Frequently Asked Questions
Assessment
What types of assessments do you provide?
I provide psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessment across the lifespan (children, teens, adults) with the specific evaluation tailored to the person's age, developmental history, concerns, and questions. Assessments may explore ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, cognitive and processing differences, academic functioning, and social-emotional or mental health concerns.
Why might someone seek an assessment?
There are many reasons. You may be wondering whether ADHD, autism, or a learning difference is contributing to challenges. You may be struggling in school, work, relationships, or daily life and want to better understand why. Or you may already have a diagnosis but feel like there are still pieces of the puzzle that aren't quite explained.
Do I have to be looking for a diagnosis to have an assessment?
Not at all. Assessment can be useful even when you're not seeking a formal diagnosis. Sometimes the most valuable part of an assessment is understanding why certain things are difficult and identifying practical strategies, accommodations, and supports that can make everyday life easier.
Can an assessment help if I'm already in therapy?
Absolutely. Sometimes therapy reaches a point where you know something is getting in the way, but it's difficult to understand exactly what. A deeper assessment can help clarify underlying learning, attentional, neurodevelopmental, emotional, or processing differences and give therapy a more specific direction.
What does an assessment actually involve?
Assessment is much more than sitting down and taking tests. Depending on the questions we're trying to answer, the process may include a review of records, interviews with you and/or family members or professionals, cognitive and processing measures, academic testing, behavioral and social-emotional measures, and questionnaires. I'll then bring the information together into a written report with recommendations and meet with you to discuss the results. Assessment is completed in person, though sometimes portions of it can be completed virtually if you wish.
How long does an assessment take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the evaluation, scheduling, and how much information needs to be gathered. A comprehensive assessment may take up to two months from the beginning of the process through the feedback session.
What will I get or learn from an assessment?
My goal is for you to leave with more than a diagnosis or a collection of scores. You will understand both your strengths as well as challenges/vulnerabilities. I believe understanding challenges is only part of the picture. I also want to understand what comes naturally to you, where your strengths lie, and how those strengths can be used to work around areas that are more difficult. Sometimes the assessment process helps people recognize abilities they hadn't realized were strengths. Additionally, you'll receive a written report that explains the findings in understandable language, along with practical recommendations and strategies. We will also have a feedback session to talk through the results, answer questions, and discuss where to go from there.
Can assessment help with school accommodations or support?
Assessment can provide information that may be helpful when considering educational supports, accommodations, or intervention. Recommendations are individualized based on the findings and the person's specific needs. An evaluation does not, by itself, guarantee eligibility for a particular school service or accommodation.
Can you talk with my child's school or other providers?
With appropriate written consent, I can collaborate with relevant professionals as part of the assessment process. This may include gathering information from teachers, school psychologists, therapists, physicians, or other providers when it helps answer the referral questions.
The big question - What is the investment for an assessment?
Comprehensive Assessments
Comprehensive assessments, typically for children and adolescents, are designed to provide a deeper understanding of cognitive and processing abilities, academic functioning, and social-emotional or mental health needs. These assessments are offered at a $4,000 flat fee, or at an hourly rate of $200, depending on the scope of the evaluation and what we agree upon in advance. Payment plans are available as well.
Adult & Focused Assessments
Adult assessments are often tailored to a specific question or concern, such as ADHD, autism, or learning differences. Depending on the complexity and scope of the evaluation, these assessments typically range from $900–$3,500.
Assessment fees generally include record review, interviews, testing and scoring, relevant rating scales, a written report, and a feedback session of up to 90 minutes.
The exact fee and scope of an assessment will be discussed during the initial consultation, so you will know what to expect before beginning.
Therapy
What can I expect from therapy with you?
Therapy with me is collaborative, warm, and individualized. I’ll provide a calm space to talk openly, ask thoughtful questions, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing. I won’t simply tell you what to do—I’ll work alongside you to better understand what’s happening and figure out what approaches and tools are most helpful for you.
What types of concerns do you work with?
I mainly with teens, adults, and families experiencing a range of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, relationship and family challenges, life transitions, parenting concerns, and challenges related to ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence.
Do I need to have a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You don't need a diagnosis—or even know exactly what's going on—to begin therapy. Sometimes therapy is the place where we start putting the pieces together and figuring out what might be contributing to the challenges you're experiencing.
Do you work with neurodivergent individuals?
Yes. I have particular experience working with individuals and families navigating ADHD, autism, learning differences, and other forms of neurodivergence. My approach focuses not only on challenges, but also on understanding strengths, differences in how someone experiences the world, and finding strategies that actually fit the individual.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I draw from several approaches, including a humanistic or person-centered, EMDR (trauma processing), IFS (internal family systems or parts work), DBT, and attachment-based. Rather than using one approach with everyone, I tailor therapy to the person in front of me. Sometimes you need practical tools and strategies; sometimes you need space to slow down and understand what's underneath the struggle.
Do you work with parents and families?
Yes. Parenting can be particularly challenging when you're trying to understand a child's emotional, behavioral, learning, or neurodevelopmental needs. I can provide parent coaching and support to help you better understand what's happening, respond more effectively, and find strategies that work for your particular child and family.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Sometimes people come because they're struggling with something specific; other times they simply feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or like they're repeating patterns they don't understand. A consultation can be a good way to determine whether therapy feels like the right next step.
How long will I be in therapy?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people benefit from focused, short-term work, while others want longer-term support. We'll talk about your goals and periodically check in about whether therapy is still meeting your needs.
How do I get started?
The first step is usually to reach out for a brief consultation. This gives us a chance to talk about what you're looking for, answer questions, and determine whether my services are a good fit for you or your family. From there, we can decide together whether therapy, assessment, consultation, or another type of support makes the most sense.