Frequency Asked Questions and Answers:
What kind of questions can the psychological assessment answer?
Psychological assessments can answer questions related to school and work (e.g., “What are my cognitive strengths and weaknesses?” “Do I have ADHD?” “Do I have a learning disability?” “Am I intellectually gifted?” “What is my IQ?”). Additionally, many clients use these assessments to gain insights into aspects of their lives that are troubling and puzzling (e.g. “What is interfering with my ability to connect with other people?” “Do I have Bipolar Disorder?” “What impact is my past trauma having on my overall functioning?”). These evaluations can provide diagnostic clarification and recommendations for treatment, helping you better understand your unique challenges.
What happens during a psychological assessment?
During the assessment, we begin by formulating questions you want to address. I will gather a detailed history and I ask specific questions about your presenting concerns. With your permission, I may also speak with others who can offer additional insights into your situation. We will then complete a variety of psychological tests designed to answer your assessment questions. Once the assessment is complete, we will discuss the results of your testing and how they relate to your questions. You will also receive a written report or letter detailing your results and recommendations.
How much does an assessment cost?
The fees for an assessment vary, depending on the type of evaluation you are considering. For a general idea of costs, please visit the services/fees tab on this website. Once we determine your specific needs for the assessment, I will provide you with a fee for the entire assessment. Typically, I request that half of the assessment fee be paid at the first session and the remaining half at the last testing session.
Do you take insurance?
I am no longer in-network with any insurance panels. However, you may still be eligible for reimbursement from your insurance provider. At the end of the assessment, I can provide you with a detailed billing statement that includes the necessary information such as billing codes, diagnosis code, and my license number. I always recommend that you ask your insurance company for information regarding out of network benefits prior to testing, as each insurance plan is different. Some types of assessments, like giftedness testing, may not be covered by insurance. After being an in-network provider for two insurance panels, I chose to terminate my contracts due to the significant time and energy required to manage insurance claims.
What is Collaborative / Therapeutic Assessment?
Collaborative / Therapeutic Assessment is an approach that uses psychological tests and a collaborative assessment method to help clients achieve better mental health. Many clients find that these assessments be profoundly impactful. In this approach, I consider myself the expert on the assessment tools, while you are the expert on yourself. Together, we work collaboratively to integrate the assessment results with your experience of yourself, to answer your assessment questions together and help you move forward.