What makes The Dawson Center special?

Name: The Dawson Center, PLLC
Address: 4904 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 154, Raleigh, NC, 27606, US
Telephone: 919-533-8726

"I believe parents are the experts when it comes to their child and typically know early on when their child is falling behind. I also understand the worry and stress parents feel while waiting many months for an evaluation and the relief upon receiving the evaluation results that finally confirm the concerns they have had for so long."

Hi. My name is Alisa Dawson. I founded The Dawson Center, PLLC, in Raleigh, NC in order to help parents who are frustrated by long waits or other barriers to getting their child much-needed assessments that can lead to life-changing supports and interventions.

I have been a child psychologist for over 25 years in North Carolina, with a specialization in testing and evaluations. I have received specialized training in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities and developmental delays in early childhood. My experience includes:

15 years as a psychologist evaluating children 3 to 5 years of age on a Multidisciplinary Assessment Team for the Wake County Public School System, Office of Early Learning.
10 years as a school psychologist evaluating children from preschool to high-school age.
Staff psychologist working in a small, group-practice setting completing psychological evaluations for children of various ages, including teens referred through the juvenile court system.
Advanced training in conducting neuropsychological assessments for children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
NC Registry of Approved TBI Psychologists.

My husband and I have two wonderful sons who attended Wake County public schools exclusively, so I'm very familiar with parenting in Wake County. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, trying new local foodie spots, watching crime dramas or HGTV, and relaxing outside at the lake, beach, or mountains.

I look forward to working with your family to accelerate your child's journey toward his/her best learning environment.

...Alisa Dawson

NC Licensed Psychological Associate

Client Portal

We are currently scheduling evaluations. To accommodate parents with busy schedules, appointments can be scheduled on weekends or late afternoons. Parents, pediatricians, and other referral partners can contact us at 919-533-8726 for more information.

A space designed for young children

At The Dawson Center, we want parents and children to feel comfortable through each step of the assessment process. The center is conveniently located off I-440 at the Jones Franklin Rd exit in Raleigh, NC. Our center was specifically designed for families with children who experience stress in busy, over-stimulating environments.

The center is on the first floor of a small, quiet building.
The assessment room is bright and engaging for young children of all backgrounds.
The adjoining private family room has a hot-beverage station, bottled water and a device charging area. This space is ideal for busy families who need to bring a sibling or for parents who need to step away for a phone call.
Restrooms with baby changing stations are nearby.
The materials and toys are sanitized after each assessment.