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.