Lightside Psychology
Kansas City, MO - Northland | Lakeland, FL - Downtown | Virtual - 42 States
ALEX M. ROBERTS, PH.D.
PSYCHOLOGIST IN KANSAS CITY, MO & LAKELAND, FLTesting that makes a difference.
At Lightside Psychology, I help kids, teens, and adults discover strengths, clarify challenges, and map out the next steps for support — at school or work, on exams, in treatment, and in daily life.
Available in person in Kansas City, MO and Lakeland, FL or via telehealth in 42 states via PSYPACT.
Real answers for real life.
My goal is simple: to help you better understand what’s behind the challenges you face.
I offer targeted, individualized, and comprehensive assessments that provide meaningful insights and guide practical solutions.
Assessment is not just a tool I use; it’s a process we share.
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Why giftedness testing?
To determine eligibility for accelerated or ‘gifted’ academic programs
Learning far quicker and easier than same-age peers
Mastery of academic skills well above age and grade level expectations
Boredom with general education curriculum
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Why a psychological evaluation?
Differential diagnosis / diagnostic clarity; helping determine the core underlying challenges most clearly impacting mental health functioning
Limited improvements in mental health despite prior/ongoing psychotherapy
To inform treatment planning prior to initiating a course of psychotherapy or medication
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Why ADHD testing?
Problems orienting and/or sustaining focus to activities or tasks
Difficulties with planning, organization, memory, time management, completing tasks, or meeting deadlines
Hyperactivity or overactivity, problems with impulse control and emotional regulation
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Why an adult autism evaluation?
Concerns with social communication skills or chronic difficulties relating to/connecting with others
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Why psychoeducational testing?
A suspected learning problem in reading, math, or writing (e.g., specific learning disorder)
To identify appropriate academic accommodations and inform learning plans (i.e., IEP, 504-disability plan, private learning plan, giftedness)
Unexplained academic difficulties or chronic underachievement
Poor performance on tests/exams
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Why evaluation for school and/or exam accommodations?
You or your child need initial or updated testing to support accommodation requests on College Board (ACT/SAT) or high-stakes exams (LSAT, MCAT, COMLEX, GRE, USMLE, state bar, etc.).
You or your child need initial or updated testing to support accommodation requests in college, graduate school, or in the workplace.
Alex M. Roberts, Ph.D.
Hi, I’m Dr. Alex, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.
I grew up just a few blocks from the beach in South Carolina and spent most of my childhood riding waves. In college, I played baseball until an injury ended that chapter earlier than I’d planned. That unexpected turn led me to psychology and, over time, I discovered a path that’s been just as rewarding. I earned my Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 2020. I spent the next five years in San Antonio, Baltimore, and southwest Florida obtaining advanced training and, later, leading testing programs and training future psychologists. Today, I continue teaching as an Assistant Professor at Kansas City University and work to expand access to psychoeducational testing in underserved communities.
While rewarding and important, titles and institutions mean little in comparison to the discipline, perspective, and resilience I gained through my own personal and professional experiences. And what matters most is how I show up for my clients — with focus, empathy, and an honest and steady commitment to their growth.
People often tell me they’re nervous about participating in testing, and I get that. My role is to bring clarity and warmth to what can feel like a confusing, intimidating, or cold process, in a way that’s thoughtful, compassionate, empowering, and rooted in real life for you or your child.
I’d be honored to support you or your child on the path toward greater clarity, confidence, self-understanding, and academic and professional success.
More about me and what I do.
Areas of Expertise
Comprehensive psychoeducational assessment (IEP, 504 plans, private learning plans)
Evaluation for test accommodations on college entry (SAT/SAT) and high-stakes exams (MCAT, LSAT, USMLE, GRE, state bar, etc.)
Evaluation to support requests for workplace accommodations
Identification of neuropsychiatric conditions (ADHD, learning differences, cognitive processing problems)
Clarifying emotional, mood, and/or personality concerns with individualized and comprehensive treatment recommendations
Educational and disability law
Where I’ve Worked
Public and private schools
Children’s hospitals
Educational rights / law clinics
Inpatient treatment centers
Juvenile corrections
Academic centers
Private practice
Education, Training, & Credentials
Assistant Professor, Kansas City University (KCU), Center for Population Health & Equity (CPHE)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Missouri
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Florida
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Maryland (inactive)
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) via PSYPACT
National Register Health Service Psychologist
Ph.D., School Psychology
M.A., School Psychology
B.A., Psychology, English
What makes Lightside different?
Partnership & Advocacy
I work closely with you throughout the testing process to identify challenges, strengths, and actionable solutions. My advocacy continues after testing, ensuring you or your child are connected to the right services and that the results of testing lead to meaningful support at school, work, and in future/ongoing treatment.
Personalized & Detailed
My testing process is thorough and tailored to your unique needs. Recommendations for treatment or academic interventions are customized specifically to address your or your child’s challenges, not based on generalizations or similar diagnoses.
Timeliness
I don’t maintain a waitlist. Once you decide testing is right for you or your child, appointments are scheduled promptly. You’ll meet with me 1-2 weeks after testing to review results, discuss recommendations, and receive a detailed written report.
FAQ
Services
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A psychological evaluation can assess various aspects of functioning, including IQ, academic skills, memory, attention, executive functions (like planning and self-control), socio-emotional and behavioral functioning, and personality (for adolescents and adults). It can include face-to-face testing, a diagnostic interview, developmental history, and a review of medical/educational records, plus behavior rating forms from parents, teachers, or the individual.
The evaluation also supports educational advocacy to develop learning plans (e.g., 504 plans, IEPs) or workplace accommodations (for adults). The evaluation also involves collaboration with other treatment providers and schools (if applicable) to ensure comprehensive care.
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Testing usually requires 2 to 6 hours of face-to-face work, typically over one or two days. In some cases, it may require more than 6 hours. If sessions are spread over multiple days, they are typically scheduled within one to two weeks of each other.
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Feedback sessions are typically scheduled 7 to 10 days after testing. If you have time constraints or deadlines, Alex can often accommodate expedited review and report completion upon request.
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No, clinical psychologists cannot prescribe medication in Florida or Missouri. However, Alex works closely with psychiatrists and prescribing providers and can refer you or your child to a qualified professional for medication management when needed.
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Alex is a licensed clinical psychologist in Florida and Missouri. He also maintains Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) in 42 states via PSYPACT.
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Alex offers all-virtual evaluations for children and adults who present with psychiatric concerns only. He also offers all-virtual adult ADHD evaluations and adult autism evaluations (consult call required). All other evaluations require in-person work.
Scheduling
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To respect your time, Alex requires a 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will incur the full session fee. For testing appointments, a $250 fee will be charged if canceled within 24 hours.
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Alex returns calls and emails within 48 hours. Alternatively, you can independently schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Alex here to discuss your interest in psychological services and how he can help you and/or your family.
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Testing appointments are available on evenings and weekends. To ensure optimal results, you’ll work with Alex to choose the time of day that works best for your or your child’s cognitive alertness.
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Alex aims to begin the testing process within 2 weeks (or sooner) of your initial inquiry, based on mutual availability.
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Yes. While some evaluations require face-to-face testing work, Alex offers virtual initial intake appointments and feedback/review appointments for all evaluations.
Payment
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No, Alex does not accept insurance or Medicaid. However, as an out-of-network provider, he can provide a "Super Bill" for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement through your plan's out-of-network benefits.
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Alex does not accept insurance to provide more personalized, flexible care without the limitations imposed by insurance companies. Insurance often restricts the time and type of services that can be provided and requires formal diagnoses, which are placed in your permanent medical record.
By offering private pay, Alex ensures:
Privacy & Confidentiality: No diagnosis is shared with insurance companies or placed in your or your child’s medical record.
No Limits on Care: Services are tailored to your needs without insurance restrictions on time, frequency, or scope of treatment.
Easy Payment: Direct payment eliminates the hassle of submitting claims or waiting for reimbursements.
This allows Alex to focus on delivering the best care for you or your child, without interference from insurance protocols.
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Alex accepts cash, credit/debit, Venmo, Zelle, and HSA/FSA payments. Payment is due at the time of service, either in-person (cash) or via a secure payment portal (credit/debit, HSA/FSA). For credit/debit or HSA/FSA payments, a card is kept on file for easy processing. Payment plans, reduced rates, and pro bono services are considered on an individual basis.
For contractual work with schools or agencies, Alex provides invoices after services are completed.
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Yes. Alex offers flexible payment options for all clients, most often two or three installments throughout the evaluation process. Additional payment plans are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Alex if you have additional questions about billing or would benefit from unique or flexible payment plans.
Wondering whether testing is right for you or your child?
Let’s connect.
What my peers say about working with me.
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Dr. Roberts is a thoughtful and dedicated psychologist. He uses a comprehensive, integrative, and holistic approach to assessment and strives to individualize recommendations to help meet the complex needs of the patients and families who he works with.
R.P., Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Baltimore, MD
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Dr. Roberts is a knowledgable and reliable psychologist who is careful and thorough in his approach to assessment and interdisciplinary consultation. He has a consistent history of strong advocacy for his clients and their families.
K.H., Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Columbia, SC
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In the time that I’ve worked with Dr. Roberts, I have consistently noted his professionalism, thoroughness, and commitment to incorporating relevant research into his assessment findings. Moreover, his most impressive quality is his genuine concern and untiring advocacy for each person that he evaluates.
S.K., Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Bonita Springs, FL
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Dr. Roberts is dependable, detail-oriented, and adept at understanding which factors are most important to get clients the help they need. These skills allow him to be simultaneously efficient and thorough with every case.
S.T., Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Columbia, SC
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Dr. Roberts stands out in his quest for knowledge and excellence. He is highly skilled in both psychological evaluation and therapy. His professionalism and commitment to his clients and craft set him apart as a top psychologist who engenders trust and a deeper personal understanding in his clients.
M.C., Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Chicago, IL
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Dr. Roberts is a highly skilled and attuned psychologist, offering quality and compassionate care in all aspects of his work. He demonstrates excellence in a wide array of clinical services and is truly a well-respected colleague and professional.
A.P., Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, San Diego, CA
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Dr. Roberts is a bright and pragmatic clinician who is skilled in utilizing psychological assessment to answer complex diagnostic questions. I highly value his expertise both in terms of his comprehensive assessments and practical recommendations.
S.M., Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Fort Myers, FL
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Dr. Roberts has unique expertise with helping individuals throughout their lifespan with learning more about their symptoms and sense of self through assessment. He has a unique balance of thoroughness and comprehensiveness to see the "big picture" while also clearly communicating using everyday language to understand nuances throughout assessment and treatment planning.
C.B., Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Charlotte, NC
