Psychological Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations providing clarity, insight, and actionable recommendations for your mental health and cognitive functioning.
What Is Psychological Assessment?
Psychological assessment is a structured evaluation process using standardized tests, clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and collateral information to answer specific questions about your cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning.
Unlike therapy, which focuses on treatment and change, assessment focuses on understanding— providing a comprehensive picture of your strengths, challenges, and diagnostic clarity that can guide effective intervention.
Assessments are particularly valuable when diagnostic questions are unclear, symptoms are complex, treatment hasn't been effective, or you need documentation for accommodations in academic or work settings.
Types of Assessments We Offer
Psychoeducational Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and learning processes. Identifies learning disabilities, ADHD, and other factors affecting academic performance. Provides detailed documentation for school accommodations and individualized education plans (IEPs).
ADHD Assessment
Specialized assessment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan. Includes evaluation of attention, executive functioning, and behavioral patterns to clarify diagnosis and guide treatment. Available as standalone assessment or as part of comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation.
Learning Disability Assessment
Identification of specific learning differences in reading, writing, mathematics, or other academic areas. Comprehensive testing of cognitive abilities and academic achievement to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. Provides documentation for academic accommodations and tailored intervention strategies.
Diagnostic Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation to clarify diagnostic questions, understand symptom patterns, and inform treatment decisions. Particularly helpful when previous diagnoses are unclear or symptoms are complex.
Cognitive Assessment
Evaluation of intellectual functioning, memory, attention, processing speed, and other cognitive abilities. Used to identify learning differences, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, or changes in functioning.
Autism Spectrum Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation for autism spectrum disorder, including assessment of social communication, behavioral patterns, and sensory sensitivities across developmental contexts.
Personality Assessment
In-depth evaluation of personality structure, interpersonal patterns, and emotional functioning. Helpful for treatment planning and gaining deeper self-understanding.
The Assessment Process
Initial Consultation
We begin with a consultation to understand your questions and concerns, review your history, and determine whether psychological assessment is the right approach. We'll discuss the assessment process, timeline, and costs, and answer all your questions.
Duration: 60 minutes
Clinical Interview
A comprehensive interview covering your developmental history, current concerns, medical and psychiatric background, educational and occupational functioning, and relevant family history. This provides essential context for interpreting test results.
Duration: 90-120 minutes
Testing Sessions
Administration of standardized psychological tests tailored to your referral questions. This may include cognitive testing, academic achievement measures, personality inventories, symptom rating scales, and specialized measures. Testing is typically conducted over one or two sessions, with breaks as needed.
Duration: 3-6 hours total (depending on assessment type)
Scoring and Interpretation
After testing is complete, we score all measures, analyze patterns in the data, integrate findings with clinical observations and history, and prepare a comprehensive written report. This process involves careful consideration of all available information to provide accurate diagnostic impressions and meaningful recommendations.
Timeline: 2-3 weeks after testing completion
Feedback Session
We meet to review the assessment findings in detail, discuss diagnostic impressions, answer your questions, and review personalized recommendations. You'll receive a comprehensive written report that you can share with other providers or use for accommodation requests. This session is collaborative and focused on ensuring you fully understand the results.
Duration: 90 minutes
Areas of Evaluation
Depending on your referral questions, psychological assessments may evaluate some or all of the following areas:
- Intellectual and cognitive functioning
- Attention and executive functioning
- Memory and learning
- Academic achievement
- Emotional and behavioral functioning
- Personality structure and traits
- Social and interpersonal patterns
- Adaptive functioning and daily living skills
- Trauma history and impact
- Mood and anxiety symptoms
What You'll Receive
Comprehensive Written Report
A detailed report including background information, test results, diagnostic impressions, interpretation of findings, and specific recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and personal understanding.
Detailed Feedback Session
An in-person meeting to review all findings, answer questions, discuss implications, and ensure you have a clear understanding of the results and recommendations.
Actionable Recommendations
Practical, individualized recommendations for therapy approaches, medication consultation, educational or workplace accommodations, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing support.
Follow-Up Support
Assistance with connecting to appropriate resources, consultation with other providers (with your permission), and clarification of findings as needed.
Timeline Overview
Total timeline from initial consultation to feedback session is typically 4-6 weeks. Rush requests may be accommodated when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a psychological assessment?
Assessment is valuable when you have questions about diagnosis, cognitive functioning, learning differences, or treatment planning. It's particularly helpful when symptoms are complex, previous treatments haven't been effective, or you need documentation for accommodations. A consultation can help determine if assessment is right for you.
Will my insurance cover psychological assessment?
Coverage varies by insurance plan and reason for assessment. Some plans cover diagnostic assessments but not educational or neuropsychological testing. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage. We can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
What should I expect during testing?
Testing involves a variety of activities including answering questions, solving puzzles, completing questionnaires, and performing tasks that measure different cognitive abilities. There are no right or wrong answers—we're interested in understanding how you think and function. Breaks are provided as needed, and the environment is comfortable and supportive.
Can assessments be done for children and adolescents?
Yes, we conduct assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Pediatric assessments include parent interviews, teacher input (when appropriate), and age-appropriate testing measures. Parents are involved throughout the process and receive detailed feedback.
Get the Clarity You Need
Psychological assessment can provide valuable insights and direction. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn whether assessment might be helpful for you.