WHAT IS IT?

Psychological Testing or a Psychoeducational Assessment can be extremely useful when there is lack of clarity or understanding regarding the causes of various emotional, psychological, learning, or behavioral problems.  When it is difficult to diagnose a psychiatric condition because it shares similar symptoms with other conditions, health care professionals, educators, and clients often seek psychological testing for differentiating between several possible diagnoses.

 

Psychological testing and Psychoeducational Assessment refer to the administration of objective, norm-referenced, standardized instruments to identify causes and treatment of psychological, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.  Psychoeducational assessment includes an examination of cognitive functioning to identify strengths, weaknesses, and learning or processing disability. Results guide identification of academic supports and accommodations that will allow the student to do his or her best in school.

 

Psychological and psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive process that involves not only the administration and interpretation of tests but may also involve integration of information from multiple sources. Such sources may include interviews with parents or significant others, collateral information from schools, medical history, and information from other mental health professionals who may have provided therapy. 

 

COMMON REASONS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

• Identification of a psychological disorder 

• Differential diagnosis and treatment planning

• Identification of cognitive and learning disabilities

• Identification of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Determine cause of uncommon behaviors, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Identify factors interfering with rational decision-making

• Identify factors interfering with perception or judgment

• Determine factors preventing management of daily living activities

• Identification of a possible neurocognitive disorder

 

Following completion of the psychological evaluation, Dr. Bautista prepares a written report, which is reviewed in a feedback session with the client, parents and or significant other(s), and can also be submitted to other professionals or schools. 

 

FEES

Fees for psychological testing are $175 per hour.  Time billed includes time spent in clinical interview(s), review of collateral materials, administration, scoring, and interpretation of test results, report writing, and final feedback session.   An ADHD assessment with diagnostic letter typically costs $350 - $525.  A full psychological assessment, depending upon complexity, and report requirements, typically costs in the range of $1500 to $3500.  A psychoeducational assessment may cost more due to extent of testing required by schools.

 

Accessing Testing Services

Contact Dr. Bautista, Licensed Psychologist, at 916-505-4419 to schedule a free phone consultation.