About

Lydia C. Richardson, Psy.D.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, Certified Divorce Mediator, Collaborative Law Coach, and Child Specialist who has provided services to adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings since 2004.  I am fluent in Spanish and Danish; my multicultural background enables me to bring cultural sensitivity and competence to all aspects of my work and I am committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life.  My business experience in banking and finance gives me a unique perspective and ability to problem-solve effectively and work efficiently to help clients achieve their goals.  I earned my B.A. from New York University (Economics/Politics) and worked in business and finance for several years before returning to school to study psychology.  I earned my M.A. in industrial/organizational psychology and my doctorate in clinical psychology (both from Roosevelt University).  I have worked extensively with the families of children with developmental disorders, in foster care, and with adolescents in juvenile detention.  I am also trained in neuropsychological assessment of adults and children and have consulted to companies seeking executive coaching and team-building.

I am the 2021 President-Elect of the Collaborative Divorce Illinois (CDI) Board of Directors.  I am passionate about and hope to promote alternative dispute resolution and help facilitate less conflict in divorce so as to promote happier families and more productive co-parenting.  I believe that families can transcend the difficulty of divorce and evolve into happy and productive individuals and co-parents.  I am a member of other professional organizations, including the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), and the American Psychological Association (APA).  I also enjoy teaching graduate psychology courses at Roosevelt University in Chicago and providing consultation to other mental health professionals.

A native New Yorker, I have lived in Chicago for over 20 years and call it home.  I am the proud mother of three children who are all in graduate school now forging their own futures as fellow peacemakers.  In my spare time, I am outdoors as much as possible, biking, hiking, skiing, and walking the Chicago lakefront.