Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations
Gain clarity and understanding
Psychological Evaluations
A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist to understand an individual's psychological functioning. A good psychological evaluation aims to clarify diagnoses, inform treatment plans, and provide insights into a person's mental health. Through interviews, questionnaires, observation, and psychometric tests, I evaluate various aspects such as personality traits, mood, psychiatric symptoms, coping strategies, and interpersonal skills.
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Psychological evaluation can help with diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, and improve personal insight.
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Receive personalized support, guidance, and evidence based treatment recommendations.
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Understanding your symptoms, and receiving tailored treatment recommendations is a step toward achieving better mental health outcomes.
ADHD Evaluations
Accurate diagnosis of ADHD extends beyond mere office observations. Numerous psychological factors can mimic ADHD symptoms, necessitating a thorough evaluation for an informed decision. My Comprehensive Evaluation for ADHD integrates essential protocols for a thorough examination:
Diagnostic Interview: Delve into a detailed history of past and current functioning
Comprehensive History: Explore developmental, medical, academic, work, social, and family aspects, including obtaining collateral information from family
ADHD Symptom Checklists: Evaluate specific symptoms associated with ADHD
Standardized Behavior Rating Scales: Employ validated scales to assess ADHD-related behaviors
Psychometric Testing: Evaluate memory and cognitive functioning.
Tests of Vigilance and Attention: Utilize computerized diagnostic tools to measure attention state shifts and provide quantitative data on core ADHD symptom domains: Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, and Inattention
Screening for Comorbid Conditions: Identify the presence of other related conditions
What to Expect:
The evaluation typically spans 1-2 extended visits (2-4 hours each). Within approximately two weeks of testing completion, receive a comprehensive, individualized psychological report summarizing results, diagnostic impressions, academic/occupational recommendations, and intervention recommendations. Subsequently, we will discuss assessment outcomes in a meeting.
Step 1: Intake Session (1-2 hours): In this initial intake session, I will gather essential information about your history, laying the foundation for the testing battery. The information gathered during this session serves as the foundation for the individualized testing battery that will be administered in the subsequent phase.
Step 2: Testing Session (2-3 hours): The second session unfolds as the actual testing session. I will administer all required tests during this timeframe. Post-assessment, if applicable, I will initiate contact with collateral sources, such as family members or other treatment providers.
Step 3: Feedback Session (1 hour): Once I complete a comprehensive report (within 14 days of your testing session), you'll be contacted to schedule the final session—the feedback session. Here, the results of the testing are presented and thoroughly discussed, encompassing any applicable diagnosis and tailored recommendations. This session marks the culmination of the evaluation process, providing valuable insights and guidance based on the comprehensive assessment.
Benefits of virtual psychological evaluations
Comfortable convenience
Swift scheduling and reduced wait times
Inclusive for diverse lifestyles
Cutting-edge technology for precision
Consistency in quality evaluation
Adaptable support
Common Questions about Virtual Psychological Evaluations
+ What will I need for a virtual psychological evaluation?
- A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet (at least 13 inches) – cellphones are not permitted at this time.
- Stable internet connection (recommended at least 6mb/s down and 2mb/s up). Must be performed via home network, not public.
- An email address
- Availability to use the internet and test for at least 3 hours
- A private, distraction free environment for testing.
- Use of headphones
+ Are virtual psychological evaluations reliable?
A common concern arises when considering whether healthcare providers can effectively conduct assessments without the traditional face-to-face interaction. It's worth noting that telehealth neuropsychological testing was in practice before the Covid era, albeit on a smaller scale. Institutions such as the Veteran’s Administration and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Autism Center of Excellence in Tennessee have successfully implemented tele-testing for years. The onset of Covid-19 prompted a rapid expansion of technology and increased insurance coverage, making telehealth testing more widely accessible. This transformative development is expected to persist and expand even as the pandemic is brought under control. Recognized psychological governing bodies, including the APA and IOPC, acknowledge the value of telehealth. Ongoing research is actively being conducted to enhance our ability to meet neuropsychological needs through telehealth services. Recent studies consistently affirm that teleneuropsychology yields high-quality, valid data for diagnosis and treatment planning. These research efforts guide practitioners in selecting appropriate tests for telehealth, taking into account variations in suitability for videoconferencing. Explore the summary of recent validity studies below for further insights. Embrace the exciting advancements in telehealth testing, as they promise to shape the future of neuropsychological care beyond the challenges posed by Covid-19.
+ Do you offer sessions in person?
All the work that I do is online. This means you can live anywhere in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Florida. All testing is done via telehealth, using the Simple Practice platform. You must be located in one of the states I am licensed in (MA, NH, FL) during each appointment, have a good internet connection, and be in a private space.