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Commonly asked Questions

Why do individuals seek psychological testing?
Psychological and psycho-educational testing can provide a variety of information that may be critical to understanding an individual’s functioning.  The most common reasons testing is sought is to determine eligibility for gifted placement, to diagnose a learning disability or ADHD, to assist in determining reasons for poor school performance and to plan intervention, to differentiate diagnosis before or during the course of therapy, or to provide information about psychological or emotional functioning.   

What should I look for in an evaluator?
The most important criteria is making sure the individual performing the testing is a licensed psychologist or supervised by one and has experience in psychological testing.  While all psychologists can perform testing, many do not routinely practice in this capacity and may be unfamiliar with the most updated research or how to provide the necessary documentation for schools, courts, or testing authorities.  Additionally, it is important to question whether the psychologist personally administers and interprets all the tests and writes the report or whether they have a master’s level practitioner or intern perform certain or all portions of the assessment.  While testing may be less expensive when a psychologist utilizes an intern, you may not get the full benefit of an experienced psychologist. 

What are the benefits of a private evaluation?
First, private evaluations are just that – private, which means that test results are released to you and that you have control over who may receive that information.  (Court ordered evaluations may have different regulations and will be discussed if applicable.)  Second, more time is often taken to accommodate individual needs, to further explore test performance, fine tune results, and provide an individualized experience. 

Is there a difference between these tests and internet tests?
Internet tests are typically not backed by solid and extensive research like the instruments psychologists use and as such, can be dangerously misleading.  The tests psychologists used are research based and have normative information so that its results are valid and accurate.  Additionally, a layperson is not qualified to make a diagnosis because many variables need to be taken into account in making any given diagnosis. 

What kinds of instruments are used and how are they selected?
Instruments are selected based on the questions that need to be answered.  Many times, academic or legal institutions dictate what kinds of tests are required but test selection is a clinical judgment made by the evaluator.  Intellectual and achievement instruments assess the way in which our brain interprets information, learns, and operates.  They include measures for intellect, memory, learning, and other forms of cognitive and information processing.  Psychological instruments include objective and projective assessment.  Objective based instruments use rating scales and self report measures and typically yield clinical profiles that give information about behavior and mood.  Projective instruments are administered by the psychologist and yield interpretative information about emotional and personality functioning.       

What are the costs involved and will my insurance cover the costs?
With the exception of gifted testing which is a flat rate, all testing is billed at a rate of $200.00 per hour.  This includes each hour of time spent for clinical interview and assessment, test administration, scoring of instruments, reviewing records or consulting with informants, scheduled feedback sessions, and report writing.   The amount of time required will vary based on the reason for testing, the extensiveness of the evaluation, and the testing or documentation requirements made by the referral.   Your initial consultation call is free and at that time, the psychologist will discuss with you your needs and provide an estimate of time involved.  Testing is most often an out-of-pocket expense.  Most insurance companies do not cover psychological testing, especially if it is psycho-educational in nature.  However, many times, an insurance company will reimburse you for a percentage of testing through your out-of-network benefits, if your policy provides for such. 

What do I tell my child?
Parents are encouraged to avoid using the word test, particularly when testing is psycho-educational in nature, because this tends to provoke anxiety in children.  Children can be informed that they will do various activities that tell us how their brain solves problems and that this will give information to their parents, doctor, therapist, and/or teachers so that we can help them perform better and know which schools or classes or interventions are going to be best for them. 

How long will it take?
Efforts are made to have all testing sessions scheduled within a week or two, if possible.  Results are typically available to be discussed 48 hours after test completion and a report will be ready within one week from the feedback session.   For gifted testing, reports are typically available within 24 hours of test administration. 

What should I expect?
Before testing begins, time is taken to ensure your comfort as best as possible, discuss and allay any fears, discuss the nature of testing, and explain what tasks you are attempting that day.   Before each task, directions will be given and will be repeated at necessary intervals.  Breaks in testing will occur as needed.    When testing is completed, arrangements for a feedback session will be made.  If the testing is for gifted or certain legal purposes, a feedback session is not provided and a report will be immediately prepared. 

Can I prepare for testing?
There is not much that can be done to prepare for testing, with the exception of the givens – a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast.  With the exception of achievement testing, all tests have tasks that are novel so preparation is not possible.  For achievement testing, you can review the “basics” in mathematics, phonics, and rules of written language for optimal performance. 
 
What do I bring with me?
Please bring any completed behavioral forms that were provided to you.  If you have not already done so, also please bring copies of any previous testing, grade reports if applicable, and any written requirements for testing and documentation provided to you by an outside party.    You may bring a drink and a small snack if you feel you may need it.  You are encouraged to bring a sweater/sweatjacket since the office tends to be cold. 
                                                                      
Will I get a written report?
For gifted testing, the written report is included in your flat fee and is available within 24-48 hours of test completion.  For other test administrations, you have some options regarding the format of a written report.  Prior to the writing of any report, a feedback session will be scheduled to discuss test results, answer questions, and discuss recommendations.  At that time, the nature and level of documentation provided will be addressed as individuals often have different needs and purposes for such documentation.  A highly detailed formal report is always needed if testing is psycho-educational and will be released to the school for the purpose of potential ESE placement or accommodations through a 504 or IEP plan.   The same is true for legal purposes.  However, if testing is done to confirm a diagnosis, provide information to other treatment providers, or for personal reasons, you have the option to have test results provided in a written summary, without a lengthy report.   The preparation time varies significantly based on the type of documentation requested, as does the associated report.  Fees are based accordingly. 

Is further consultation provided after testing?
Typically, most questions about test results are answered within the feedback session and any recommendations are discussed.  You are always welcome to schedule additional sessions to further explore test results or discuss intervention.  For psycho-educational testing, the report is typically sufficient and the school does not require the psychologist to be present at meetings for eligibility determination or placement.  If it is deemed necessary, the psychologist can make him/herself available for such meetings or can recommend an educational advocate to assist.   Any further testing, consultation, or legal follow up incurs a pro-rated charge in accordance with the testing fee schedule or legal fee schedule, if applicable.

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