psychological testing
what I offer:
I provide psychological testing and assessment for adults (18+) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] and/or for Autism. The assessment process consists of detailed interviews, psychological assessments administered during and between sessions, and can include having your friends/partner(s)/roommate provide collateral information about you. Once we have completed all testing and information gathering I score, analyze, interpret and synthesize all the data into a complete report. After the report is complete we will schedule a feedback session to go over my findings and recommendations. All testing and feedback is provided via Telehealth and I am able to provide services to adults in all PSYPACT states (see “areas served” tab).
The assessment process allows me to explore signs and symptoms of diagnosable disorders you may be curious about, including ADHD and Autism. As a neurodivergent person myself, my assessments are always written from a neurodiversity-affirming lens and take a strength-based approach. I am also aware and acknowledge that testing measures are often normed on white, cisgender, and heterosexual individuals and this frequently has led to the overpathologizing of those who do not hold those identities. As a queer, white, nonbinary provider, I take extra care to interpret measures from an anti-racist, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergence affirming lens.
why get tested?
While the assessment process is time-consuming, people seek formal psychological assessment for a myriad of reasons, including:
To better understand themselves and how their brain works
To receive additional supports or treatments (including medication)
To gain resources and learn how to better work with their brain
To be able to gain perspective on why they may struggle with certain things
To know what type of specialist to seek when finding a therapist
To be able to pursue academic or employment accommodations that require documented diagnoses
cost: $2,500
On average, a typical testing battery with me consists of 6-10 hours of detailed interviews and assessment administration during session as well as completing assessments between appointments. After the testing has been completed, typically another 8-15 hours is spent synthesizing the data, interviews, and collateral information into a written report. Lastly, we will meet for 1-1.5 hours to go over the findings. Given the extensive amount of time and materials required, a full psychological assessment costs $2500 (with $1500 due at first meeting and remaining $1000 due by the feedback session).
can I use my insurance?
While insurance can sometimes cover the cost of psychological testing, at this time I am only paneled with Kaiser PPO plans and First Choice Health Network. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance and find out if psychological assessments are covered as part of your plan as well as if there is a limit on the number of testing hours they will cover. Any costs not covered by insurance are the responsibility of the client. If you are planning to try and use insurance you must have contacted your insurance company and gathered information by the time of intake. This reduces the chance that we proceed with the assessment process, your coverage is denied and you are required to pay the full cost.
In full transparency, one reason people may avoid using insurance to pay for psychological testing is that a diagnosis of Autism and even ADHD can result in discrimination and mistreatment by the medical system and while traveling. Additionally, if a diagnosis is determined, especially with Autism, insurance may deny coverage of future procedures.
If you are in crisis, please call 1-800-273-8255 [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline] or 1-877-565-8860 [Trans Lifeline]
or text “OSTEM” to 1-3-3-662-8209 [LGBTQ+ Crisis Text Line] or “HELLO” to 741741 [Crisis Text Line].