How long will this take and how much will it cost?
This question depends on what the initial issues are and what your questions are that you want answered by testing. Some problems and questions can be answered with just a few hours (one test session) of assessment. Others require multiple test session of two to three hours in length depending on the extent of the problem. The cost of the testing is dependent on the questions that you would like answered by the testing. It is necessary to have an initial consultation to determine what your needs will be need and therefore, what level of testing is necessary.
Can I use my insurance to pay for this?
Most insurance companies do not pre-authorize testing. If they do, it is often with a very limited number of hours and with only their specific practitioners. Most insurance companies will not pay for assessment for a “learning disability” but they will pay part of the cost of assessment based on their criteria.
At the end of the testing, I will provide you with an insurance invoice (“superbill”) that will have procedure codes that can be used for reimbursement. The reimbursement rates vary greatly from plan to plan. Furthermore, it may be necessary for me to fill out necessary forms or speak with your carrier after the testing is done. I will be willing to do whatever it takes to get what you deserve.
Does my child have ADHD?
Many parents ask this exact question to me on a daily basis. Often they are referred by a school administrator or teacher who suspects ADHD. However, the assessment of ADHD is difficult given that it inattention or hyperactivity is common to so many other issues that need to be ruled out.
Does my child have learning disability?
Many parents are concerned that a child is not learning at the same speed as the other children in their class. Sometimes, the teacher is not as concerned as the parent. Other times, it is the teacher that is recommending that they be tested. Even with specific programs like Kumon, Sylvan or tutoring they are still struggling academically. It is important to examine all possible explanations for their difficulties.
Does my child need testing, I have always thought something was “off”?
Often parents have been told by a practioner that testing would be premature. The parents are often given the advice to “wait and see” and that the child will “grow out it”. At some point the parent become frustrated and starts to question the advice that they are giving. In particular the rift between your child and other friend’s children is growing greater. It would be helpful to see consultation at this point. It may be that your fears are unwarranted. However, if there is a problem the research is very specific about the earlier the intervention the better.
Do I need another opinion, I have done the following (i.e. psychiatry, psychotherapy) but nothing has lead to long term success?
Often, I hear from parents that they have tried multiple interventions or had assessments in the past. Nevertheless, the problems still remain even with the interventions. Sometimes, this lack of efficacy is due to the fact that the source of the problem has not been correctly identified. Therefore, many of the interventions are incorrectly matched to the problem. A thorough comprehensive assessment that addresses all the relative influences of factors will be necessary to move forward with long term success.
Do I need another assessment, the school has identified my child as “special needs” and has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) but I don’t think they are getting what they need at school?
The school district is limited in the type of testing and the amount of services that they can provide. Their role is to determine what is the least restrictive environment for you child to learn in. Consequently, they set up goals and establish interventions. Often they are not looking at the child’s unique strengths when an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is established. Testing can help to uncover the child’s unique cognitive profile and guide the IEP team to better serve the student.
Do I need testing, my child is angry all the time and it has gotten to the point that I need some help?
Sometimes, before one starts with a therapist it is important to understand the source of the problems. A psychological evaluation can help to develop specific therapeutic interventions and determine which type of therapy (i.e. individual, family, group) is necessary. After the assessment, it is important to collaborate with the individual doing the intervention to ensure that seamless continuum of care.
What happens at the end of the testing, do you help with the next steps?
I often call the end of the testing as the “beginning of the end”. In other words, just because we have finished the monetary transaction does not mean that I will not help with the next steps. Often, I will have specific professionals in mind for the interventions. I run a consortium of almost 25 practitioners from all areas of intervention (i.e. psychiatrists, developmental optometrists, educational therapists) that I know on both a personal and professional level. After they received the report I encourage the professional to call me to help clarify aspects of the report to improve their success rate.
