What To Expect

Wondering what to anticipate during your psychological evaluation?

The evaluation process is designed to be structured, thorough, and tailored to your specific concerns. Each step is intended to gather meaningful information, clarify diagnosis, and provide clear, practical recommendations.

Our Process

Request an Appointment

After submitting an inquiry, you will be contacted to briefly discuss your concerns and determine what type of evaluation is appropriate. This step helps ensure the evaluation is well-matched to your needs. We will then strive to schedule a date that meets your availability.

Diagnostic Interview

The evaluation begins with a clinical interview, typically lasting about one hour. This includes a detailed discussion of current concerns, relevant history, and areas of functioning. For children and adolescents, this may include parent or caregiver input.

Testing (If Needed)

Depending on the referral question, standardized psychological testing may be included. Testing typically takes between two and four hours and is selected specifically based on your individual concerns. In some cases, a second testing appointment may be required to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation.

Interpretation and Report

All information gathered during the evaluation is carefully reviewed and integrated into a comprehensive written report. This includes diagnostic impressions and individualized recommendations. The contents of the report as well as any questions you may have are reviewed and discussed during a feedback session. The goal is to ensure you leave the process with a clear understanding and a practical plan moving forward.

Additional Details

How to prepare for your appointment:

  • Get a full night of sleep prior to your appointment

  • Eat beforehand and stay hydrated

  • Take medications as prescribed unless otherwise discussed

  • Bring glasses, hearing aids, or any necessary assistive devices

  • Bring any relevant records or documentation (if available)

  • Plan to arrive on time and allow enough time for the full appointment

  • Limit distractions and avoid alcohol or substance use prior to testing

For child and adolescent appointments:

  • Caregivers may be asked to provide additional background information or complete questionnaires in advance.

  • Please ensure that your child takes all prescribed psychiatric and/or ADHD medications as directed on the day of the evaluation unless otherwise instructed by the evaluator or prescribing provider. Although parents sometimes wish for evaluators to observe unmedicated behaviors, psychological and cognitive testing is intended to assess your child’s current level of functioning and abilities under typical conditions. Not taking prescribed medication may negatively impact attention, behavior, effort, emotional regulation, and test performance, which could skew or invalidate results.

How to prepare your child for their appointment

  • Let your child know they will be meeting with a psychologist to do activities and answer questions

  • Describe the appointment in a neutral, positive way (avoid framing it as a “test” or something they can pass or fail)

  • Encourage your child to try their best, but reassure them there are no right or wrong answers for many tasks

  • Make sure your child gets a full night of sleep and has eaten beforehand

  • Bring any comfort items your child may need (if appropriate)

  • Arrive on time and allow your child a few moments to settle in

  • It is best not to coach or rehearse answers with your child beforehand, as the goal is to understand their natural abilities and functioning.