philosophy

I take a nonjudgmental, collaborative, and data-driven approach when working with families.

Dr. Emily L. Robertson, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Founder and Director of the Center for Child Behavior

I am a doctoral level licensed clinical psychologist specializing in evidence-based practices with children and families in Florida.

I have 8 years experience completing psychological evaluations/testing, providing evidence-based therapies, and I have over 11 years experience conducting research on child behavior challenges. I’m also a certified PCIT therapist which is a gold standard treatment for young children with disruptive behavior concerns and family conflict. I was fortunate to be trained by internationally renowned experts in ADHD, oppositional defiant concerns, and conduct problems including youth with Limited Prosocial Emotions (often referred to as callous-unemotional traits). I specialize in the assessment and treatment of these behavioral issues which includes improving child and teen compliance, listening, prosocial behavior, emotion regulation, school-related concerns, and the family as a whole. My goal is to reduce family arguments, frustration, and parental stress, while improving family routines, child well-being, and child success.

Additional details on credentials and experience below.

8 years clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of behavior concerns

11 years research experience and 35+ scientific publications

Integrates clinical research with therapy services

Education

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Child Focus), Louisiana State University, APA Accredited Doctoral Program

  • M.A. in Psychology, Louisiana State University

  • B.S. in Psychology & Criminal Justice, University of North Florida

Specialized Training

  • Ruth L. Kirschstein National Postdoctoral Fellowship, Florida International University, Center for Children and Families, Miami, FL, with an emphasis on childhood ADHD, oppositional/defiance, conduct disorder, & parenting/behavioral/pharmacological interventions

  • Clinical Psychology Residency, Mailman Center for Child Development, University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine (APA accredited), with an emphasis on parenting interventions and evaluations of child mental/behavioral health, learning, & child maltreatment/abuse.

  • Researcher & Lab Manager, Laboratory of Social and Affective Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., with an emphasis on studying empathy, aggression, and conduct problems in children, particularly children with Limited Prosocial Emotions (often referred to as callous-unemotional traits)

Clinical Experience

  • Founder and Director, Center for Child Behavior (Sarasota/Bradenton, FL), opened 2023

  • Assistant Director and Clinical Supervisor, Summer Treatment Program (STP), Center for Children and Families, Florida International University (Miami, FL). Nationally acclaimed comprehensive treatment program for childhood ADHD, behavior problems, and learning concerns

  • Co-Clinical Director, Afterschool Treatment Program, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University (Miami, FL), school-based treatment program for ADHD, behavior problems, and learning concerns

  • Assistant Professor of Psychology, Parent Management Training Clinician, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University (Miami, FL)

  • Clinician, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Institute, Child Protection Team (evaluations of child abuse), Pediatric Psychology Clinic, Pediatric Diabetes Clinic, School-Based Mental Health Clinic, Interdisciplinary Evaluation Services Clinic, Mailman Center for Child Development, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine (Miami, FL)

  • Clinician, Tau Inpatient Adolescent Unit, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital (Baton Rouge, LA)

  • Clinician, Baton Rouge Clinic, Pediatric Office (Baton Rouge, LA)

  • Clinician, Child Testing and Assessment Clinic, specializing in ADHD, ODD, and Conduct Disorder including youth with Limited Prosocial Emotions (often referred to as callous-unemotional traits), Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA)

  • Clinician, conducted self-compassion support groups for adult woman. Hubbard House, Domestic Violence Shelter (Jacksonville, FL)

Additional Credentials

  • 35+ scientific publications and book chapters on topics including behavior problems, defiance, Conduct Disorder, childhood ADHD, anxiety, parenting, telehealth therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), juvenile delinquency, trauma, among others. Click here to see google scholar page with Dr. Emily’s publications.

  • My work has received awards and been recognized by leading organizations including American Psychological Association’s Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (APA Division 53), the Society for Research on Adolescence, and the Society for the Scientific Study of Psychopathy

  • Licensed Psychologist in Florida, U.S.A, PY11854

  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Certified

  • Board of Advisors, Society for the Prevention of Disorders of Aggression

Treatment Modalities & Therapeutic Orientation

  • Behavioral Therapy, including Behavioral Parent Training

  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)