FAQS for
Psychological
Evaluation
Q: How do I get started?
A: First, you attend a free Zoom consultation with a member of Empower Psychological Services, during which we will get to know one another a bit and together, determine the scope of the evaluation. From there, we can schedule the evaluation sessions.
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Q: What do evaluation sessions entail and how many are there?
A: Typically, there will be 1-2 evaluation sessions (mixture of in-person and virtual depending on the scope). During those sessions, we commonly administer cognitive, academic, social, and executive function measures, as well as conduct a clinical interview. We will also interview parents or others involved in your life (if applicable) and send questionnaires to teachers, parents, or to you as an individual.
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Q: How much does an evaluation cost?
A: Psychological evaluation costs $250/hr. In total, typical costs range from $2750 to $3750. Depending on the complexity of the referral question, hours vary, and this is just an estimate.
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Q: What is included in the hours for evaluation?
A: Cost includes hours in the in-person evaluation sessions as well as interviews, questionnaires, and scoring, interpreting, writing up the results, and a therapeutic feedback session. When the evaluation is done, you receive a written report with results, diagnosis (if any), and treatment recommendations based on best-practice in psychology as well as tailored to yourself/ your child. This includes accommodations for school or workplace, as applicable.
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Q: How do I know if I or my child need a psychological evaluation?
A: Common reasons people pursue psychological evaluation include:
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To understand why they process information differently than others at school or work.
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To better understand their own cognitive functioning and find tools to better support themselves across their environments.
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To follow up about whether they meet official diagnostic criteria for autism after self-identifying as autistic.
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In order to aid their application for disability services.
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In order to obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) to determine whether they need services at school.
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To obtain diagnostic clarity when traditional therapy hasn't worked for them.
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In order to identify interventions that are tailored specifically to their needs or their child's needs.
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Q: Do you bill insurance?
A: We do not currently bill insurance. I do offer a Superbill after services are complete and paid in full, and some clients have had success getting reimbursed for services. You will need to contact your insurance provider directly.
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Q: Why do people choose you for evaluation?
A: We offer a neurodivergent-affirming approach to assessing autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health, with a strong background in psychological assessment. We combine psychological and scientific knowledge with a heart-centered, humanistic approach. We believe the evaluation process should be empowering and therapeutic. We always offer direct feedback to the client, and if the client is a child, to the parents as well as to the child, at a developmentally-appropriate level.
Frequently, clients say they are grateful that we were able to "see" them, or say that understanding how their brain works and why they have felt "different" has alleviated some anxiety and depression for them. They also frequently express feeling affirmed, seen, and hopeful, regardless of diagnosis. We want to celebrate who they already are and also offer supports for moving forward. Our goal is also to provide clients with a positive experience with mental health services, to increase the likelihood that they will seek out affirming services moving forward as well.
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Q: Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced cost evaluations?
A: In recognition of the ways that the field of psychology has contributed to systemic racism and inequity, we offer partial scholarships for those in need of a reduced-cost evaluation to families and individuals who have been impacted by systemic racism, inequity, or injustice. Scholarships are given on a limited basis.
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