Psychoeducational Evaluations
Psychoeducational evaluations identify a full range of capabilities, learning strengths, challenges, and can clarify a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, dyslexia, learning disorders, executive function deficits, processing disorders, speech, and language challenges.
Assessments can assist with the following:
- Clarifying diagnosis
- Assessing memory, processing speed and cognitive functioning (e.g., learning disabilities, giftedness, memory challenges, slow processing)
- Recommending testing accommodations (e.g. extended time or multiday testing for the ACT, SAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and state licensing exams)
- Advocating for 504 Accommodations, IEP/IEE accommodations, and other academic accommodations and interventions
- Support during the IEP process, determining IEP vs. 504 Accommodations, guidance with private or public school placement and course selection
- Assessing working memory, auditory memory, visual memory, processing speed and other areas related to cognitive and academic functioning
- Providing referrals for additional beneficial accommodations or therapies (e.g. occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, social skills training, tutoring, brain training programs, biofeedback, or neurofeedback)
Areas Covered in a Psychoeducational Evaluation:
- Cognition & Intellect (IQ)
- Processing Speed
- Fluid Reasoning
- Working Memory
- Visual Spatial Skills
- Phonological Processing/Dyslexia
- Auditory Processing
- Academica & Achievement abilities – 20 different subtests in various timed and untimed conditions
- Attention/Focus/Impulsivity
- Reaction Time
- Executive Functioning Skills
- Emotional/Mental Health (Self-esteem, anxiety, negative thinking, anger, conduct, emotion regulation skills, etc.)
- Parent Survey & Teacher Surveys to explore adaptive behavioral functioning
- Sensory Processing (if concerns indicated)
- Communication & Social Skills (if concerns indicated)
The Assessment Process
- Initial Intake: 15-minute initial phone consultation to discuss concerns and the type of evaluation indicated. After this call, intake forms will be sent via an email link and can be completed online.
- Testing: 1-2 sessions of face-to-face testing with client. Each session is typically 2-3 hours.
- Scoring, Interpretation, Records Review & Report Writing: After testing is complete, this process takes about 2 weeks.
- Results Session: 1 hour feedback session with client, or parent(s) if testing a minor. Testing results, diagnosis (if indicated) and an individualized treatment plan outlining specific treatment options, accommodations and recommendations are reviewed. A comprehensive report is provided during this session.
- Connection to Referrals. Local referrals are provided as needed and may include educational therapists, tutors, psychiatrists, pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, parent advocates, special education attorneys or psychologists.
- Coordination of Care Session (Optional for an additional fee): 1-hour session to consult with other relevant parties, such as attending off-site IEP meetings or consulting with physicians, school administrators, teachers, therapists, tutors, or academic counselors. This session can be scheduled after the final results session. Telephone or face-to-face sessions are available.
The time frame for a comprehensive psychological or psychoeducational assessment is typically 2 to 3 weeks. Some assessments require less testing hours, which decreases this timeline.
Dr. Dohrenwend serves as a partner and advocate throughout the entire assessment process. Coordination of care is a priority and she frequently consults with other relevant parties either before, during or after testing.