Psychological testing and assessment
Clear answers about ADHD, autism, learning differences and other concerns for children, teens and adults, with recommendations you can use at home, school and work.
What testing can tell you
A psychological evaluation looks at how a person thinks, learns, feels and gets along with others. Results help explain strengths and challenges, clarify a diagnosis and shape treatment and support. We evaluate:
- Academic skills: reading, writing, comprehension, math, listening and spelling
- Reasoning and problem solving (IQ)
- Executive functioning: planning, organizing, focusing and multitasking
- Learning and memory
- Social functioning
- Emotional concerns such as anxiety and depression
- Behavior
- Personality
Evaluations can identify autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and other conditions.
Types of evaluation
ADHD evaluations
ADHD can look different in adults, girls and women, and high-achieving students, and it is often mistaken for anxiety or depression. Our evaluations combine a clinical interview, input from people who know you or your child well, and standardized testing of attention and executive functioning, including computerized attention testing such as the TOVA. If you mainly need an answer to share with a prescriber, the Tier 1 ADHD screening may be enough.
Autism evaluations
Our autism evaluations look at social communication, sensory experience and how a person may mask or camouflage differences, using standardized observation such as the ADOS-2 alongside developmental history. Feedback is neurodiversity-affirming: it describes strengths as well as challenges, and focuses on what will help.
Learning evaluations
Comprehensive academic testing for learning disorders is included only in Tier 3, because most insurance plans don't cover learning assessment. Results include recommendations for school, such as what to discuss when requesting a 504 plan or IEP.
Choose the level of evaluation that fits
Families and adults need different things from an evaluation, so we offer three levels.
ADHD screening
A clinical interview, focused testing, a self-report executive functioning screener, a follow-up call to discuss results, and a verbal consultation with a medical professional if needed. No written report.
Best for someone who mainly needs an answer to share with a prescriber or physician about likely ADHD.
Evaluation
A clinical interview, collateral interviews, testing, scoring and interpretation, a brief written summary of findings, diagnoses and priority recommendations, and a feedback session.
Best for a clear answer to a specific question, such as ADHD or autism.
Comprehensive evaluation
Everything in Tier 2, plus a much more detailed discussion of findings and recommendations across settings (home, school) and areas of functioning. The only tier that includes academic and learning disorder assessment. Some parts, such as learning assessment, are usually not covered by insurance.
Best for families and adults who want detailed recommendations for school and daily life, or need a learning evaluation.
Not sure which evaluation you need?
Tell us what you’re hoping to understand. Our team will recommend the right level, check your benefits and get testing scheduled.
How the process works
A typical evaluation takes about three to four weeks from start to finish. Please plan to attend each step as scheduled. Testing appointments may mean taking time off work or missing some classes.
Intake interview
A one-hour diagnostic interview with a clinician.
Testing
Four or more hours of face-to-face testing with a psychometrician (testing technician), over two or three appointments.
Questionnaires
Parents, teachers, partners or others who know the patient well complete questionnaires or interviews.
Feedback
About three weeks after testing is complete, a one- to two-hour feedback session with your clinician to go over results and recommendations.
Insurance and costs
Insurance coverage for testing varies depending on your plan, and not every plan covers every part of an evaluation. The cost depends on the level of evaluation and your benefits. We can help verify your benefits and give you an estimate before testing begins.
Insurance and feesPreparing for testing day
Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy meal beforehand. Bring a drink and a snack for breaks. Bring glasses or hearing aids if you use them, and for children, a comfort item is welcome.
Where testing happens
Testing takes place in person at our Lafayette (Highway 287) office and our Durango office. Some parts of the process, such as interviews and feedback, may be possible by telehealth.
Common questions about testing
Will insurance cover testing?
Coverage varies by plan, and not every plan covers every part of an evaluation. Tier 1 is direct pay only. For Tiers 2 and 3, we’ll verify your benefits and explain your costs before testing begins. A deposit may be required to reserve a testing appointment.
Can results be used for school or work accommodations?
Yes. Tier 2 and Tier 3 reports include recommendations, and Tier 3 covers multiple settings such as home and school. Schools and employers make their own decisions about accommodations.
What ages do you test?
Children, teens and adults. Ask us about the youngest age for the evaluation you need.
