Education

• B.A. in Child Psychology, minors in Family Social Science and Youth Studies, University of Minnesota, Summa Cum Laude

• M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Minnesota School of Professional Psychology

• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Minnesota School of Professional Psychology

• APA accredited internship in Pediatric Neuropsychology & Autism Spectrum Disorders, The Watson Institute (Sewickley, Pennsylvania)

• 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Neurology

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Dr. Ocken-Helmen specializes in neuropsychological evaluations that assess a broad range of developmental abilities and individual attributes (e.g., cognitive abilities, attention, social functioning, fine motor skills, etc). Children who come for an evaluation typically have some aspect of their daily life that is problematic or upsetting, but that the adults in that child’s life are struggling to understand or address effectively. The evaluation process involves interviewing parents, gathering information from educators, as well as direct testing and time spent with the child. Dr. Ocken-Helmen puts together all these ‘pieces’ and provides a deeper understanding of a child’s strengths and challenges, what is interfering with their progress, happiness, or functioning, and specific recommendations to consider at school, at home, and through clinical follow-up. Dr. Ocken-Helmen primarily works with children up to age 12. Working with children with special needs, particularly autism, beginning in high school lead Dr. Ocken-Helmen to this field. She aims to provide helpful information about each child, compassionate support, and relevant resources as parents and caregivers seek to best support their children.