Evaluations
Evaluations can be an important step in helping parents gain a deeper understanding of their child, as well as providing individuals with valuable self-insight and awareness. However, evaluations can also feel intimidating!
As a licensed psychologist, my goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible. That includes ensuring you understand what an evaluation with me involves, determining whether you're ready to go through the process, and describing the outcome.
The Purpose of an Evaluation
The goal of an evaluation is to answer specific questions about your child's or your own needs. We will work together to determine what questions should be answered. I will do my best to answer these questions ethically, professionally, and compassionately. Sometimes evaluation questions have clear answers, while other times, the answers may be more complex or uncertain. Regardless of the outcome, you can trust that all results are based on my clinical best judgment and in your child's or your own best interests.
Benefits of an Evaluation
Undergoing an evaluation can provide numerous benefits for both children and adults. An evaluation can offer valuable insights and clarity, helping to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for growth. With a better understanding of one's unique profile, appropriate interventions, accommodations, and support strategies can be implemented. This tailored approach can lead to improved academic performance, enhanced social-emotional well-being, and increased self-awareness and self-advocacy skills.
Additionally, an evaluation can provide a diagnostic foundation for accessing specialized services, resources, and accommodations in educational or professional settings. It can also facilitate open conversations, foster understanding, and cultivate a more supportive environment within families and communities.
Scope of Evaluations
At this time, I am conducting evaluations where questions fit within the following scope:
What is my child’s/my cognitive profile? Academic profile?
Does my child/I meet the criteria for a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or learning disability?
Does my child/I meet the criteria for another psychological diagnosis (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder)?
How can I best advocate for my child's/my needs?
What are recommended interventions and accommodations based on my child's/my needs?
The Evaluation Process
The evaluation process typically involves the following steps:
Initial Consultation: We will have a 15-minute call to discuss your concerns and determine whether an evaluation is the right path to pursue at this time. If so, we will schedule an intake.
Intake: This is a 90-minute telehealth session where we will go over your rights and responsibilities, the disclosure consent forms, the risks and benefits of pursuing an evaluation, establish the specific questions we're hoping to answer, and go over background information.
Information Gathering: I will gather relevant information from sources that can help answer the evaluation question(s), such as reviewing report cards, questionnaires, interviews with teachers, therapists, and other providers involved in your or your child's care, previous assessments, and other relevant materials.
Testing and Observation: Depending on the evaluation question(s), I may conduct standardized testing, interviews, and/or observations with you or your child in various settings, including school observations if relevant and needed. Direct testing is typically done in-person, usually over the span of one to three, 2-hour sessions.
Feedback Session: After completing the evaluation, usually 6-8 weeks after the final pieces of data have been collected, we will have a feedback session where I will review the results, provide recommendations, and answer any questions you may have. I offer a free 30-minute call after clients have had time to read the report to discuss the report and other questions they may have about it.
Written Report: You will receive a detailed written report summarizing the evaluation findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations for interventions and accommodations. I will mail a hard copy to any providers that clients consent for me to send them to. You will also receive a PDF copy of the report after the feedback session.
A Collaborative Approach
Throughout the evaluation process, I encourage open communication and collaboration. Your input and feedback are invaluable in helping me develop a comprehensive understanding of your child's or your own strengths and challenges. Together, we can navigate this journey of self-discovery and create a solid foundation for growth and success.
Investment for Evaluations
When you inquire about my evaluation services, I will provide you with a cost estimate. Comprehensive evaluations demand a significant investment of time and effort, typically requiring a minimum of 10 to 20 hours of dedicated work. The fee structure is tailored to the scope and complexity of the evaluation, which is customized to address the specific questions and concerns you have. Factors influencing the cost include the duration of direct testing, review of relevant records, consultation with other professionals involved in the care, scoring and interpretation of assessment measures, and the preparation of a detailed written report. I encourage you to reach out to discuss pricing and obtain an accurate quote. Depending on your health insurance plan's out-of-network coverage, a portion of the evaluation expenses may be eligible for reimbursement.
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