The purpose of psychological testing is to arrive at a diagnosis that enables one to receive the best possible treatment. Assessment may be needed in a variety of circumstances including when one is experiencing difficulty in academic or occupational settings, when a complex history and presentation of symptoms make diagnosis unclear, and even for deepening an understanding of the self. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), memory problems, personality patterns, giftedness, and mood and other mental health concerns can be clarified with the use of psychological assessment.

The process of receiving a psychological assessment will take place over a minimum of three in-person meetings ranging from two to four hours per meeting, but may require several more. The process of assessment is dynamic and tailored to the examinee on a case by case basis. The question that is being answered and the examinees themselves mediate the total time the assessment will take.

The assessment will include a Clinical Interview, completion of several questionnaires, and administering several tests. When relevant, interviews or data collection may also be conducted with teachers, parents, and mental health providers. After the completion of the testing phase, a report will be written and provided to the client that includes the findings of the assessment and recommendations for next steps. This report does generally meet the requirements to obtain accommodations from schools, universities, employers, etc. if they are found to be needed. A final meeting to go over the report and what it all means will be the last step of the Assessment.

Although the purpose of the assessment is often diagnostic clarity, Dr. Wade understands and recognizes the whole person throughout the assessment process. She feels that the results of an assessment are never "bad." On one hand, the examinee may leave with a diagnosis for a mental health disorder that explains many of the struggles they have experienced throughout their life and recommendations for how to level the playing field moving forward. On the other hand, the examinee may leave with the realization they do not have a mental health disorder, a better understanding of their struggles, and recommendations on how to continue to flourish. Both are good news and both will be focused on strengths and continuing to be successful in the future.

Fee

Psychological Assessment - varies between $4000 - $7500 per assessment

FAQ

  • Are you currently accepting new assessment patients?
Yes. This website will be updated if/when that changes.
  • You give assessment to both adults and children?
​Yes, although I only provide psychotherapy to adults, I conduct psychological evaluations with both children six years of age and older and adults. 
  • Do you accept my insurance?
I am in-network with Aetna. However, Psychological Assessment through them requires Prior Authorization. This means that the timeframe for completion will be at minimum an additional two weeks as we await approval from Aetna for this service. Please keep this in mind when planning. For those with out-of-network insurance benefits, I do automatically provide a "superbill" to my patients. These allow you to be reimbursed by your insurance company at their out-of-network reimbursement rate. Additionally, the online payment platform I use does accept Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards.
  • Do you have a sliding-scale policy that allows me to pay a fee that's based on my income?
Due the scope of work to conduct psychological assessment, I do not currently offer them on a sliding-scale basis.
  • Do you accept credit cards? Personal checks?
​Yes. Yes. I offer an online payment portal that accepts credit, debit, and FSA cards. Payment is also accepted via personal check via post or in-person. For psychological assessment, payment in full is due prior to the final meeting in which a copy of the report and feedback will be provided.
  • Between $4,000 to $7,500 is a pretty big range. Can you explain this more? When will I know the final price?
The total cost is based on the question the assessment is answering. Each question will require a different amount of testing. For example, if there is a concern related to a specific learning disability (such as dyslexia or dyscalculia), an evaluation for this may only take twenty hours in full (including testing, interviewing, report writing, and feedback appointment).  This will be lowest assessment cost. However, if there is an additional concern related to the potential for ADHD, the extra assessments for this may add another eight hours and will put that evaluation cost in the middle range. Each diagnostic question to be answered impacts price. A full, comprehensive assessment for a learning disability, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and personality patterns or cognitive decline will be at the highest point in this range. Before the assessment begins, a complimentary 30 minute Initial Consultation will be completed during which the reason for and needs of the assessment will be clarified. The final price will be provided at the end of that consultation and a Good Faith Estimate will be provided. 
  • How long does the process take? When will I have a completed report?
Because the process of assessment is dynamic, meaning it is different for each person and based on the examinee's responses, it is impossible to provide an accurate estimate of how long the testing process with take. This is further complicated by the fact that answering different questions will necessitate different lengths of assessment. That stated, on average, testing will take place on at least three occasions for three hours per meeting. After the final testing meeting, a report will be generated within two weeks to one month, again depending on the question. If timing is a concern, please advise Dr. Wade of this matter during the initial consultation. Every effort will be made to accommodate needs for expediency.
  • The timeframe to complete testing seems like a lot of time to be missing out on school/work. I'm seeking assessment to help with how I'm doing. It feels counter-productive to spend so much time missing classes/work to get tested... I'm worried I'll get even more behind.
Yes, the testing process is a big commitment of both time and finances. I recognize this and offer weekend assessment because of it. I've found being available to conduct evaluations on the weekend helps children demonstrate their actual skill levels as they are not exhausted from the school day and early wake up times and adults are more able to fit the evaluation into their already hectic schedules. Because of the large blocks of time assessments take, I do not provide psychotherapy on the weekend. I do also provide assessment on weekdays, but generally have less availability.
  • What are the next steps to work with you for a psychological assessment?
Contact Dr. Wade via phone at 332-203-3530 or via email at [email protected] to schedule a complimentary 15-30-minute online assessment consultation.