Psychological Assessment & Evaluation
We conduct psychological evaluations for the following purposes:
ADHD
We complete a thorough evaluation for ADHD and general attentional concerns
Learning
We assess learning concerns and evaluate for specific learning disorders
Sport
We provide the documentation required for student-athletes who take stimulant medications
Referral
Our evaluations help to answer most referral questions from psychiatrists, physicians, and therapists
Psychiatric
We identify and determine how psychiatric concerns are impacting functioning
Documentation
We provide documentation for IEP/504 plans, collegiate academic accommodations, and standardized testing
Psychological testing and evaluation is a complex process that incorporates interviews and a variety of assessments designed to understand how you function. Psychological testing can identify areas of concern that negatively impact functioning while also highlighting areas of strength. Not only can this process identify important issues, it can also help determine if they are related to normal developmental concerns.
At the feedback session, you will receive a comprehensive written report that will include your test results, indicate if you have any specific diagnoses, and provide recommendations that can inform treatment planning. This report can be sent to your psychiatrist to assist in medication planning, your therapist to inform counseling, and/or your academic department to identify the best academic accommodations and placement.
Contact Chelsea to discuss which assessment would best meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about services:
What issues do we assess for in psychological evaluations?
Our psychological evaluations help answer referral questions pertaining to:
• Attention/executive functioning concerns
• Mood-related/psychopathology concerns
• Differential diagnoses
• Diagnostic clarification
Our comprehensive evaluations assess for aspects of ADHD, general cognitive functioning, psychiatric concerns (including mood related disorders, OCD, and personality disorders), and trauma. Student evaluations may also include assessment for academic achievement. Our assessment battery may include a screener for autism spectrum disorders; however, diagnoses related to autism spectrum disorders will not be provided. Instead, a formal referral will be made to an appropriate provider should these screening measures indicate significant clinical concerns.
What concerns would NOT be appropriate for an evaluation appointment with us?
We do not offer comprehensive evaluation for the following concerns:
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Neurocognitive disorders
• Thought disorders/psychosis
If these concerns arise throughout the evaluation process, a diagnostic rule out will be warranted and a referral for additional testing will be discussed.
In addition, we currently do not offer:
• Evaluation services for adolescents younger than 15 years old
• Evaluation services in languages other than English
• Forensic evaluations and evaluations for the purposes of court proceedings (i.e., custody cases, competency evaluations, etc.).
• Military/police admissions or entrance evaluations
• Bariatric evaluations
• Workers' compensation evaluations
• Substance use evaluations
Am I an appropriate candidate for psychological evaluation?
Our evaluations help to clarify diagnoses related to concerns of inattention, distractibility, and fluctuations in mood for individuals 15 years of age and older. Most of our evaluations are scheduled from referrals made from physicians and psychiatrists who have patients attending their office with concerns related to ADHD. We also receive referrals from academic programs who are helping connect students to providers to obtain formal documentation of a diagnosis prior to providing academic accommodations. In addition, we receive referrals from counselors and other mental health professionals who encourage their clients to obtain a formal evaluation to help provide diagnostic clarification to guide treatment planning. If you believe you could benefit from a psychological evaluation, contact Chelsea to discuss the appropriateness of assessment for your concerns.
Are evaluations in-person or virtual?
We are currently only offering in-person evaluation appointments. The assessment component of the evaluation must be completed in-person in our office; however, the diagnostic intake and the feedback session could be scheduled and held virtually. If you are interested in these virtual aspects of the evaluation, let us know at the time of scheduling so that accommodations can be made.
How long is our waitlist?
We only confirm appointments two months out and all other appointments are held on a waitlist. Our waitlist is currently holding appointments into July/August 2024. Assessment appointments are only offered in-person and are typically scheduled between 8a-1p on Mondays and Wednesdays (alternative appointment times and days may be arranged, but are not guaranteed). Contact Chelsea to schedule an appointment.
Do I need a referral for a psychological evaluation?
Many of our psychological evaluation requests come from providers referring their patients to us for diagnostic clarification through psychological testing. However, a referral may not be necessary for you to schedule an appointment for a psychological evaluation. During the initial phone call to schedule your appointment, we will gather your insurance information, contact your insurance company, and determine if a referral or prior authorization is required.
Questions about your appointment:
How long does the evaluation process take?
The evaluation process is separated into two parts: a formal assessment and a feedback session. The assessment process takes between 4-5 hours but may take more or less time depending on your specific presenting concerns (the assessment process is separated across two days). The feedback session is scheduled 2-3 weeks following your assessment appointment, and this appointment may take up to 1 hour. Any additional consultation appointments can be scheduled, by request and appropriateness, following the feedback session.
What documentation should I bring to the appointment?
When applicable, we will review previous educational, testing & evaluation, mental health, and/or medical records. We will ask that you provide us with any records that are relevant to your evaluation to obtain a comprehensive view of your presenting concerns. Some examples include:
• If you are enrolled in an academic program, please bring academic transcripts (unofficial or official) from high school, college, and any graduate programs.
• If you have had participated in a previous psychological evaluation, please bring a copy of the report from that evaluation to your appointment.
• If you have had specific medical appointments/procedures (i.e., sleep study, blood paneling for thyroid, appointments with a neurologist, etc.), please bring medical documentation of the findings of these procedures/appointments to your appointment or upload them to your client portal.
How long before I get my evaluation results and report?
At the end of your assessment appointment, you will schedule a feedback session with Chelsea. The feedback session is typically scheduled 2-3 weeks following your assessment appointment. The feedback session can be held virtually or in-person. The feedback session is scheduled for 1 hour and will inform you of diagnostic impressions, evaluation performance, and recommendations for treatment planning. You will receive a copy of your comprehensive written report at the conclusion of that appointment.
How can I get a copy of my evaluation report sent to a provider/another entity?
Contact Chelsea to express interest in releasing your report to your provider(s). She will send you an online link to complete a release form. On this release form, indicate the person/entity you wish for her to send the report. Note that it is preferred that reports are mailed or faxed. Email is not a confidential means of sending your protected information; however, if you prefer and request that your report be sent via email, send Chelsea an email notifying this request.
Questions about finances:
How much does a psychological evaluation cost?
Fees for psychological evaluations vary depending on your specific insurance plan. Chelsea will contact your insurance company to learn more about your specific plan benefits and coverage. You will be responsible for any deductible, co-pay or coinsurance that your insurance does not cover. Prior to scheduling an appointment, Chelsea will contact you to notify you of the anticipated coverage and your estimated out-of-pocket fees for the appointment. If you are not using insurance, the self-pay fee for an evaluation ranges from $2000 to $2400 depending on the referral question.
What insurances do we accept?
We currently accept Aetna, TriWest/Tricare Select, and United insurances. We are not in-network with Medicaid or Medicare plans.
What is our payment policy?
After we receive your insurance information, we will contact your insurance to verify your benefits and learn of your coverage. Chelsea will contact you with an estimated cost for the evaluation so that you are aware of the fees prior to your appointment. The fees quoted will be collected at the time of the appointment. For self-pay clients, a minimum of 50% of the fees quoted to you is due at the assessment appointment with the remaining 50% of the fees due at the feedback session.
What is our late cancelation fee and rescheduling policy?
Contact Chelsea directly if you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If you reschedule or cancel more than 48 hours in advance of your appointment, you will not be charged for a late cancelation.
If you no-show for your appointment or do not provide at least 48 hours notice of rescheduling or canceling, you will be responsible for paying a $500 fee (this is not covered by insurance). That fee must be paid before another appointment is scheduled.