Dr. Kelly Ristau is a licensed clinical psychologist and expert diagnostician with

extensive experience in both clinical and forensic psychology. With more than ten years

in the field, she provides comprehensive assessment services to preteens, adolescents,

and adults, addressing a broad range of psychological, behavioral, and neurocognitive

concerns. Her career has included private practice and public service roles within

municipal, state, and federal systems. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Dr. Ristau is

especially committed to supporting individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.

At Fox Clinical Services, Dr. Ristau specializes in diagnostic testing, using evidence-

based tools to assess mood disorders, psychosis, personality disturbance, substance

use, trauma, and neurocognitive functioning, including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. She

tailors each evaluation to the individual, providing clear, actionable insights to illuminate

a path forward and foster meaningful change.

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Dr. Ristau also has advanced training in forensic assessment of adults and juveniles,

with significant experience in evaluations related to fitness to stand trial, criminal

responsibility, juvenile transfer, sentencing and mitigation, and child protection. She is

skilled in violence risk and threat assessment and offers consultation, case review, and

expert testimony in these areas.

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She earned her PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of

Professional Psychology in 2016, focusing on Law Enforcement and Child and Family

studies, and holds a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from

the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her doctoral internship was completed at the Will

County Health Department’s River Valley Detention Center, where she worked with

justice-involved adolescents.

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Dr. Ristau is licensed in Illinois and Hawaii, is a member of PSYPACT, holds the

Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ), and is authorized to

provide telepsychology in participating states. She is a published academic author,

currently researching gun violence and mental health, and is an active member of the

Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), the Hawai'i Psychological

Association, and APA Divisions 41 and 18. Outside of work, she enjoys time with loved

ones, reading all things interesting, writing poetry and fiction, learning languages,

traveling, dancing, and watching anything hilarious.