At ULBS, we provide evaluations for the following:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning Disabilities
- Intellectual Disability
- Processing and Sensory Disorders
- Giftedness/Academic Potential
- Memory problems
- Social/Emotional Functioning
- Depression and Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Mood Disorders
- Behavior problems
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Psychological factors related to medical conditions
What is a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a battery of tests administered to answer specific questions about an individual’s current level of functioning. It is a specialized activity that involves the administration, scoring, and interpretation of a battery of tests as well as the preparation of a written report and a feedback session to discuss the results and recommendations. This information is often used to inform intervention and treatment options as well as help individuals access services and accommodations. Psychological evaluations are commonly recommended when clarification of diagnosis is needed, when there is a history of developmental problems, when treatment such as medication or therapy isn't working, or when there are questions about a individual's cognitive and/or academic strengths and needs. Social/emotional, behavioral, and adaptive functioning are also common reasons for evaluations. Children and adolescents are commonly referred for evaluation by their parents, pediatricians and family practitioners, truancy and juvenile justice courts, or schools. Adults may be referred by various agencies including vocational rehabilitation, counselors, and Social Security. Because of the breadth and complexity of psychological evaluations, functioning is generally assessed in multiple areas, which may include cognitive abilities, academic achievement, memory and learning, emotional/psychological functioning, behavioral functioning, fine and gross motor development, language development, attention, and executive functioning.
At ULBS, we offer a range of evaluation options designed to fit the needs of our clients. These include diagnostic evaluations, psychoeducational and learning evaluations, and comprehensive evaluations. Other types of evaluations are taken on a case by case basis.
Diagnostic Evaluations
Diagnostic evaluations are often most appropriate when you are referred by your doctor or want to know if you or your child is struggling with a specific disorder, such as ADHD, Autism, OCD, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. Diagnostic evaluations are quicker and less expensive than comprehensive evaluations and focus on key factors related to whether a specific diagnosis is warranted.
Psychoeducational and Learning Evaluations
Psychoeducational and learning evaluations are appropriate when the referral question has to do with school performance that is suspected to be related to a learning disorder or difficulties with memory and learning.
Comprehensive Evaluations
Comprehensive evaluations are appropriate when purpose of the evaluation is to gain a comprehensive profile of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, rather than simply a diagnosis. An important component of comprehensive evaluations is highlighting strengths, as these strengths help inform effective interventions and treatment.
What does a psychological evaluation involve?
The evaluation consists of four parts: intake, assessment, scoring and report writing, and feedback.
During the intake session, you meet with a licensed psychologist to present your concerns and provide background information. The psychologist will formulate an assessment plan and schedule the testing session(s) with you. During the intake session, a testing contract will be completed identifying the type of testing to take place and your agreement to pay for this evaluation.
Testing is generally completed over the course of one or two testing sessions, which may range from two to four hours in length. The tests administered vary based upon the referral question and may include a structured clinical interview, individually administered tests assessing some or all of the domains mentioned above, self-report measures, and parent and teacher checklists. Testing sessions are generally scheduled in the morning.
After the testing sessions have been completed, the psychologist scores the tests, interprets the results and writes a report. This psychological report details the nature of the referral question, relevant background information, the results and analysis of the current assessment, and recommendations tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
Once the report is completed, the psychologist schedules a feedback session to present the results of the testing and discuss recommendations. Parents are provided with a copy of the psychological report. The information contained in this report can be used for a variety of purposes, such as diagnostic clarification and treatment planning with physicians and therapists; the development of school-based interventions, IEP goals and 504 accommodations; and family-based parenting and child skill development.
When can I expect the results?
At ULBS, we believe it is important to complete evaluations in a timely manner. When individuals are referred by other professionals, quicker evaluations generally lead to quicker implementation of treatment and intervention options. For this reason, we try to complete evaluations in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on client availability.
How much is a psychological evaluation?
Deciding to have an evaluation done is often a big step, both emotionally and financially. Because psychological testing is a specialized activity that requires a high degree of expertise and is often time intensive, it is rarely inexpensive. Testing is often best viewed as an investment in Unlike many other places where psychological testing is often completed by graduate students or psyshometricians under the supervision of a psychologist, all testing at ULBS is performed by licensed psychologists with expertise in these areas of assessment. Fees for assessment are based on the type of evaluation completed and are offered as a flat rate. Select the type of evaluation you are considering to see the total cost: diagnostic, psychoeducational and learning, or comprehensive.
Will my insurance cover the cost of a psychological evaluation?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is rarely straightforward. While some insurance plans have testing benefits, many do not. Furthermore, even when insurance plans do cover testing, they rarely cover common testing referrals, such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders because they do not deem these services "medically necessary". Even when a diagnosis is covered by insurance, as is often the case for diagnoses like mood disorders, anxiety, and depression, preauthorizations are often required as well as a limit on the number of hours of testing they will reimburse. Working with insurance companies to get them to pay for evaluations generally means having an insurance agent dictate what types of testing and number of hours are approved rather than allowing psychologists with expertise in assessment to provide the type of assessment that is best suited to the individual. For this reason, we generally do not take insurance for evaluations. If you know that your insurance covers testing and would like to use your insurance to help cover the cost of an evaluation, feel free to contact us to discuss your specific case.
Why not just have the school test my child?
Parents have the right to request an evaluation at their local school, though the specifics seem vary from district to district and even from school to school. While the school system is capable of offering many types of testing, generally their focus is limited to whether the child is succeeding academically. As such, they are looking at whether the student requires specialized instruction or accommodations through one of the educational classifications listed under Special Education law. Furthermore, school-based personnel, including school psychologists, cannot diagnose. If all that is required is an evaluation so that your child can be classified under one of the education classifications to receive services through the school, a school-based evaluation may be enough. If the purpose of the evaluation is to provide a more comprehensive assessment of your child’s strengths and weaknesses or to determine a specific diagnosis, an outside evaluation is more appropriate. Regardless of whether testing is obtained through means outside the school, any information brought by parents to the school, such as an outside evaluation (often referred to as an Independent Educational Evaluation), must be included in the information used to determine whether the student is eligible for services through Special Education.
Can this testing be used to help my child receive services through their school?
Schools are required by law to consider any information offered by the parent, such as the results of outside testing (including an Independent Educational Evaluation), as part of the evaluation process for services through special education. Furthermore, as a member of the school-based team that determines eligibility for these services, parents have the right to present relevant information and have their own professionals represent their child’s needs at eligibility meetings. If you feel you need more help navigating this process, we would love to help you advocate for your child. Click here to learn more about our consultation services.
What happens after my child has been evaluated?
During the feedback session, the results of the evaluation as well as recommendations will be reviewed in detail. If further assistance is needed in obtaining services through the schools or other agencies, ULBS is available for consultation services. Click here to learn more.