI outside of testing: email writing, financial analysis, scheduling workflows, stock photosPractical first steps for AI beginners in clinical practice
Cool Things Mentioned
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Reverb: the new standard in report writing
AAPDN (American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology): www.aapdn.org
Dr. Liz Angoff’s Resources: www.drlizangoff.com
Productive Therapist (Uriah Guilford): www.productivetherapist.com
Notebook LM (Google Workspace): notebooklm.google.com
Microsoft Copilot (HIPAA Version): www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot
BastionGPT: www.bastion.ai
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

Sep 15, 2025 • 49min
525. AI for Testing Psychologists: I Am Not Jeremy Sharp
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this special experiment, I let AI take over my podcast. That’s right—ChatGPT wrote the script and ElevenLabs generated my voice. No humans were harmed (though one was a little unsettled). This episode kicks off a four-part series on AI in clinical assessment. I explore why AI matters for our work as testing clinicians, how it’s already creeping into our workflows, and what questions we need to be asking now about ethics, liability, and clinical voice. It’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying, but either way, the future is here.
Main Topics Covered
Why I created a fully AI-generated episode
The role of AI in psychological and neuropsychological assessment
Six practical applications of AI for clinicians:
Report drafting
Data summarization
Diagnostic formulation support
Tailored language templates
Scheduling and communication
Thinking partner/decision support
Ethical and clinical risks: homogenization, liability, nuance, and confidentiality
The experiment of letting AI “write” parts of a behavioral observation section
Key questions about authorship, responsibility, and data security
Why AI should be treated like any other clinical tool—validate before use, keep the human in the loop
What’s coming in the next three episodes of the AI series:
Practical tools and workflows
Ethics, supervision, and clinical judgment
AI competency rubric for clinicians and trainees
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Reverb AI report-writing software
ChatGPT
ElevenLabs
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!e from At Health!
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

Sep 8, 2025 • 49min
524. Wearable Tech Meets School Psychology w/ Rich Brancaccio from Revibe
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this episode, I talk with school psychologist–turned–tech entrepreneur Rich Brancaccio, creator of the Revibe wearable device (now available through Pearson). Rich shares his remarkable journey from problem-solving in the school setting to soldering circuit boards at his kitchen table and eventually building a company that integrates psychology, AI, and wearable technology. We dive into how the Revibe helps kids and adults stay on task, how it collects and personalizes real-time behavioral data, and what this might mean for the future of psychological practice. Whether you’re curious about interventions for ADHD, excited about innovation in assessment, or just a fellow tech nerd, you’ll find this conversation both fascinating and practical.
Topics We Covered
Rich’s journey from school psychologist to entrepreneur
The origin story of Revibe: identifying a gap in interventions and data collection
How the Revibe wearable works: silent vibration cues and metacognitive prompts
The evolution of Revibe from simple prototype to AI-driven personalization
Executive function reminders and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) features
Data collection: fidgeting metrics, on/off-task feedback, and actionable insights
Research outcomes and effect sizes from multiple studies
How schools, parents, and clinicians are using the device
Potential downsides and solutions (subscriptions, warranties, device loss concerns)
Rich’s reflections on identity as both a school psychologist and technologist
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Revibe Connect / Revibe Tech (Pearson partnership): https://www.pearsonassessments.com
Samsung Galaxy Watch (hardware platform for the latest Revibe version): https://www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch
Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) overview (APA): https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/issue-174R
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Rich Brancaccio
Rich Brancaccio leads Pearson’s newly acquired wearable technology group. As a school psychologist passionate about helping children with focus and attention challenges, Rich, invented the original Revibe device help children perform to their fullest potential.
Get in Touch & Resources:
LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-brancaccio/
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

12 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 49min
523. Google Ads in 2025 w/ John Sanders from RevKey
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this episode, I welcome back John Sanders, founder of RevKey, to break down what testing psychologists need to know about Google Ads in 2025. A lot has changed since John was first on the podcast five years ago—Performance Max campaigns are replacing traditional search campaigns, costs per click have shifted, AI is starting to shape the search market, and the rules for writing effective ads are more nuanced than ever. John explains how testing practices can get a strong ROI, what pitfalls to avoid, and why thinking like your clients (not like a psychologist) is key when writing ads and website copy. If you’ve ever wondered whether Google Ads are worth it for your practice, this conversation brings the numbers and strategies into focus.
Main Topics Covered
What has changed in Google Ads over the last 5 years
The shift from keyword-based search campaigns to Performance Max campaigns
Why testing psychologists often have an advantage in Google Ads compared to therapy practices
How much a private practice should expect to spend each month
The importance of website structure and content for ad success
Key metrics to track to know if your ads are working
Common pitfalls that sabotage campaigns
ROI potential for testing practices (and why it’s often higher than in therapy)
The role of AI in search and advertising—and what’s coming next
Advice for DIY advertisers vs. working with an agency
Writing ad and website copy in client-friendly language
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Reverb AI report-writing software
RevKey (John’s company): https://revkey.com
Google Ads Performance Max campaigns: https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/10724817
Google Ads ROI Calculator from RevKey (provided by John): https://revkey.com/roi-calculator
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About John Sanders
John is an expert in paid search, specifically, Google Ads (which used to be called Google AdWords). He holds a BBA and MBA, and he has put this education to work in a variety of positions in the marketing field, including inside sales, purchasing, E-Commerce, and marketing management. Once he found Google Ads, John was hooked. He enjoys helping businesses generate leads through Google Ads that will help their companies grow, and he has partnered with businesses in a range of professions, including medical offices, B2B companies, and national product brands. John can help your business achieve its full potential.
Get in Touch & Resources:
Website: revkey.com
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

Aug 31, 2025 • 49min
522. Functional Cognitive Disorder w/ Dr. Ryan Van Patten
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
I had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Ryan Van Patten, board-certified neuropsychologist, podcaster, and researcher, about the increasingly recognized but still misunderstood condition known as Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD). We unpacked its place within the broader Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) umbrella, explored the core concept of “internal inconsistency” as a positive diagnostic sign, and discussed how clinicians can compassionately assess, diagnose, and treat FCD. We also delved into mechanisms like metacognition, abnormal Bayesian priors, and the nocebo effect. Ryan shared incredibly practical insights for assessment and feedback sessions, along with an honest look at what research and clinical resources are still missing.
Topics Covered
Why FCD represents the “quintessential neuropsychiatric disorder”
The biopsychosocial model and the “Four P’s” of formulation
FND vs. malingering: clinical and neurological distinctions
Internal inconsistency as a diagnostic hallmark of FCD
How to assess FCD using interviews, behavioral observations, and testing
Differentiating FCD from MCI and dementia
Metacognition, memory perfectionism, and nocebo effects
Providing compassionate, validating feedback to clients with FCD
Treatment strategies clinicians can use today
Research gaps and future directions for the field
Resources Mentioned
Harriet Ball et al. (2020) – Diagnostic criteria for FCD
Navigating Neuropsychology Podcast:
FCD w/ Dr. Laura McWhirter – Episode 128
FND w/ Dr. Mark Hallett – Episode 108
Functional Seizures w/ Dr. Curt LaFrance – Episode 112
Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms w/ Dr. Noah Silverberg – Episode 147
FND Society Education Hub – www.fndsociety.org/fnd-education
FND Hope (patient education and advocacy) – www.fndhope.org
Functional Neurological Disorder education portal – www.neurosymptoms.org
KnowNeuropsych: Functional Neurological Disorders page
Reuber et al. (2009) – Biopsychosocial model of FND
Teodoro et al. (2023) – Mechanisms of FCD: Metacognition & Expectancy
Cabreira et al. (2023) – Systematic review on FCD vs. dementia
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Dr. Ryan Van Patten
Ryan Van Patten, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Brown University and a Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Providence VA Medical Center in Providence, RI. Ryan is an active researcher, clinician, and educator. As an early career clinical scientist, he has over 60 peer reviewed publications (more than 30 first authored), as well as VA grants, book chapters, and editorial service. His research program focuses on functional neurological disorder, digital neuropsychology, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive rehabilitation.
Get in Touch & Resources:
E-mail: ryan_van_patten@brown.edu
Website: www.navneuro.com
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

21 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 49min
521. Pathological Demand Avoidance w/ Dr. Donna Henderson
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Donna Henderson — one of my most popular guests ever — to take a deep dive into pathological demand avoidance (PDA), a concept that’s becoming increasingly relevant but remains controversial in the US. Donna shares the personal case story that sparked her interest in PDA, defines what makes it distinct from typical demand avoidance, ODD, DMDD, and anxiety, and walks us through the core features and practical assessment strategies. We also explore how to support kids and families when PDA is part of the picture and where the field might be headed next. If you’ve ever scratched your head over a child who “must be in charge” and deeply struggles with demands, this conversation is for you.
Topics We Cover
Donna’s journey: the first child who led her to discover PDA
What PDA is (and what it’s not)
The historical origins of PDA and why the term might need an update
How PDA differs from typical demand avoidance, ODD, DMDD, anxiety, and trauma
Core features of PDA and vivid real-life examples
How to assess for PDA: interview approaches, testing adaptations, and pitfalls to avoid
Communicating PDA findings to families without over-pathologizing
Recommendations for families, schools, and clinicians — what actually works
Future directions for research and how to stay curious in your practice
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Reverb AI report-writing software
PDA North America — support and resources for professionals and families
PDA Society (UK) — original hub for information on PDA
Is This Autism? by Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland, and Jamell White — isthisautism.com
Dr. Donna Henderson’s website — drdonnahenderson.com
Donna’s handout on core features of PDA
Stixrud Group practice — stixrud.com
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Dr. Donna Henderson
Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else and Is This Autism? A companion guide for diagnosing. Dr. Henderson’s professional home is The Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provides neuropsychological evaluations and consultations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also provides case consultations and neurodiversity-affirmative training for other healthcare professionals.
Get in Touch & Resources:
Website: isthisautism.com
Website: stixrud.com
E-mail: drdonnahenderson@gmail.com
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

Aug 29, 2025 • 49min
520. The Future is Multicultural: How Assessment Can Catch Up w/ Dr. Linda McGhee
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this conversation, I catch up with Dr. Linda McGhee, psychologist, assessment expert, and now the host of The Multicultural Psychologist podcast. We talk about why she felt compelled to create a space for honest conversations about culture, identity, and assessment — and how the changing demographics in the U.S. make it more important than ever for clinicians to work competently and ethically with multicultural populations. Linda opens up about the joys and challenges of podcasting, her mission to help other clinicians break down systemic barriers, and her vision for supporting the next generation through lending libraries, scholarships, and thoughtful, holistic assessment practices.
Topics We Cover
Linda’s journey from attorney to psychologist and podcast host
The “storm” of cultural, demographic, and political changes shaping mental health
Why podcasts are a safe space for learning about multicultural practice
How to balance discomfort, vulnerability, and growth when addressing bias
Practical ways to incorporate cultural nuance into assessment reports
The barriers clinicians of color face when entering the field — and what Linda’s doing about it
Why the EPPP licensing exam is under fire and how states are responding
The mental health implications of young men falling behind and how culture shapes these trends
How rest, community, and self-care keep clinicians resilient in tough times
Dr. McGhee’s vision for the future: lending libraries, low-cost assessments, and multicultural certification
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Reverb AI-powered report-writing software
The Multicultural Psychologist Podcast: multiculturalpsychologist.com
“Essentials of Culture in Psychological Assessment” edited by Jordan Wright
“Assessment of Bipolar Spectrum Disorders” edited by Kleiger and Weiner
Society for Personality Assessment: www.personality.org
APA Guidelines on Multicultural Education and Practice: Link
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Dr. Linda McGhee
Linda McGhee is a clinical psychologist and nationally recognized moderator, mental health expert and speaker. McGhee was recently elected as APA President of the Assessment Psychology section of Division 12, the Society of Clinical Psychology. She was the Past President of the Maryland Psychological Association.Dr. McGhee is one of the nation’s foremost experts on culturally sensitive testing and assessment for diverse populations. Dr. McGhee currently teaches assessment and diversity at GWU’s Forensic Psychology program and is Visiting Faculty with the GWU Psy.D. program.
Get in Touch & Resources:
Website: www.lindamcghee.com
Website: www.themulticulturalpsychologist.com
E-mail: drlinda@drlmcghee.com
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call

Aug 28, 2025 • 49min
519. “Organic” Marketing in the Age of AI w/ Jennifer Christensen
Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.
In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Christensen, founder of Beacon Media + Marketing, to unpack how mental health practice owners can use AI tools to level up their marketing without losing their human touch. We talk about Jennifer’s journey as an early AI adopter, her “dark night of the soul” reckoning with the ethics of AI, and how small practices can harness everything from ChatGPT to generative engine optimization (GEO) without getting overwhelmed. We explore the best DIY uses for AI marketing, when to call in the pros, and why thoughtful, high-quality content will always stand out — even as the internet floods with “AI slop.”
Here are a few topics that we touch on:
Jennifer’s personal connection to mental health and how it shaped her marketing career
The difference between inbound and outbound marketing for private practices
How AI is transforming marketing tasks: from brainstorming to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
Practical, DIY ways practice owners can use AI to improve content and strategy
When to consider upgrading to advanced tools like ChatGPT Team ($200 version)
How to think critically about using AI responsibly in your practice’s marketing
The potential risks of AI-generated content saturation online
The importance of maintaining human connection and taste in an AI-driven world
Beacon’s approach to using AI without replacing people
Encouragement for practice owners to keep their work “organic” and relationship-driven
Cool Things Mentioned
The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
Reverb report-writing software
Beacon Media + Marketing: https://www.beaconmm.com
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn (book a free 15-minute call): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferchristensenak/
ChatGPT Team (Enterprise/Pro version): https://openai.com/
Scribe (for SOP and process documentation): https://scribehow.com/
Perplexity (for deep research with sources): https://www.perplexity.ai/
Writer (HIPAA-compliant AI writing tool): https://writer.com/
Caption AI (video editing & short-form content generation): https://www.caption.ai/
ICON (AI ad & video creation tool): https://www.iconiq.ai/
Featured Resources
I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!
PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.
TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing
The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!TP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Jennifer Christensen
A self-described city girl who found her calling in Alaska, she transformed early entrepreneurial failure into multiple successful ventures driven by faith-based principles. After a spectacular business collapse in her twenties taught her the importance of ethical leadership, she co-founded Beacon Media + Marketing in Anchorage with her business partner. Over 13 years, she has grown Beacon into a three-time Inc. 5000 digital agency serving clients nationwide, focusing on helping small businesses and healthcare brands achieve sustainable growth through purpose-driven marketing and emerging technology.
Get in Touch & Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferchristensenak/
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!
Schedule Your Call