Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is a psychological evaluation?
Psychological evaluations utilize psychological tests, interviews, and review of collateral information to provide an in-depth understanding of an individual’s mental health functioning and provide any relevant diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Psychological evaluations can focus on cognitive functioning (attention, memory, processing speed, executive functions), neurodevelopmental challenges (difficulty with learning, brain development, and social skills), and/or emotional and behavioral difficulties.
2
Should I seek a psychological evaluation for myself (or my child)?
A psychological evaluation is recommended when there are concerns about specific diagnoses or symptoms that cannot be addressed by a routine mental health interview. A psychological evaluation can help determine a diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations for a person. A member of our team will discuss whether an evaluation is right for you before scheduling your testing appointment.
3
What is your approach to psychological evaluations?
We approach psychological evaluations in a comprehensive, holistic manner. This means that all areas of mental health are assessed throughout the process. Mental health symptoms can indicate a variety of diagnoses, and it is important to consider all potential explanations for an individual’s challenges. During the evaluation process we will gather information from multiple outside sources (e.g., teachers, spouses, tests, and interviews) to ensure the final results are most reflective of the individual’s difficulties.
4
How long does a psychological evaluation take?
A psychological evaluation typically involves about 6 to 8 hours of your time, divided across three appointments: a 90-minute clinical interview, a 4 to 6-hour testing session, and a 60-minute feedback meeting to review the results and recommendations. The full process generally takes around three weeks to complete. This includes additional time for the psychologist to score the tests, interpret the findings, and write a comprehensive report. The exact timeline may vary depending on scheduling.
5
Do you accept insurance?
We are a private pay practice, meaning we do not accept insurance or work with insurance providers in any way. Clients are required to pay for services as agreed in their Financial Agreement. This is also commonly known as paying “out-of-pocket.” However, we offer Superbills, an itemized form that details services provided. It is the primary data source for creating a healthcare claim, which clients can submit to their insurance companies if eligible for reimbursement. You should check with your insurance before scheduling an evaluation to see if they will reimburse any of the fees.
6
Why don't you accept insurance?
When you pay out of pocket for these services, your mental health information remains private and is not shared with insurance companies. This can help prevent any potential stigma or discrimination. Additionally, private pay services are not subjected to the same limitations insurance companies impose. Insurance companies may restrict the time for services and the types of tests covered, whereas private pay evaluations do not. This is especially important when obtaining a comprehensive, complex understanding of an individual’s mental health needs.
