Diagnostic Evaluations
Not sure what's going on? That's exactly why you're here.
Many people come to us saying "I think I have ADHD" or "maybe I'm autistic" or "I can't focus and don't know why." You don't need to diagnose yourself. That's our job.
During your initial consultation, we'll discuss your concerns and I'll recommend the appropriate level of evaluation based on what you're experiencing and what you’re most concerned about.
Services
Brief Diagnostic Evaluation ($600)
For straightforward diagnostic questions when you just need confirmation, brief documentation, or help with therapy treatment planning. Not recommended if seeking accommodations or longer reports are required.
Standard Psychological Evaluation ($1,800)
For concerns related to mood, anxiety, trauma, or personality. Answers questions like "Why am I depressed?" or "What's my diagnosis?"
Comprehensive Evaluation with Cognitive Testing ($2,800+)
For any concerns involving attention, learning, memory, or thinking difficulties. Includes full cognitive assessment to understand not just symptoms, but underlying cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation can identify ADHD, learning disabilities, processing issues, or combinations thereof.
Autism Spectrum Evaluation ($3,500+)
Specialized evaluation using the ADOS-2 (gold-standard autism assessment) plus cognitive testing and developmental history. Appropriate when autism is suspected or needs to be ruled out.
Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation ($4,500+)
For complex presentations with multiple concerns, failed treatments, or diagnostic confusion. The most thorough option - includes cognitive, personality, achievement, neurodevelopmental, and specialized testing tailored to your unique situation.
FAQs
Q: I think I have ADHD - which evaluation should I choose?
A: Great question! Rather than choosing based on what you think you might have, I recommend scheduling an initial consultation ($200, credited toward your evaluation). During this 30-minute meeting, we'll discuss your specific concerns, and I'll recommend the most appropriate evaluation.
Many people who think they have ADHD often actually have a learning disability, processing speed issues, autism, or a combination of conditions. The comprehensive evaluation with cognitive testing ($2,800) allows us to answer the ADHD question while also identifying any other contributing factors - ensuring you get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment recommendations.
Q: What sorts of issues might indicate a need for psychological assessment?
A: Here are some common questions our clients come in with:
I feel like I try so hard but I still am not performing or achieving or living life in a way that feels in line with my potential! Can you help me understand why I feel this way?
Do I have ADHD?
Am I on the autism spectrum?
I’m really struggling in school and/or at work and I don’t know why. Can you help me figure it out?
Do I have borderline personality disorder (BPD)? Or depression? Or bipolar disorder? What’s up with these mood swings?! (Mood disorders, depression, emotion regulation difficulties)
Why am I constantly fatigued and on edge? Why do I keep having these panic attacks? Is this a healthy level of anxiety or is there something else going on? (Anxiety, Panic)
Something really traumatic happened to me and I can’t stop thinking about it. Why can’t I get over it? Why do I keep having nightmares? Why has my vision of the world changed? (Trauma, Complex PTSD, PTSD)
Why do I always feel this "brain fog"? It can be hard to remember things (with no history of traumatic brain injuries, serious concussions).
Why is everyone else so organized? Why is it so hard for me to plan things? Why is it so hard for me to get started on tasks? Even really easy ones!
Not sure what your question is? That's what the initial consultation is for!
Q: Can this evaluation be used for school or workplace accommodations?
A: Yes, when appropriate.
If your evaluation identifies a qualifying condition, the final report can include formal documentation and individualized accommodation recommendations that are typically accepted by colleges, graduate programs, standardized testing agencies, and many workplaces.
Examples of accommodations may include extended time, reduced-distraction testing environments, flexible deadlines, or assistive technology. I tailor recommendations to your specific profile and functional needs, not just a diagnosis.
Q: Will this evaluation allow me to get prescribed ADHD medication?
A: A psychological evaluation can provide diagnostic clarification and formal documentation that many psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and nurse practitioners require before prescribing stimulant or non-stimulant ADHD medications.
However, I do not prescribe medication myself. Whether medication is appropriate, and which type, is ultimately determined by the prescribing provider. If helpful, I can coordinate with your prescriber or provide guidance on next steps after the evaluation.
Q: Do you diagnose ADHD in adults?
A: Yes. I regularly evaluate adolescents, college students, and adults for ADHD and related concerns. Adult ADHD can look very different from childhood ADHD and is often complicated by anxiety, burnout, trauma, autism, or mood symptoms. The evaluation process is designed to carefully distinguish among these possibilities rather than relying on symptom checklists alone.
Q: What if I’m worried I’ll be “missed” or misunderstood in testing?
A: That’s a very common concern especially for high-functioning, masking, or neurodivergent individuals. My assessment approach emphasizes pattern recognition, clinical context, and lived experience, not just test scores. The goal is to understand how your brain works in the real world, not to reduce you to numbers.
Q: What if I don’t want medication… can an evaluation still help me?
A: Absolutely. Many people pursue assessment to better understand themselves, access accommodations, reduce shame, or guide therapy and coaching. All comprehensive reports include practical, personalized recommendations that can support learning, work, relationships, and daily functioning, even if no diagnosable condition is determined.
Q: Can you diagnose autism in adults or people who were never identified as children?
A: Yes. I have specialized training in assessing and diagnosing autism spectrum disorder across all ages, especially in teens and adults. Many adults, especially women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and high-masking people were missed in childhood. Adult autism assessments require a nuanced, developmentally informed approach, which is built into my evaluation process.
Q: What if I’m not sure I want the full evaluation yet?
A: That’s exactly why I offer the initial consultation. This meeting allows us to clarify your goals, talk through your history, and determine whether a full evaluation is warranted or whether another path (such as therapy, coaching, or a targeted assessment) might make more sense.