— assessment for children: FAQ —

What is psychological assessment?

Neuropsychological assessment is an in-depth, scientifically-grounded way of learning about a person’s mind. We gather detailed information about the child’s psychological traits from lots of different sources, including interviews, observations, and standardized tests. Then we put this information together to create a holistic “map” of the child’s mind and to make accurate diagnoses.

What conditions can be identified through assessment?

  • ADHD and executive functioning delays

  • Autism

  • Learning disorders and differences

  • Giftedness

  • Developmental delays

  • Emotional and behavioral difficulties

  • Early personality development

What makes psychological assessment useful?

All children have the inherent potential to learn and thrive. However, our world is not always set up to support people who process things differently. Young people with developmental differences are often misunderstood. Parents and teachers may puzzle over why the child seems unable to live up to their potential, and the child may begin to lose confidence in their own abilities. Psychological assessment can help you understand your child more deeply and set up their world to optimize their learning and growth.

What are the steps involved in the assessment process?

  1. Introduction and interview.   We begin by meeting with you to understand the reason you are seeking assessment. We interview you to gather information about your child’s development and current functioning. We may also interview other adults involved in the child’s care (such as a teacher or therapist) and review relevant academic and clinical records.

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

  3. Integration and report-writing.  We interpret and integrate the information gathered during the testing process and write a detailed report. The report includes diagnoses and specific recommendations about how to apply the findings to support the child’s development.

  4. Debriefing.   We share the report with you and meet with you (and optionally with the child) to discuss the results and recommendations.

  5. Optional Consultation.   We are available on an ongoing basis to consult with the parents, the child’s school, or with others to discuss the child’s needs.

How long does assessment take?

As the parent, you will be asked to complete 1-2 hours of interviewing and about 1 hour of completing forms and questionnaires. Your child will then attend several in-person testing sessions, usually totally about 3 - 6 hours of testing. After the last meeting, we will spend an additional 2 - 3 weeks writing your final 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 to 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 for those who cannot afford to pay the full cost all at once.