Psychological

TESTING & ASSESSMENTS

Birch Therapy PLLC offers psychological testing for children and adolescents ages 7-17 years old. Psychological Evaluations can play a pivotal role in supporting parents and educators in better understanding the unique strengths and needs of each child. For older children, a better understanding of how their brain works can help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety that often co-occur with AD/HD and Learning Disorders, especially when these conditions are unidentified. Our Psychologist, Kate Bridgers, has provided psychological testing and assessment in both private practice settings and for charter schools. 

types of assessments offered

Psychoeducational Assessments evaluate a child for the presence of a Learning Disorder. Around 15% of the U.S. population is believed to have a learning disorder (or learning disability), and the most common learning disorders impact reading. Many factors can make identifying learning disorders difficult, but the COVID 19 pandemic and subsequent interruptions to education may have left many children with learning disorders unidentified. Because ADHD commonly co-occurs with learning disorders, most psychoeducational assessments will include a screening for ADHD. 

Diagnostic Assessments evaluate a child’s overall social, emotional, intellectual, and behavioral functioning. Appropriate diagnosis plays an essential role in intervention planning and helps parents better understand their child’s strengths and struggles. Birch Therapy can provide diagnostic assessments related to:

  • ADHD

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Mood Disorders

  • Anxiety Disorders (including PTSD)

Problematic Sexual Behavior Assessments for Youth are comprehensive, evidence based assessments for children and adolescents who have engaged in Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB). These assessments may be Court ordered or requested by a family to initiate treatment for a child or adolescent with PSB. 

ADHD

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by patterns of inattention and/or overly active and impulsive behaviors. Because symptoms of ADHD can overlap with other mental health conditions and ADHD often co-occurs with Learning Disorders we recommend a broad assessment approach. 

AUTISM

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social-emotional understanding, nonverbal communication, and relationships. We know much more about ASD today and there are many different presentations of Autism. There are many intelligent, verbal individuals whose subtle, but impairing difficulties have been missed by professionals or improperly diagnosed. Our assessments for Autism are an in-depth, comprehensive evaluation utilizing evidenced based assessment measures as well as clinical interviews to gain a clear picture of an individuals strengths and struggles. 

Frequently asked questions about Psychological testing

FAQs

  • The assessment begins with a 2-Hour clinical interview with the psychologist. This initial appointment is typically for parents/caregivers, but may also be attended by adolescents. Our psychologist will collect a thorough developmental history and explore the questions you hope will be answered by the psychological assessment. The psychologist will make recommendations about additional face-to-face interviews/observations and psychological tests needed to answer the referral questions. 

    Most assessments will involve face-to-face testing utilizing standardized assessment tools, in additional to collection of collateral information from parents/caregivers, teachers, and others knowledgeable about the child’s needs and struggles. Testing sessions will be structured for the needs of the child. Typically testing sessions last about 2 hours with time for breaks as needed. Children will require up to three face-to-face testing appointments depending on the referral questions. 

    After all of the background information and test data is collected, the psychologist will score all of the measures and prepare a case conceptualization to be shared with parents/caregivers in a 50-minute Feedback Session. In many cases it is also helpful and appropriate for a child or adolescent to attend a separate feedback session where they can receive developmentally appropriate feedback about the findings of their assessment. Our psychologist will prepare a comprehensive assessment report with recommendations tailored to your child. Parallel reports or letters intended to be shared with school staff can be completed upon request.

  • Psychological Assessments typically require 10-15 hours of face-to-face and scoring/report writing time. Fees for testing and assessments reflects the psychologist’s fee of $165/hour as well as the costs of testing materials. You will be provided with a detailed estimate of fees for testing after the initial clinical interview. Birch Therapy PLLC is not in-network with any insurance providers. Birch Therapy does not provide Super Bills for Psychological Testing. Payment is due at the time of service by credit card, debit card, or HSA card. Learn more.

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