NUhope Assessment Services

Assessment Services For Adults For Children and Adolescents

Psychoeducational Evaluation

Comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations are conducted to address concerns about a child’s or adolescent’s learning and achievement. Concerns may include questions about a learning disability, attentional processing, emotional or behavioral disorder, or developmental delay. This type of evaluation entails assessment of the individual’s academic achievement and the cognitive processes underlying learning, such as memory, attention, language ability, and visuospatial and executive functioning. In addition to cognitive processes, social, emotional and behavioral functioning are also assessed to explore the relationship of these domains to the child’s or adolescent’s school performance.

A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation includes an initial 1-hour intake to gather information about the presenting concerns and a history of the child’s or adolescent’s development. The testing is generally conducted over one to two days, with the length of sessions depending on the individual. Collateral information will be gathered about the child or adolescent from parents and teachers in the form of questionnaires, rating scales, and/or interview. This extensive information will help to provide a full picture of the individual’s learning and response to instruction.

The feedback session will take place approximately three weeks following completion of the testing, with a summary of the results and general recommendations. A detailed written report is provided generally within one to two weeks after the feedback session. Consultation with the school is available to share the findings and recommendations.

Estimated cost of a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is $3000–$4000, at a rate of $200/hour, with the actual cost dependent on the scope of the testing battery and number of service hours involved. Approximately 50% of the fee will be due upon intake, with the remaining fee due at the completion of testing.

Giftedness Evaluations and IQ Testing

An evaluation for giftedness typically entails a test of intellectual functioning and a brief developmental history. Achievement testing may also be included in a giftedness evaluation depending on the needs of the family and school application requirements. Intellectual testing may be provided for other purposes at a client’s request. Consultation with the NUhope clinician will be important to clarify the client’s objectives for testing and ensure an appropriate assessment battery is designed.

Estimated cost of a giftedness evaluation will range from $800 or more depending on the type of test required. The fee for an IQ test only is estimated at $800.

School Readiness Evaluation

A school readiness evaluation is often helpful in determining a child’s readiness to begin formal schooling. Following an intake (approximately 1 hour), the child’s development is assessed across domain, including cognitive, motor, speech and language, social-emotional, and adaptive development. Rating scales will be gathered in addition to formal testing of the child. The assessment battery may be adapted depending on the family’s needs and requirements of the receiving school. Recommendations are provided during a brief feedback session regarding school readiness and strategies for supporting his or her development in preparation for kindergarten. A formal report will be generated.

Estimated cost of a school readiness evaluation is $1200–$1600 depending on the scope of the assessment battery required.

Psychological Evaluation

For concerns specifically about a child’s or adolescent’s emotional or behavioral functioning, a psychological evaluation is recommended. This type of evaluation offers an assessment of the individual’s “psychological health”, such as emotion regulation, self-management, social skills, and personality. Examples of concerns addressed include depression, anxiety, peer relationships, or behavioral problems. Psychological evaluations first involve an intake session (1 hour), followed by formal testing and rating scales or questionnaires completed by the child or adolescent, caregivers, and teachers or other key informants.

Psychological evaluations assess a child’s or adolescent’s emotional, behavioral, personality, and cognitive functioning using both formal (i.e., testing) and informal methods (e.g., parent interview, review of the child’s records). This type of evaluation provides a picture of one’s “psychological health” and offers information about where intervention is needed to promote healthy adjustment at home, school, and in the community.

The estimated cost of a psychological evaluation varies widely as the scope of the battery is directly tied to individual needs and concerns. A typical evaluation costs $1200–$2000 or more, depending on the nature of the assessment procedures and time required (at a rate of $200/hour). Approximately 50% of the fee will be due upon intake, with the remaining fee due at the completion of testing.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Evaluation

This assessment service is utilized to address concerns about inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that may be a part of an attentional disorder. Comprehensive ADHD evaluations are suggested if prior testing and diagnosis has not yet been done, in order to thoroughly assess the concerns and determine the appropriate diagnosis. A brief ADHD evaluation may be appropriate as an alternative if prior evaluation has already occurred and diagnostic clarification or a current assessment of symptoms is needed.

Comprehensive ADHD evaluations first entail an intake interview (approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours). The testing battery is then conducted with the child or adolescent generally over two days and includes assessment of attentional processing, cognitive and executive functioning, and memory. Additional testing measures may be added depending on specific concerns, such as learning, visual-spatial processing, or sensorimotor functioning. Rating scales and questionnaires will be solicited from parents or caregivers, teachers, and other key informants, as well as the child or adolescent as appropriate to yield information about the individual’s behavioral, social, and emotional functioning across settings. Review of pertinent records is also a critical component of the evaluation. A one to one and a half hour feedback session will be conducted to provide testing results and recommendations, with a detailed evaluation report forthcoming.

A brief ADHD evaluation will involve an extensive intake (1–2 hours) with the parent/caregiver and the child or adolescent, as well as a record review. Rating scales and questionnaires are utilized to gather information about symptoms and functioning across settings and from key observers, including the child or adolescent as appropriate. A feedback session will offer impressions and more general ideas for recommended treatment or educational planning, followed by a brief evaluation report.

Estimated cost of a comprehensive ADHD evaluation is approximately $3000 and up, depending on the scope of the assessment battery required and service hours entailed. The fee for a brief ADHD evaluation is $500 (due in entirety at the intake).

Transition Assessment

Transition assessments are often sought for students who have questions about postsecondary planning and how best to prepare for life in college or work after high school. This type of evaluation involves career and personality assessments, interviewing, and review of transcripts and educational records. Information will also be solicited from key informants in the way of ratings and questionnaires. Additional testing may be recommended if concerns arise that are judged to be integral to the student’s development and eventual transition. A feedback session will outline test results and recommendations for the student’s educational and career planning.

Estimated cost of a transition assessment is $700 but depends on the scope of the assessment battery required.