PSYCHOTHERAPY
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS
Mrs. Fleming-Thomas specializes in diagnostic evaluations, including comprehensive psychoeducational and ADHD evaluations for individuals 16 years old and older. These evaluations delve into areas such as academic achievement and learning disorders, various aspects of cognitive processing, memory, verbal and nonverbal reasoning abilities, processing speed, executive functioning skills, psychosocial adjustment, and emotional/behavioral health.
These evaluations yield multiple outcomes: clarifying diagnoses, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and providing tailored recommendations. They can also assist in obtaining academic support, accommodations, and creating personalized treatment plans.
ALCAS is committed to delivering high-quality, informative evaluations for individuals to achieve clarity and success in various aspects of their life. Whether you're a young student struggling in school, a college applicant seeking personalized strategies or academic accommodations, or an adult looking to enhance your skillset, these evaluations dive deep into your strengths and challenges to pave the way for success and support.
Mrs. Fleming-Thomas places great importance on timely support and collaborates closely with clients to expedite evaluation scheduling. She also ensures that finalized reports are promptly delivered, offering comprehensive assessments that inform necessary recommendations, academic accommodations, and treatment plans as needed.
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An evaluation, which can take approximately 3-6 hours, given the type, may include the administration of the following: intellectual/cognitive assessment, academic achievement assessment, tests of executive functioning abilities and neurological functioning, emotional/behavioral and personality assessment, assessment of learning styles and skills, followed by an in-depth clinical interview, review of personal history and review of previous testing and documentation.
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The information will then be summarized to determine patterns of individual strengths and weaknesses, formulate a diagnostic impression, and provide customized recommendations based on the findings from the testing. This will all be summarized in a comprehensive and detailed report delivered via PDF format.
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Fees can vary as each assessment is tailored to your unique needs and testing batteries can sometimes be customizable. Please contact the office for further information. If you are experiencing significant financial hardship, special arrangements may be considered.
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Insurance is not accepted for such evaluation; however, an itemized receipt may be furnished upon your request and after testing had taken place.
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Expedited report completion is available (report completion within 72 hours of the day of testing) for an extra charge. Standard report completion time is typically 2-3 weeks from the date of testing.
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A one-hour consultation (or feedback session) is included with this service and is highly recommended to discuss findings and recommendations. This can be done in person, by phone conference, or by video conference.
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Evaluations are conducted in a comfortable and private office setting, ensuring a relaxed environment for clients. Clients have access to snacks and breaks throughout the evaluation process to further enhance their comfort. The goal is to create a stress-free environment that enables clients to concentrate on the evaluation process.
Please Note: This clinic does not provide evaluations for most legal matters such as custody or divorce disputes, criminal matters, SSD claims, immigration hardship, or for employee selection, character fitness, TCLEOS evals or military-related evaluations.
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Who might benefit from a evaluation?An evaluation can be beneficial for individuals of all ages who are experiencing academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges. This can include students who are struggling in school, individuals with suspected learning disabilities, those who may have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or individuals who have experienced a head injury or other neurological condition or who are having emotional/behavioral challenges that may be contributing to cognitive difficulties. It can also be useful for individuals who are seeking academic accommodations or who are looking to better understand their learning style and strengths. Ultimately, an evaluation can benefit anyone who is looking to gain a deeper understanding of their cognitive, emotional and academic functioning.
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Do I have to be a student to undergo a psychoeducational or ADHD evaluation?No, psychoeducational and ADHD evaluations can be beneficial for individuals of any age and are not limited to students. People seeking career changes, accommodations in the workplace, or a personal understanding of their learning, cognitive and emotional/behavioral functioning as we may also greatly benefit from an evaluation.
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What types of assessments are typically included in a psychoeducational evaluation?A psychoeducational evaluation typically includes a range of assessments that are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's cognitive and academic functioning. These assessments may vary depending on the individual's specific needs and concerns, but generally include the following: Academic achievement tests: These tests assess an individual's proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Cognitive processing tests: These tests measure an individual's cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning. Behavioral and emotional tests: These tests assess an individual's emotional and behavioral functioning and may include measures of anxiety, depression, and social skills. Language tests: These tests assess an individual's language abilities, including both expressive and receptive language. Visual-perceptual tests: These tests measure an individual's visual processing skills, such as visual memory and spatial awareness. Overall, a psychoeducational evaluation is tailored to each individual's specific needs and concerns and is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their cognitive and academic functioning.
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How does an ADHD evaluation differ from a psychoeducational eval?While there is some overlap between a psychoeducational evaluation and an ADHD evaluation, there are some important differences in their focus and scope. A psychoeducational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates an individual's cognitive and academic abilities, emotional functioning, and social skills. It is designed to identify strengths and weaknesses in these areas and provide recommendations for interventions and accommodations to help the individual reach their full potential. The evaluation may include tests of intelligence, academic achievement, attention and executive functioning, and emotional and behavioral functioning, as well as observations of the individual in various settings. An ADHD evaluation, on the other hand, is specifically focused on assessing for symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It may include measures of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, as well as a thorough history of the individual's symptoms and behavior. The evaluation may also include input from parents, teachers, and other individuals who interact with the individual on a regular basis. While a psychoeducational evaluation may include an assessment of ADHD symptoms, it is not the sole focus of the evaluation. A psychoeducational evaluation is designed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's strengths and weaknesses across a range of domains, while an ADHD evaluation is focused specifically on assessing for ADHD symptoms. However, please note that in most cases, even if a student is only presenting with ADHD and not a learning disorder, a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is typically necessary or required by major universities for students seeking accommodations.
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What accommodations or interventions might be recommended following an evaluation?The accommodations or interventions recommended following a psychoeducational evaluation will depend on the individual's specific strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Here are some examples of common accommodations and interventions that may be recommended: Academic accommodations: These may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, assistive technology, or note-taking support. Behavioral and emotional interventions: These may include individual or group therapy, social skills training, or stress management techniques. Executive functioning interventions: These may include strategies to improve organization, time management, and planning. Learning strategies: These may include specific study techniques, such as active reading, note-taking, and mnemonic devices. Specialized academic programs: These may include interventions designed for individuals with specific learning needs, such as a reading or math intervention program. In addition to academic and personal goals, career-related accommodations and interventions may also be recommended following a psychoeducational evaluation. These may include career assessments, job coaching, vocational training, or workplace accommodations. The specific recommendations will depend on the individual's strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. The overall goal of these accommodations and interventions is to help individuals achieve success in their chosen career path. Overall, the goal of accommodations and interventions is to help individuals with identified learning or cognitive challenges to achieve their academic and personal goals, as well as to support their overall well-being. The specific recommendations will be tailored to the individual's unique needs and strengths identified during the psychoeducational evaluation.
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Will the results of my evaluation be kept confidential?Yes, all information and results obtained during a psychoeducational evaluation are strictly confidential and will only be shared with authorized parties with the client's written consent.
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Will I receive accommodations immediately following my evaluation?Accommodations are not typically granted immediately following a psychoeducational evaluation. The evaluation serves to identify an individual's specific needs and areas of difficulty, which are then used to inform accommodations that can be requested through the appropriate channels, such as a school's disability services office or an employer's human resources department. These organizations typically have their own timelines for reviewing your evaluation and making a determination regarding accommodations. Therefore, when sharing your information with relevant parties, it is crucial to keep in mind their processing timeframes and any associated deadlines. It is also important to note that the final report may take up to two weeks to be issued after you have been tested, but expedited services are an option for an additional fee.