Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider a psychological assessment? How is it useful?
Psychological assessments are used to detect challenges including learning, attentional, behavioral, and emotional struggles. My evaluations are comprehensive and assess intellectual functioning, academic achievement, and processing abilities. Moreover, testing allows identification of specific strengths and weaknesses in areas that may be impacting school or work performance. Some examples of relevant areas are reading fluency, comprehension, computation skills, numerical reasoning, visual-motor skills, spatial organization, auditory processing, attentional skills, organization, visual perception and information processing. Tests of intellectual functioning and academic achievement may also be used to determine whether a child can be considered gifted.
Behavioral and emotional struggles, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, and Depression, may also be identified through the assessment process. Projective and performance-based techniques, standardized rating scales, observations and interviews are used to gain an understanding of current behavioral and emotional functioning, and assist in determining any appropriate diagnoses.
The testing findings are integrated to provide a holistic picture of how all these areas impact a child and what supports they may need.
What is the process of a psychological assessment?
In the initial meeting, I meet with the client (if an adult) or the parents for a 2 hour interview to gather developmental, medical, academic, and social history. Moreover, time will be devoted to determining the questions for the assessment.
Most testing is completed in 2 hour blocks of 4-6 sessions. This varies depending on the measures administered and the examinee’s ability to participate in a 2 hour session.
Throughout the assessment, the client and/or parents work closely with me to understand the testing results.
An optional meeting is the Family Assessment session. Once the testing has been completed this session is helpful to determine how family dynamics are impacting a child’s functioning and to consult to parents about supports and interventions for the entire family.
A discussion/feedback session occurs a few weeks after the completion of testing. Before that session, I will complete a formal report. In addition, younger children receive an individualized, illustrated feedback story that shares the main themes of the testing in an age-appropriate manner. Teens receive a letter written to them that answers their questions for the assessment.
Do you accept insurance for the assessment? If not, what is the cost?
I do not contract with insurance companies. My assessment fee is a flat rate. I have three set fees for different assessment processes: one for IQ testing, one for evaluations of young children (under 6 years old), and another fee for assessments of children, adolescents, and adults. Payment can be made in full at the first appointment or in two installments. I can provide a superbill at the completion of the process that the client can submit to their insurance company for reimbursement.
Who else will have access to my/my child’s assessment?
Psychological assessments for adults and children are confidential. I do not divulge results of the assessment to anyone without written consent of the client/client’s parents. The exceptions are: 1) if you or your child is in imminent danger of harming self or others, 2) if I believe your child or adolescent has been abused, or if you or your child communicate information of such abuse to me; 3) if you file suit for breach of a duty; or 4) if unanticipated legal proceedings arise that require me to disclose confidential information.
Often, at the conclusion of the assessment, I collaborate with a child’s treatment team and school to ensure they receive appropriate accommodations and supports in all areas of their life. This is done in conjunction with parents and caregivers as a team.