Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Fact Sheet)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Adults (Fact Sheet)
ASD (Fact sheet)
Evaluation will include:
- A clinical intake interview: Getting to know you, your child and your presenting concerns are the most important element to learning about how we can best assist and support you during your process. The intake interview consists of reviewing personal history and gaining insight into you as a human to best understand what is most important. During the intake process, the clinician may ask about details about your symptoms, such as their intensity, duration, and frequency, as well as any triggers or patterns associated with them. Family history of mental health disorders, past experiences with mental health treatment, and any relevant medical conditions are also important topics that may be discussed to determine the original nature of the symptoms.
The testing session typically involves a series of standardized tests and measures, designed to assess various aspects of the client’s mental health, including up to several or all of the following cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and behavioral patterns.
During the testing session, the client may be asked to complete a variety of tasks, including answering questions, solving puzzles, or performing certain activities. The tests are often standardized, meaning that they are administered in a consistent manner, with specific instructions and scoring procedures.
The purpose of the feedback session is to provide you with an understanding of your assessment results, what they mean, and how they relate to you. During the feedback session, the clinician may provide a summary, highlighting any strengths, weaknesses, or concerns. The clinician will explain the significance of the results and how they may be relevant to the client’s current symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment plan. The feedback session is also an opportunity for the client to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties they may have about the assessment results or their mental health in general. The clinician will encourage the client to be open and honest about their thoughts and feelings, and to express any concerns or issues they may have.
TWC is in network with BCBS and BCN. We are happy to provide a superbill for other providers in order to access any out of network benefits you may have.
Telling a child that they are going to have a psychological evaluation can be a sensitive and delicate process, but it is important to approach the conversation with honesty, transparency, and reassurance. Here are some steps that you can take to help prepare a child for a psychological evaluation:
Be honest: It is important to be honest with the child about why they need to have a psychological evaluation. Use age-appropriate language and explain that the evaluation is meant to help the child get the support they need.
Be reassuring: It is important to reassure the child that the evaluation is not a punishment or something to be afraid of. Emphasize that the clinician is there to help the child feel better and that the evaluation is an opportunity to get the support they need.
Explain the process: Explain to the child what they can expect during the evaluation, such as the types of questions they will be asked or the tests they will be given. Let them know that they can ask questions at any time and that they will be given breaks if they need them.
Discuss confidentiality: Let the child know that anything they say during the evaluation will be kept confidential, unless there is a concern for their safety or the safety of others.
Address any concerns: If the child has any concerns or fears about the evaluation, address them honestly and calmly. Provide reassurance and support.
Follow up: After the evaluation is complete, follow up with the child to discuss the results and any next steps. Let them know that they can always talk to you or the clinician if they have any questions or concerns.
Overall, it is important to approach the conversation with sensitivity and empathy, and to create a safe and supportive environment for the child. By being honest, reassuring, and supportive, you can help prepare the child for the evaluation and alleviate any fears or concerns they may have.
After your evaluation and feedback session, Dr. Powell will include a list of resources that will be helpful in finding follow up care. This can include therapy, family therapy and/or parent training, books and website resources, pharmacological referrals and if requested, a session with an in clinic therapist for processing. This is not an ongoing relationship, but a debriefing session to ask any additional questions. The process can be overwhelming and we want to arm you and your family with the best information and ability to make the most helpful decisions moving forward. We do have therapists who specialize in the treatment of both adults and children with ADHD and ASD, please inquire about our waitlist.
