Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does a psychological assessment take?
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How much does it cost?
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What are common referral questions?
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How is an adult assessment different than a child assessment?
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What types of functioning are tested?
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What is a Therapeutic Assessment?
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Do you only do Therapeutic Assessments?
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How long does a psychological assessment take?
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The time it takes to complete a psychological assessment depends greatly on the breadth of the assessment needed to answer the referral question. Therefore, the time it takes to complete an assessment varies greatly. An average assessment can take between 10-30 hours. Every assessment includes a clinical interview, administration of testing materials, scoring, report writing, and feedback. Collateral communication may also be needed. Following administration of testing materials, a report can take between 3-5 weeks to be written prior to feedback.
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How much does it cost?
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The cost of a psychological assessment is dependent upon the length of time it takes to complete all aspects of the assessment, as identified above. I charge per hour and a retainer fee is collected following the first session . An estimation of the time it will take to complete the assessment will be provided following further discussion of the referral question. I am conscious of your time and resources and do my best to stay within that estimation. However, there are times that testing results or additional needs may arise throughout the assessment process that can require additional time. This will be discussed as the need arises.
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What are common referral questions?
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Parents and clients often initially seek out assessments for diagnostic clarification.Therapists often encourage assessments for their clients to promote treatment progress. However, the most fruitful referral questions are ones that are specific to the individual's functioning in the world and/or how to support the client. A parent may ask: "How can I support my child in managing their anxiety?" or a youth may ask: "Why do I shut down in social situations?". I work with clients to develop a few of these types of questions as I believe it produces more meaningful and impactful reports.
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How is an adult assessment different than a child assessment?
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A child assessment is more likely to require collateral communication with parents, providers, and the school. School observations are sometimes a part of the process as well. Feedback is given both to parents and to the youth. In adult assessment, collateral communication usually only occurs if a treatment provider is support the individual.
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What types of functioning are tested?
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The areas of functioning tested are dependent upon the referral questions. They might include: cognitive functioning, executive functioning, attention, memory, learning/academic achievement, social emotional functioning, visual motor integration.
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What is a Therapeutic Assessment (TA)?
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TA is a semi-structured model of assessment that expands the role of testing beyond information gathering. It is a brief therapeutic intervention. In youth cases, it is helpful when there are clear assessment questions but there is also a strong desire to improve family relationships and communication. In adult cases, it is helpful when the adult wants to explore different ways of engaging and understanding their functioning. Testing remains focused on the youth. Yet, I also meet with parents on a regular basis to look at the testing data and process together. This allows for in-vivo (and deeper) learning to occur. At times, parents meet individually with me to complete some brief measures. This proves useful in helping parents understand their own unique personality traits and how similarities and differences among family members could influence interactions.
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Do you only do Therapuetic Assessments?
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No. However, I do utilize a therapeutic collaborative model of assessment in all assessments through which I encourage the client and family developing their own insight, as it relates to the referral questions. I consider myself the expert on the tests and you the expert on you and your child. Working together is what produces the most meaningful results.
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