Assessment

What is an Assessment?

Psychological assessment refers to the objective measurement of psychological (cognitive, emotional, personality, etc) factors to help the individual understand themselves and how they function within various settings. This can include whether they meet criteria for certain groups, such as intellectually gifted, or for an emotional, behavioral or cognitive disorder (e.g. ADHD, Learning Disorder, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, etc). The type of assessment varies depending on the questions the individual would like to explore.

​Forensic evaluations gather objective information to render a professional opinion regarding matters directly related to the legal system (e.g. competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, civil litigation, risk assessment, insanity defense, etc.)

  • The most common referral question I receive is a differential diagnosis regarding Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The symptoms of ADHD are consistent with many other diagnoses so it is increasingly common for general practitioners and medication providers to require a formal evaluation before starting a course of medication. This type of evaluation can help determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, or a specific learning disorder.

  • While differential diagnoses for ADHD is my most common questions, I help my clients explore a range of different questions. For example, some want to know if they have a specific learning disorder (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), some want to rule in/out a bipolar or schizophrenia spectrum disorder, others would like to explore why they keep having the same problems at work/school, and others want to understand what academic and/or occupational focus will maximize their talents. I tailor my assessments to help you explore the questions about your life that are most important to you!

  • Yes, my reports are frequently utilized to seek accommodations in school, both primary and at the college level, for standardized testing, and to inform schools on best practices for individualized educational plans.

  • I do not presently accept insurance for assessment. However, I am finalizing contracts with most of the major insurers and will be accepting insurance shortly. I am able to provide a superbill you can use to seek reimbursement from your insurer until that time.

    I do not accept, and insurance will not reimburse, for forensic evaluations.

  • Forensic evaluations include but are not limited to:

    Psychodiagnostic testing

    Insanity defenses

    Diminished capacity

    Mitigation

    Competency to stand trial for both adults and adolescents

    Civil commitments

    Attorney consultations

    Civil litigation.

    I do not perform child custody evaluations.

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