What is psychoeducational testing and how
can ​it help my child succeed? 

Psychoeducational testing is a standardized assessment process designed to understand a child's unique learning profile. These evaluations play a vital role in identifying the root causes of academic, social, or emotional difficulties, helping to guide decisions about educational placement and support services.

Understanding Psychoeducational Evaluations
 My assessments provide a holistic view of your child by:

• Identifying Challenges: Pinpointing specific learning or developmental concerns.
• Highlighting Strengths: Recognizing your child's natural talents and areas of high aptitude.
• Guiding Interventions: Providing a clear roadmap for you and your child's teachers to implement targeted strategies that support their specific needs and learning style.

By understanding the complete picture, we can proactively address challenges, helping your child build confidence, unlock their potential, and thrive in school.
 
Key Areas of Assessment
The evaluation is always tailored to your child's specific needs so not all of the following will necessarily be needed. However, commonly assesses areas include the following:

• Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
• Academic Achievement (Reading, Writing, Math)
• Memory and Learning
• Processing Speed
• Language and Phonological Processing
• Visual-Spatial and Visual-Motor Skills​
• Executive Functions (e.g., Attention, Concentration, Planning, Problem-Solving)
• Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Functioning (as needed)

​Why should I choose a psychologist
for my child's evaluation? 

A psychologist, particularly one specializing in educational or clinical psychology, is uniquely qualified to conduct comprehensive assessments for learning disorders. Their advanced training and expertise ensure an accurate and thorough evaluation, which is the critical first step in developing an effective support plan for your child.

What Sets a Psychologist Apart?

• Rigorous Doctoral-Level Training: Psychologists complete a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which involves years of advanced coursework, extensive supervised clinical experience, and a deep foundation in research.
• Deep Understanding of Cognitive Processes: This extensive training provides an expert understanding of the complex brain functions underlying learning, such as executive functions, language processing, reasoning, visual-spatial skills, processing speed, and problem-solving. This knowledge is essential for identifying the specific cognitive deficits contributing to a learning disorder.
• Expertise in Accurate Diagnosis: Psychologists are skilled in differential diagnosis—the ability to distinguish between a learning disorder and other conditions that may present with similar symptoms (e.g., ADHD, anxiety). An accurate diagnosis is crucial for creating targeted and effective interventions.
• Ensuring Comprehensive and Qualified Assessment: While some master's-level clinicians may offer "psychological testing," they often lack the specific licensure, training, and experience required to conduct a truly comprehensive evaluation. Choosing a doctoral-level psychologist ensures the assessment is both thorough and valid.

What is the evaluation process?

The steps involved in this detailed process are outlined below:

• Comprehensive Information Gathering: We begin by collecting detailed background information. This involves completion of several forms within the patient portal, in addition to interviews with you, your child, and sometimes teachers. I need to understand your child's developmental history, academic experiences, and any concerns you have noticed. This thorough information helps me get a complete picture of your child's unique situation. The parent interview lasts 1 hour. 
• Standardized Testing: I use a variety of standardized tests to measure different aspects of your child's cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning. Administering these tests correctly requires careful attention to detail and a controlled environment to ensure the results are accurate and reliable. Most often testing is completed over two to three days and takes between 3 and 6 hours, depending on what is being assessed.
• Data Integration: Interpreting the results from educational records, interviews, tests, and observations is a complex process. I need to integrate all data to form a coherent understanding of your child's abilities, challenges, and needs. This careful analysis ensures I identify any learning disorders or other issues accurately.
• Feedback and Support: One to two weeks after testing, we will meet to discuss the results of the evaluation. This session is crucial for explaining the findings, answering your questions, and discussing the best next steps for supporting your child’s learning and development. Generally, this is a 1 hour appointment, however, an additional appointment can be scheduled, if needed. 
• Detailed Reporting: The written report will clearly present the findings, interpretations, diagnoses (if any), and detailed recommendations for supporting your child's learning. I aim to make this report understandable and actionable for you and any other professionals involved in your child's education. Reports are provided within one to two weeks of the feedback session.