About

Kristy Larsen, PhD

Dr. Larsen is a licensed clinical child psychologist who provides evidence-based therapy and evaluations to young children and their families. She is passionate about helping children thrive emotionally, behaviorally, and academically by offering services that are grounded in the latest research and tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Dr. Kristy Larsen

Licensed Psychologist

Clinical Expertise:

Dr. Larsen specializes in the assessment and treatment of disruptive behaviors, anxiety, and ADHD in preschool and early elementary-aged children. She also has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, including those focused on ADHD, learning difficulties, reading disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

Specialization in Early Childhood:

Dr. Larsen has a strong focus on working with young children, particularly those ages 2–7, who are experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. Her warm, collaborative approach helps families better understand their child’s needs and build practical tools for lasting change.

Extensive PCIT Training:

Dr. Larsen has received several years of training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a gold-standard treatment for young children with behavioral and emotional difficulties. She also has specialized training in adapted versions of PCIT for selective mutism and childhood anxiety and is currently completing her PCIT certification.

Comprehensive, Individualized Evaluations:

In her assessment work, Dr. Larsen takes a thoughtful, individualized approach. She carefully selects and adjusts testing tools to gain a full picture of each child’s strengths and areas of need. She also collaborates closely with schools, pediatricians, and other providers to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the child across settings and to support coordinated care.

Collaborative and Supportive Care for Families:

Dr. Larsen values strong collaboration with parents and caregivers. She prioritizes clear, compassionate communication and provides families with practical strategies, timely feedback, and a roadmap for moving forward.

Areas of Specialty:

Ages 2 – 7
Parenting
Defiance
Aggression
Outbursts
Emotion dysregulation
Selective mutism
Generalized anxiety
Social anxiety
Separation anxiety
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Learning difficulties

Select Research and Publications

Larsen, K. L., & Jordan, S. S. (2022). Factors that link consistent bedtime routines to better sleep outcomes. Children’s Health Care, 51, 139-162.

Larsen, K. L., Erp, L. A., Jordan, M., & Jordan, S. S. (2021). Bedtime routines of young children, parenting stress, and bedtime resistance: Mediation models. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 54, 683-691.

Larsen, K. L. & Jordan, S. S. (2020). Organized chaos: Daily routines link household chaos and child behavior problems. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29, 1094-1107.

Larsen, K. L., Jordan, S. S., & Green, B. A. (2017). Assertiveness Training. In V. Zeiger-Hill, & T. K. Shackelford (Eds). Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer International Publishing.

McQuade, J. D., Mendoza, S., Larsen, K. L., Breaux, R. P. (2017). The nature of social positive illusory bias: Reflection of social impairment, self-protective motivation, or poor executive functioning? Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 45, 289-300.