Covering All Your Evaluation Needs
A psychological evaluation can provide valuable information about the way a person thinks, learns and copes, as well as addressing an individual’s strengths and challenges. It is a critical part of the process of accurately diagnosing learning disabilities, attention problems, mood disorders and other developmental concerns, as well as a way of better understanding an individual’s intellectual, academic, behavioral and social-emotional development.
Tests will be selected to answer the specific questions identified by you and I during your intake interview. It’s important to me to stay open to any feedback and questions you may have and ensure that the process is collaborative. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to Psychological and Psychoeducational Evaluations. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.
A comprehensive psychological evaluation typically consists of three to four sessions. Costs quoted include the following services:
1: An intake interview (background history, developmental history, social history, etc).
2: One to two testing sessions depending on the referral question (including scoring, interpretation, record review, and report writing).
3: A follow-up session (review of evaluation results). Dr. Ridens will review the evaluation results (including diagnoses (if appropriate), interventions, recommendations, and referrals) with you during the follow-up session.
You will receive a comprehensive written report that summarizes Dr. Ridens’ findings, typically within 2-3 weeks of the follow-up session, provided that all of the requested records and rating scales have been received. Please note that the psychological report may not be released to the client (or other agencies indicated in the consent
form) until the balance has been paid in full.
**There is an optional second results review appointment where Dr. Ridens will meet with your child to explain their test results and diagnoses. This is not included in the base fee but as an optional add-on.
Evaluation Services
- Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: While all evaluations are tailored to individual referral questions, adults can expect to complete testing in three parts. There will be a computer-based portion, in-person testing, and checklists/ rating scales to be completed. When available, it is preferred to have an outside observer complete a checklist as well.
- Specific Learning Disorder: Testing for learning disorders, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, consists of mostly face-to-face testing. Tests will measure various forms of processing, academics, and intelligence. Checklists/ rating scales may be included as part of this assessment.
- If there is a more complicated presentation that includes concerns with personality disorders, brain trauma, bipolar considerations, substance abuse, etc. the client will be referred out as appropriate.
- Autism: Testing for Autism is only available for individuals ages 6 to 26. Formal and informal measures are administered and consist of interviews, checklists/ rating scales, administration of the ADOS-2, measures of language and intelligence, and informal observations.
- Intellectual Impairment: Per the DSM-V-TR criteria, both adaptive behaviors and level of intelligence are gathered for this diagnostic consideration. Additional checklists may be gathered and tests administered to fit the referral question.
- Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorders: While all evaluations are tailored to individual referral questions, parents can expect their child to complete testing in three parts. There will be a computer-based portion (if age-appropriate), in-person testing, and checklists/ rating scales to be completed. Both parent and teacher input is gathered during assessment.
- Specific Learning Disorders: Testing for learning disorders, to include dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, consists of mostly face-to-face testing. Tests will measure various forms of processing, academics, and intelligence. Checklists/ rating scales are included as part of this assessment.
- Private School Admissions testing: Measures of intelligence can be administered to assist with the private school admissions process. Dr. Ridens offers the WISC-V, WJ-IV COG, KABC-II NU, or the DAS-II.
- Mood and Behavioral Treatment Planning
- Anxiety (to include OCD and perfectionism)
- Depression
- Behavior Disorders
All mood and behavioral evaluations will include at least measures of social-emotional behaviors and intelligence. These consist primarily of interview questions, checklists/ rating scales, and cognitive ability measures. Additional measures of personality traits may be added based on the referral question.
During this 45-minute session, Dr. Ridens will review your child’s
strengths and challenges with them, at a developmentally appropriate level.
Your child will also have the opportunity to offer input/ insight into their diagnoses and brainstorm strategies to address their challenges. This appointment can be in-person or virtual based on your preference.
For information regarding payment for evaluation services, please visit the FAQ page.