Assessment Services

I conduct formal assessments, also called evaluations, to help us understand the impact of cognitive, behavioral, or emotional problems on our academic, occupational, and personal lives. Through assessment, we can identify both the strengths and weaknesses present in order to help establish the most helpful recommendations. I provide the following types of assessment services:

Adult Assessment Process

I view assessment services as a way to gain understanding about problems that are usually complicated in nature. Each assessment conducted is uniquely designed to meet the questions of the individual. The first step is an in-depth interview, which begins with addressing any questions you may have about the assessment process. This interview will cover a range of topics typically including personal, social, academic, educational, occupational, and health history. Please bring any documents, such as health records or prior assessments to our initial meeting. Next, we will schedule a series of appointments to complete assessment testing based on the information provided in the interview. The assessment testing process takes anywhere from 2-10 hours to complete, so the length of the next appointments depends upon personal preference and scheduling availability. I frequently complete evaluations during the weekend to accommodate easier scheduling. Please attend all testing appointments having slept well, eaten, and taken any prescribed medication unless instructed otherwise. I may need to gather additional information from people in your life or additional documentation to assist in the assessment process. After the testing is completed, a report will be written, which in most circumstances, you will be given a copy of at a feedback session.

Child & Adolescent Assessment Process

Evaluating children and adolescents is very different than with adults, and I modify my assessment procedures to help younger clients feel safe and comfortable. Parents are generally encouraged to attend the initial appointment for the in-depth interview, so that children and parents can get their questions answered and help me understand your child as best as I can. The next phase of testing requires that I conduct testing with your child alone after a brief introductory period with the parents. For children, I suggest that several testing sessions be scheduled so that sessions can be shorter, additional breaks are taken where a game might be played or a walk taken, and snacks are eaten during testing. A few things parents can do to help children with the assessment process is make sure they have gotten enough sleep, eaten a meal with protein, and taken their prescribed medications unless discussed ahead of time. After testing is completed, I will write a report which she will give, in most circumstances, to the parents and all members of the family are welcome to attend the feedback session. I am also willing to discuss the report with teachers or other health care providers at the parent's request.