Children and teens can behave and think in ways that astound and perplex us…often all at once.

When these patterns of behavior begin to interfere with their potential to carry out daily activities, excel in school, or thrive in relationships, we worry. Psychological testing doesn’t fix this problem, but it helps us systematically gather detailed information about their social, emotional, behavioral, academic, and intellectual strengths and weaknesses. With this information we can identify the specific problem and consider the best approaches to address them.  I recognize that psychological testing can be daunting and stressful for many children and their guardians. So I carefully work alongside families in a relaxed setting from the beginning of the testing process to the end where children and teens are given the opportunity to perform their best and guardians can ask as many questions (in English, conversational Mandarin or Cantonese) as needed to understand the test results and recommendations.

About

I am a District of Columbia licensed psychologist (PSY1001192) and have previously practiced in Boston, New York City and Chicago.  I’ve held clinical appointments at Boston Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Harlem Hospital Center, and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology and MA in Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Psychology (1999), pre-doctoral internship at Boston University Medical Center (1998), and a post-doctoral fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2000). I am currently professor of Psychology at Howard University, and have held previous academic appointments at Wheaton College and Columbia University, College of Surgeons and Physicians. In addition to my clinical work, my research and clinical interests for the past 24 years have focused on how persons and communities interact in the context of poverty to influence the mental and physical well-being of persons living with HIV. If you’re interested in more details, see my curriculum vitae or Howard University Faculty Webpage.

 

Assessment

1. Meet

First impressions linger…especially for children and teens when they meet a psychologist who asks them a million questions. So at the first meeting I will explain the purpose of psychological testing and answer any questions the child and guardians may have about the testing process. I will also ask for guardian consent to speak with significant persons in the child’s life who may shed insight about the child’s presenting problem. These typically include parents, relatives, physicians, and teachers.

2. Evaluate

Specific tests will be administered over the course of 2 to 3 sessions to help address the following questions about the child:

  1. Why does the child continue to have difficulty adjusting to work demands at school?
  2. The child’s behavior has recently changed making it increasingly difficult for family and friends to interact with her. Does she suffer from a mental illness and what form of mental health services would help?
  3. After the child was diagnosed with a medical condition (or was involved in an accident), his thinking, memory, attention, and planning skills appear to have worsened – is there any way to confirm my concerns? What can be done to help?

In addition to classroom observations, I will consider conducting home-based assessments, if the child is more comfortable in that setting.

3. Interpret

After the interviews and testing are completed, I will score the test and analyze all the historical information to understand the child’s functioning.  My written report of test findings will be an overview of relevant psychosocial history that might influence the child’s learning, thinking, and behavior. The test results will be integrated with previous assessment findings and will provide the basis of a diagnostic profile and detailed recommendations of addressing the needs of the child.

4. Feedback

The child’s legal guardian will be given a formal written report of the test findings. We will discuss the test results and I will address any questions that guardian or child may have. With the guardian’s consent, a copy of the testing report will also be given to the health or educational professional who referred the child for testing so treatment planning can begin. As necessary I will meet with the guardians and the child’s teachers to discuss implications of the test results.

5. Treatment

Depending on the test results and my availability, I offer brief treatment for ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, and Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders (additional fees for treatment apply). Referrals to other specialists and programs will also be offered.

Fees

My fees are based on the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (2021, October):

  • $1,600 for a comprehensive psychological evaluation
  • $2,900 for neuropsychological evaluation (includes the comprehensive psychological evaluation)

I am a out-of-network provider and do not participate as an in-network provider with any insurance company.  Payment is thus required at the time of the session and I accept checks and cash. Reduced fees are available on a limited basis.

Many of my clients are able to use their insurance benefits for testing or for therapy services if they have an insurance plan that allows them to see out of network providers.  I will provide you with a detailed receipt that provide the procedure codes and diagnostic codes that insurance companies require for reimbursement.  If your insurance company requires preauthorization, I am happy to fill out these forms for you.

Location & Contact

PHONE
(646)284-5987

ADDRESS
Barlow Building
5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 635
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

* 3 minute walk from Friendship Heights Metro Station (Red Line)

HOURS
Saturday, 9am to 5pm

EMAIL
ezer.kang@gmail.com