Is your child showing signs of frustration academically? Are there tears (either yours or theirs) during homework? Is your child "shutting down" at the prospect of reading, doing math, or going to school in general? Are teachers reporting concerns about your child's learning, ability to pay attention, or organizational skills? These are all common signs of an underlying learning difference, which can be evaluated and clarified through a psychoeducational evaluation. These evaluations help determine how students learn best as well as whether the concerns about a student can be explained by a learning disorder (e.g., dyslexia), ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc.
For specific questions about your or your child's situation, feel free to contact me.
During our first contact, we would discuss whether an initial consultation is needed. If so, this would be an approximately 60-minute session for parents only (or for students in the case of college-aged clients).
The primary components of an evaluation include a one-on-one testing appointment and a feedback conference.
During the one-on-one testing appointment, your child (or you, in the case of college students) will complete a series of tests designed to help answer the referral question(s). These tests typically include cognitive (or IQ) tests, achievement tests, and self-report measures. This appointment typically lasts between 3-5 hours depending on a student's age, the number of breaks needed, and other factors. Please bring copies of school records (e.g., report cards/progress reports, previous evaluation reports, standardized test scores) for me to review. Most children can complete all necessary testing in one day, though sometimes it is necessary to break the session into two different appointments. Parents may wait on site or leave and return later.
The feedback conference is for parents/guardians only, unless the student is a young adult or we make other arrangements. This appointment typically lasts between 1-1.5 hours and involves a discussion of the evaluation results and recommended next steps. Payment is due in full at this session.
The full written report is generally produced and available to you within 1-2 weeks following the feedback conference.
It is generally best to share plans with your child at least one day in advance, letting them know that the primary purpose is to help determine how they learn best at school.
Students can expect to complete a set of activities involving things like puzzles, reading, writing, drawing, listening, solving math problems, and answering questions. I recommend that parents avoid referring to the testing activities as "games" so that children do not feel deceived. Although most find some of the testing tasks enjoyable and generally appreciate working one-on-one with a psychologist, there will almost certainly be tasks they do not enjoy, since we often will be challenging their brain in ways that are uncomfortable.
Although the session will take several hours, they will be provided opportunities for breaks and snacks as needed.
If your child takes medication, then please give it to them as prescribed on the morning of testing (unless we have made other arrangements).
Please try to ensure that students get good sleep the night before and a healthy breakfast on the morning of the session.
Children should wear comfortable clothing and are welcome to bring a drink and preferred snack.
If children are dropped off, I will be in communication with parents/caregivers as the morning progresses to share updates about pace and progress. In some cases, a lunch break might be necessary, in which case you can pack a lunch, bring takeout to the office, or take your child out for lunch. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for their use.
Please bring copies of your child's school records (e.g., report cards/progress reports, standardized test scores, previous evaluation reports, etc.) as well as any paper-based questionnaires that have been requested of you.
Payment is generally collected at the final feedback conference.
Evaluations are billed at one flat rate, which is currently $2,200.
This fee is designed to cover:
time spent in administrative endeavors such as scheduling and completing phone intakes
all office visits related to the evaluation
time spent in clinical endeavors such as test interpretation and reviewing records,
testing materials
completion of a written report documenting results and recommendations, and
many other ancillary services such as consultations with pediatricians or school staff.
The fee therefore includes approximately 12+ hours of clinician time plus materials and other expenses necessary to perform psychological testing.
I do not currently accept health insurance and am considered out-of-network by all insurance companies. I can provide a "superbill" upon request in order for you to file a claim.
I collect fees at the final feedback conference. I accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.