Penny Hays, Ph.D. psychoeducational evaluations Atlanta
About Dr Hays
I have been a licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia in private practice for over 27 years. I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities, behavioral problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression and anxiety disorders in children, adolescents and adults. I particularly enjoy assessments where I can help solve the mystery of how to best help students who are struggling academically. I also love working with couples, especially in the areas of communication and parenting. My primary specialty is conducting psychoeducational evaluations. These evaluations help identify academic strengths and weaknesses to assist in educational planning. The results are often used as part of the requests for accommodations in school and with standardized testing such as the ACT and SAT.
Personally, I am married and have two adult daughters.
Degrees, Certifications, professional affiliations and experience
B.A. with Honors—Psychology, 1981. Eastern Illinois University.
M.Ed.—School Psychology, 1984. The University of Georgia
Ph.D.—School Psychology, 1987. The University of Georgia.
Special areas of study were neuropsychology, school psychology and clinical child psychology. Dissertation topic was: "Sustained attention in children with attention deficit disorder with and without hyperactivity".
Clinical psychology internship, 1986-1987. Vanderbilt's Child Psychiatry Clinic.
Research Associate and Psychologist, 1987-1988. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Specialized in evaluations and treatment with medically fragile children and their families.
Psychologist in Private Practice, 1989 thru 2006. The Behavioral Institute of Atlanta. Specialized in psychoeducational evaluations and cognitive behavioral therapy with children, adolescents and adults.
Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, 1996. Focus on communication and parenting issues.
Psychologist in Private Practice, 2007 thru present. Specializing in psychoeducational evaluations and cognitive behavioral therapy with children, adolescents and adults.
I am a member of the American Psychological Association and the Georgia Psychological Association, the Georgia Psychological Association, National Association of School Psychologists and the International Dyslexia Association.