— assessment for adults: FAQ —

What is psychological assessment?

Neuropsychological assessment is an in-depth, scientifically-grounded way of learning about your mind. The process involves gathering information about your psychological traits from lots of different sources, including interviews, observations, and standardized tests. We then use this information to create a holistic “map” of your mind and arrive at the most accurate diagnoses.

What conditions can be identified through assessment?

  • ADHD and executive functioning delays

  • Autism

  • Learning disorders and differences

  • Personality patterns and disorders

  • Mood disorders

  • Anxiety and trauma disorders

  • Psychosis and thought disorders

What makes psychological assessment useful?

People pursue psychological assessment when they want to get a clearer picture of what is going on in their own mind. You might suspect you have a certain psychological condition, like ADHD or autism, but are not sure; or you may have been given diagnoses in the past that don’t feel accurate. Psychological assessment can clear up this confusion and give you a framework for understanding your mind and explaining your experiences to others.

People also pursue assessment when they are confused about why they’re struggling with school, work, relationships, or mental health. The truth is that all people have the inherent potential to thrive, but our world is often not set up to support people who process things differently. Psychological assessment can identify the real barriers to achieving your goals. Your assessor will give you pragmatic recommendations for how to approach your problems and set up your environment for success. Receiving a formal diagnosis can also allow you to access needed accommodations at school or in your workplace.

What are the steps involved in the assessment process?

  1. Introduction and interview.   We will begin by meeting with you to understand the reason you are seeking testing. We will interview you to gather detailed information about your development and current functioning. We may also request relevant academic and clinical records or ask to speak with your parents, therapist, psychiatrist, teachers, or other people who know you well.

  2. Testing.   Next, we will meet with you to administer standardized tests designed to measure different neurocognitive abilities, thinking styles, and personality traits. This process usually takes several meetings.

  3. Integration and report-writing.  During the weeks after our meetings, we will score, interpret, and integrate the information we have gathered and write a detailed assessment report. The report will also include specific recommendations.

  4. Debriefing.   At the end of this process, we  will send you the report and meet with you to discuss our findings and recommendations. 

  5. Optional Consultation.    We will be available on an ongoing basis to consult with you, your school, or others to discuss your needs for support. 

How long does assessment take?

Depending on the scope of the assessment, you should expect to set aside 4-10 hours for interviewing and testing (usually spaced over several meetings). After the last meeting, it will usually take us an additional 2 - 4 weeks to complete your report.

What is the cost of assessment?

Our full fee for comprehensive assessment is $4500, which reflects the extensive time required for our psychologists to conduct thorough testing and write a detailed report. 

For clients with out-of-network insurance coverage, we can usually help you receive reimbursement for 40-70% of the total fee.

For clients with financial need, our sliding scale for assessment starts at $2000. We also offer a 4-month payment plan for those who cannot afford to pay the full cost all at once.