What is Psychological Assessment?
Psychological assessment is a process that begins with a specific concern or question about the patient's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and/or functioning. Testing clinicians then uses a set of tests and interviews to gather information about the patient's functioning in the areas of concern. This helps generate understanding about the patient's unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses. We can then offer diagnoses and share detailed recommendations about how to address difficulties and leverage strengths.
Who is Appropriate for Assessment?
Our provider(s) have experience assessing children, adolescents, adults, and older adults for a variety of concerns. Individuals may seek an assessment due to their own concerns or they may be referred by a professional, such as a doctor, teacher, psychiatrist, etc.
What are the Benefits of Assessment?
Assessment can be useful for identifying strengths and weaknesses, clarifying diagnoses, and informing treatment planning. As a result of each assessment, our clinician(s) provide a comprehensive list of recommendations to help individuals, their families, and providers (doctors, specialists, schools, employers, etc.) implement accommodations, treatments, and supports to optimize the individual’s functioning.
What Can I Expect During an Assessment?
First, an initial interview is used to determine the referral question, obtain background information, and select a set of tests to help answer the referral question. Second, the patient will meet with our clinician(s) for one or more testing sessions. Third, data collected will be scored, interpreted, and summarized into a comprehensive report, which includes diagnoses and recommendations. Finally, the clinician will meet with the individual to discuss findings, diagnoses, and recommendations.
What Problems Can Spectrus Assess?
Problems which our clinician(s) have experience assessing include (but are not limited to):
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Communication Disorders, Conduct and Impulse Control Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Gender Dysphoria, Learning Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorder Screening, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Personality Integration, Social Communication Disorder, Schizophrenia Disorders, and Traumatic Stress.
What is the Cost of Assessment?
Currently, we are in-network with multiple insurance plans and we accept private pay and out of network benefits. For private pay, a fee of $215 is charged for the intake appointment and the price of testing begins at $2000 and goes up depending on complexity. The cost of testing can be determined during an initial clinical interview, once a set of tests have been selected to meet the patient's needs. Half the fee for testing is due at the start of the first testing session and the balance is due at the start of the final feedback session. Reduced cost testing can be provided by doctoral interns, and this cost typically range from $850-$1000. For more information, please reference the informed consent forms available in our patient forms.
When Can I Expect Assessement Results?
When testing is scheduled, a feedback session is scheduled 2 weeks after the testing appointment(s). During this feedback session patients can review the findings of their testing with the diagnosing clinician. Although our test report turn around time is typically 8-12 weeks after testing, for complex cases this can take a bit longer to ensure the content and quality are of the highest standards. Clinical documentation can be provided in the interim, so that patients can follow up on recommendations and referrals while they await their full testing report.