Dr. Karen Patton is a licensed psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in School Psychology from the University of Georgia. During her training, she gained experience in both school and clinical settings and completed her doctoral internship with Newark Public Schools in New Jersey, where she worked across all grade levels and specialized programs for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
Following her internship, Dr. Patton spent ten years as a school psychologist in Newark charter schools. There, she gained extensive expertise in psychological and educational testing, functional behavior assessments, positive behavior supports, and special education compliance. She also served as a leader on multidisciplinary teams, helping determine eligibility and guide individualized educational services.
Since joining the Behavioral Pediatric Institute of Alabama in 2022, Dr. Patton has focused on school-based consultation, independent educational evaluations, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other mood or behavior concerns. She is dedicated to helping families find clarity in the evaluation process and providing actionable, individualized recommendations. Known for her collaborative approach, Dr. Patton values building strong relationships with families and schools to ensure children receive the emotional, behavioral, and academic support they need.
Dr. Patton lives in Birmingham with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys family activities, volunteering at her children’s schools, running, reading, and exploring the Birmingham community.