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As a psychologist and the owner of Gateway Behavioral Health Consultants , I spend my days working with adults, teens, and families who are navigating the complexities of neurodivergence (ND). On top of that, I’m also a mom to neurodivergent children. This dual perspective—professional expertise combined with the lived reality of parenting—gives me a unique lens through which to view the challenges our kids face, and perhaps more importantly, the areas where our current suppo

The holidays are often marketed as the “most wonderful time of the year.” We’re surrounded by images of cozy gatherings, sparkling lights, and smiling families around the dinner table. But for many people, the holiday season brings not just joy, but also a heavy dose of stress and anxiety. Between travel, finances, social expectations, and family dynamics, the pressure can pile up quickly. Let’s not forget the actual day of stressors either. Trying to juggle being in multiple

Lately, I’ve been busy speaking at public events, focusing on neurodiversity and the vital importance of claiming our strengths as neurodivergent individuals. This work has really pushed me to reflect on why this advocacy is so crucial. After these talks, so many people have approached me—some with a diagnosis, some self-identifying—sharing their stories. They’ve talked about the challenges they’ve faced, struggles with getting a diagnosis, or even just sharing about a loved

If you’ve spent your life feeling like you’re reading a script that no one else has, or that the emotional and social demands of the world leave you feeling perpetually exhausted and misunderstood, you are not alone. This unique, often bewildering experience can be a sign that your brilliant brain is wired for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As a licensed psychologist with lived experience and clinical expertise in neurodivergence, I’m passionate about fostering a genuine con

October is ADHD Awareness Month. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition which is characterized by difficulty with attention, executive dysfunction, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This condition can present differently among people with some people presenting with only inattentive symptoms, some with only hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, but most commonly with a combination of both.  While ADHD was initially thought to be a condition

Lexi Dalley is a second-year doctoral student in clinical psychology who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the topic of mental health. A 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri, Lexi’s background includes working part-time in a preschool setting, where she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of emotional well-being at every stage of life. As a psychology student balancing the demands of school, work, and personal growth, she offers a

We are pleased to share that Gateway Behavior Health Consultants was chosen by the 36,000 votes in St. Louis Magazine as the...

This post is the fifth in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

This post is the fourth in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

This post is the third in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

Although summer is a great time to unwind, go on vacations, and have fun, it is important for families with kids who are neurodivergent ...

This post is the second in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

This post is the first in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

This is the first of a 6-part series on common mental health disorders. This blogs provides an overview of mental health in the US.

Can you believe it is that time of year again? Summer is coming to an end and it's time to get the kids ready to go back to school! This...

When you are neurodivergent, seemingly simple tasks aren’t so simple.  Brushing your teeth.  Showering.  Making dinner.  Putting away...

Image courtesy of CanvasRebel Magazine Gateway Behavioral Health Consultants founder Dr. Jennifer Ritchie recently spoke with CanvasRebel...

Dr. Jennifer Ritchie was featured on the Follow Your Arrow Counseling blog in one article of their three-part series discussing the...

April is Autism Awareness Month, and as a psychologist who has diagnosed many children and adults with autism, I’ve witnessed firsthand...

Autism isn’t just something that affects children—more and more adults are being diagnosed every year.  Approximately 2.21% of adults in...