Frequently Asked Questions About Evaluations
Jump to: Evaluation Process · Results & Diagnosis · School Services · Fees & Payment · Reports & Follow-up
GETTING STARTED
How do I know if my child needs a psychological evaluation?
Many families seek an evaluation because something doesn’t quite add up. A child may be working incredibly hard but continuing to struggle academically, socially, emotionally, or behaviorally. Others may simply seem to learn or experience the world differently than expected.
A psychological evaluation can help identify the factors contributing to those challenges, clarify strengths, and provide practical recommendations for home, school, and daily life. Even if you’re unsure what type of evaluation is needed, we can discuss your concerns during the initial consultation.
Which type of evaluation is right for my child?
During our consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns, review your child’s history, and determine which type of evaluation will best answer your questions. In some cases, a focused evaluation is appropriate. In others, a comprehensive evaluation provides a more complete understanding when multiple concerns may be contributing.
At what age should a child have a psychological evaluation?
There isn’t one “right” age. Evaluations can be appropriate whenever questions arise about learning, attention, behavior, social development, emotional functioning, or overall development. The specific assessments used are always selected based on the individual’s age, developmental level, and referral concerns.
Do I need a referral?
No. Most families contact me directly. If another professional, physician, therapist, or school has recommended an evaluation, I’m happy to coordinate with them as appropriate, but a referral is not required.
Who do you evaluate?
I provide evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. Services are tailored to the individual’s age, developmental level, and referral concerns.
EVALUATION PROCESS
What happens during a psychological evaluation?
Every evaluation is individualized, but most include interviews, record review, standardized testing, behavioral observations, and questionnaires completed by parents, teachers, or the individual when appropriate.
Rather than relying on a single test, I integrate information from multiple sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of how an individual learns, thinks, and functions.
How long does the evaluation process take?
Most evaluations are completed over one or two testing sessions, depending on the referral questions. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available. Most evaluations include at least one in-person testing session, though the format is tailored to your child’s needs and the goals of the evaluation.
Can my child take breaks during testing?
Absolutely! Testing is designed to measure ability, not endurance. Breaks are encouraged as needed, and sessions are paced to help individuals remain comfortable, engaged, and able to demonstrate their best effort.
Should my child take ADHD medication before testing?
It depends on the purpose of the evaluation. We’ll discuss medications during the consultation and determine together whether testing should reflect functioning while medication is active, without medication, or both.
RESULTS & DIAGNOSES
Will my child receive a diagnosis?
Not necessarily. A diagnosis is only provided when the evaluation findings clearly support one. Sometimes an evaluation confirms ADHD, autism, or a learning disability. Other times, it identifies strengths, developmental differences, learning profiles, or environmental factors that help explain concerns without meeting criteria for a formal diagnosis.
The goal is not to find a diagnosis. It’s to develop the most accurate understanding possible.
What if my child doesn’t receive a diagnosis?
That can still be an incredibly valuable outcome. An evaluation provides reassurance that development is progressing as expected. In other cases, it identifies learning strengths, areas for growth, or practical strategies that can improve success at home and school without the need for a formal diagnosis. Clear answers are valuable, even when those answers rule something out.
Can an evaluation identify strengths?
Absolutely! Understanding strengths is just as important as understanding challenges. Identifying how an individual learns best, solves problems, and builds on existing abilities helps create recommendations that are both meaningful and practical. The goal is to understand the whole person, not simply identify areas of difficulty.
What happens after the evaluation?
Once the evaluation is complete, we’ll meet for a feedback session to review the findings, answer your questions, and discuss recommendations. You’ll also receive a comprehensive written report that summarizes the evaluation results and provides individualized recommendations that can be shared with schools, physicians, therapists, or other professionals as appropriate.
SCHOOL & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Will my child’s school accept a private psychological evaluation?
Most schools welcome private evaluations as valuable clinical information, although each school district determines how evaluation results are incorporated into educational decision-making.
Reports are written to provide clear findings and practical recommendations that support collaboration between families, schools, and other professionals.
Can a private evaluation support an IEP or 504 Plan?
Yes. Private evaluations often provide important information about a student’s strengths, needs, and educational functioning that may assist schools in determining appropriate supports and accommodations. While schools make their own eligibility decisions, comprehensive evaluations can be a valuable part of that process.
Can a psychological evaluation support college accommodations?
Yes. Comprehensive documentation is often required when requesting accommodations on college entrance exams or through a college’s disability services office. Evaluations are designed to address current functioning and provide the documentation typically requested for these purposes.
What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive evaluation completed by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the student’s school district. Families may pursue an IEE when they would like an independent assessment of their child’s educational needs. Recommendations are based on objective findings and are intended to support informed educational planning.
FEES, INSURANCE & PAYMENT
How much does a psychological evaluation cost?
The cost depends on the type and scope of the evaluation. Some evaluations are focused on a single referral question, while others require a comprehensive assessment across multiple areas of functioning.
Current pricing is available on the Services page, and we’ll discuss fees before scheduling.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not participate with insurance plans and all evaluation services are private pay. This allows me to tailor each evaluation to the individual’s needs rather than insurance requirements, while providing the time needed for comprehensive assessment, careful interpretation, and individualized recommendations.
Do you provide superbills?
Yes. For services that qualify, a superbill can be provided for families who wish to seek reimbursement through their out-of-network insurance benefits. Because every insurance plan is different, reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.
REPORTS & FOLLOW-UP
When will I receive the report?
My goal is to complete the entire evaluation process, from the initial consultation through the feedback session and finalized report, within approximately 4 to 6 weeks. While timelines may vary depending on scheduling, record availability, and the complexity of the evaluation, I strive to provide families with timely, thorough, and individualized results.
Can the report be shared with my child’s physician or school?
Yes. Once your evaluation is complete, the report belongs to you. You are welcome to share it with your child’s school, physician, therapist, or other professionals whenever it would be helpful in supporting your child’s care or educational planning.
Let’s Talk.
Choosing an evaluation can feel like a big decision. If you’re unsure where to start or simply want to talk through your questions, I’m happy to help. There’s no pressure or obligation, just an opportunity to determine whether an evaluation is the right fit for your family.
Schedule A Free 15-Minute Consultation