Services

The goal of an evaluation is to comprehensively explore and explain anything that may be getting in the way of somebody’s success, and to provide specific, individualized recommendations for how that person can function better. At the end of the evaluation you will meet with the Psychologist to go over the results and talk about recommendations. You will also receive a report that you can take with you and share with whoever you feel it would be helpful to share it with (e.g., pediatricians, doctors, school staff, employers, etc.).

During an evaluation, the Psychologist gathers information about the client (i.e., you, your child) in a variety of ways including working together on tasks one-on-one as well as through questionnaires and observations. A complete evaluation assesses a broad array of cognitive abilities, academic skills, social/emotional functioning, and behavior. Specifically, the client can be tested on verbal reasoning, visual reasoning, processing speed, visual-spatial skills, memory, language, fine motor, sensorimotor skills, attention, executive functioning, reading, writing, math, social perception, emotional functioning, adaptive functioning, and often even more. Then the Psychologist scores and analyzes the data to determine if there are any brain-based (i.e., neurological) or psychological reasons why activities or tasks may by challenging. These tasks can include problems with completing schoolwork, difficulty staying on task and excelling in your career, having appropriate and/or desired behavior, and maintaining social relationships. 

An evaluation usually involves between four and eight hours spent directly with the Psychologist, depending on the age of the client and the presenting problems. A consultation is scheduled for about two to three weeks after all the data is collected. At that appointment, you will receive the results and a comprehensive report.

When to get an evaluation:

· School staff or teachers are recommending an evaluation because something just doesn’t add up with learning or it seems to be harder than it should be

· You feel like your child is working so hard and not seeing the desired results

· Pediatrician referral

· Behavioral problems with a child or adolescent

· History of trauma

· A counselor would like more information in order to formulate more specific, individualized treatment goals

· Trouble staying focused at work or school

· Problems completing tasks or activities

· Mood-related problems such and anxiety and depression