Our Process
Our psychologists provide all direct services to our clients, which allows for deeper connection and understanding.
Our work is guided by empathy, a deep appreciation of neurodiversity, & years of practice in assessment and psychotherapy.
We strive to provide trusting, non-judgmental opportunities for our clients to explore and understand their unique brains.
While evaluations may differ in terms of focus and the assessment measures used, most of our evaluations are completed
via the following process:
STEP 1: Intake Interview
The psychologist meets with the adult client or the parent/guardian of a minor client for approximately 60 minutes to review information relevant to the client’s referral concerns. This allows the psychologist to better understand the client’s needs, formulate assessment plans, and establish a trusting relationship with the client.
The intake includes an in-depth review of referral concerns and pertinent background information, such as: educational and/or occupational history, developmental & medical history, social and emotional wellbeing, & strengths and coping skills
During this time, the examiner and client also discuss goals and plans for the evaluation, including logistical details about the upcoming testing session.
STEP 4: Feedback Meeting
Following completion of the testing session, the psychologist scores assessment measures and interprets findings within a written diagnostic report. This report includes a synopsis of presenting concerns, background information, and results, as well as recommendations tailored to the client’s specific needs (e.g., suggested interventions and accommodations).
Within approximately 2-3 weeks of the testing session, the psychologist meets with clients in-office or virtually to review findings and recommendations as outlined within the diagnostic report. Our psychologists also provide education, resources, and referrals relevant to evaluation findings. Clients are provided a digital copy of the report for their records. Following the feedback meeting, our psychologists remain available on an informal basis to address questions to ensure that our clients are equipped with the knowledge and resources to move forward.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Good Faith Estimate
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STEP 3: Consultation & Record Review
On an individual basis, our psychologists consult with outside treatment providers and/or teachers to gather information relevant to the focus of the evaluation. For those who have previously completed evaluations, we will review and incorporate prior findings in a manner that supports the holistic needs of our clients.
STEP 2: Testing Session
The psychologist provides in-office testing and records observations. Assessment measures vary depending on client need but may include assessment of:
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cognitive abilities (e.g., reasoning & processing speed measures, such as assembling puzzles, defining words, & matching symbols)
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oral language abilities (e.g., vocabulary and listening comprehension measures)
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visual-motor skills (e.g., fine motor measures, such as drawing & assembling designs)
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academic skills (e.g., reading speed & accuracy, passage comprehension, sentence-writing & spelling skills, and math)
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attention and executive functioning (e.g., recalling oral information & solving tasks that require planning & response control)
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social/emotional functioning (e.g., interviews & rating scales related to mood, anxiety, and other concerns)
Testing sessions vary in length, but they are often completed within 4-6 hours. We prefer to complete testing within one day to reduce scheduling disruptions for clients, during which breaks are provided. In rare cases, testing can be split across two separate sessions if necessary. At the end of the testing session, the psychologist may share preliminary findings, but more extensive feedback is reserved until later (see below).