The decision to have your child evaluated is an important one, and choosing a psychologist to complete this evaluation is just as important. At Pediatric Psychology Associates we pride ourselves in keeping up-to-date with the latest available psychological tests and research. Our evaluations are comprehensive and individualized and as a result, testing is completed carefully and with attention to detail, so it takes time. We strongly believe that conducting our evaluations over several days and through a variety of data-collection methods (direct test administration, observations, consults, etc.) allows us to best understand a child’s behavioral, emotional, academic and cognitive functioning.
There are a number of reasons parents and schools may request an evaluation for a child. Our comprehensive evaluations will be helpful in answering questions regarding your child’s overall developmental profile and learning styles (including strengths and weaknesses), as well as emotional and behavioral functioning. Common referral reasons are to provide diagnostic clarification regarding:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Disruptive Behavior Problems (Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, etc.)
- Early Childhood and Developmental Concerns
- Learning Disabilities (i.e., dyslexia, math, nonverbal, processing, etc.)
- Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder)
- Socials Skills/Functioning
- Study Skills, Organization and Executive Functioning
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and other Neurological Disorders
- Reactions to Divorce, Traumatic Events, etc.
Upon completion of test administration, extensive time is spent interpreting the results and explaining them in a manner that is understandable to the reader, thereby providing practical and useful suggestions. Our evaluations are accepted in the public and private schools and can assist your child in receiving the necessary accommodations and services he/she may need to be successful. The written report serves as a guideline for treatment to help your child succeed in every aspect of his/her life, thus also helping him/her gain confidence and a sense of self-efficacy.
We are able to conduct evaluations in office, through video conferencing or using a combination of these modalities based on your child’s needs.
Our fees for evaluations range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the type of evaluation, client’s age, and psychologist completing the evaluation. Below is an outline of the various types of evaluations provided and corresponding fees:
Gifted/Intelligence Evaluations
Age range: 2½ to adulthood
Fee: $500
Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Evaluations
Age range: Children ages 0 – 3 years
Evaluators: Team composed of a Pediatric Psychologist, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Pediatric Speech/Language Pathologist
Fee: $2,000 (additional $500 if supplementary testing is required to rule out/diagnose an Autism Spectrum Disorder using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- ADOS-2).
Psychodevelopmental & Psychological Evaluations
Age range: Children ages 3 – 4 years
Fee: $3,500**
Psychoeducational Evaluations
Age range: 5 years to adulthood
Fee: $4,200**
Neuropsychological Evaluations
Age range: 5 years to adulthood
Fee: Generally $4,200** but may vary in cost depending on the case’s complexity and extensiveness of medical history and related record review.
Evaluations that are conducted on-site at the child’s school or at a location other than one of our offices within a 5-mile radius of the office incur an additional flat charge of $300. For testing outside the 5-mile range, please discuss directly with the office.
**Fee for Psychoeducational/Psychological and Neuropsychological evaluations involving senior psychologists/practice owners, Dr. Judith Migoya and Dr. Samantha Carella, is $5,000. Cases involving extensive medical record review may incur an additional charge.
These fees do not apply to forensic evaluations. Please contact us to discuss fees if the evaluation you need is related to a forensic case.
At times, parents don’t know whether or not their child needs an evaluation. In these instances, an initial Caregiver/Parent(s) Interview and Consultation can be scheduled at our standard intake rate to discuss information regarding presenting concerns and relevant history necessary to determine whether an evaluation is needed. If following the consultation testing is commenced, the consultation fee would be applied to the total evaluation fee, since the Caregiver/Parent(s) Interview and Consultation appointment is part of the evaluation process.
Below is a breakdown and steps of what our evaluation procedure entails (this does not include procedures for our Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Evaluations or our Gifted/Intelligence Evaluations, which have a different procedural structure described separately in our Services page).
| Description | Approximate Time |
| Step 1. Caregiver/Parent(s) Interview and Consultation
This first meeting is a very important step in the evaluation process. The evaluator will meet with the child’s parent/caregiver(s) to obtain information about the child’s school, medical, and developmental history, and learn about any social, emotional, or behavioral concerns. This will provide a better understanding of the nature of the concerns and assist the evaluator in deciding which tests should be administered. |
1 hour |
| Step 2. Testing Sessions – 1 to 4 meetings
During the testing sessions, many areas will be measured depending on the referral reason, information gathered in the parent interview and age of the child – Below are the different areas that may be measured and the time frame needed. |
4 to 8 hours |
| Time Frame Needed: | |
| Intellectual Functioning | 1 – 2 hours |
| Academic Achievement | 1 – 2 hours |
| Visual Motor Integration and Graphomotor Function | .5 hour |
| Information Processing Tests – These tests measure Memory Language, Attention, Auditory/Visual Processing, Executive Functions, etc. | 1 – 3 hours |
| Psychological and Emotional Testing-screener | 1 hour |
| Questionnaires and Behavior Rating Scales | 1 hour |
| Tests of Adaptive behavior | .5 hour |
| Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (if appropriate) | 1 – 2 hours |
| School Observation and Consultation (if appropriate) * | 1 hour |
| Extensive/more in-depth emotional testing * | 1 – 2 hours |
| Neuropsychological testing * | 2 – 4 hours |
| (*Additional Testing Services for an additional charge of $225.00 per 45 minutes) | |
| Step 3. Scoring, Interpretation and Written Report
The questionnaires and tests are scored, analyzed and interpreted. Medical, psychological and school records are also reviewed. Findings from the testing, observations, and information gathered are all considered when the overall interpretations and conclusions are made. A written detailed report is completed. |
10 hours |
| Step 4. Feedback session with Parent/Caregiver(s)
An appointment will be made to review the results of the evaluation. During this meeting, a detailed written report is presented and reviewed with the family. The child’s strengths and weaknesses are discussed, and individualized intervention/treatment recommendations are provided to serve as a guide to help the child succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. |
1 hour |
Following the Feedback session, some families request that the evaluating Psychologist attend a school meeting to help explain the evaluation results to the child’s school and professionals that are working with the child. The evaluating Psychologist may also be requested to assist the team in developing educational plans and accessing services that the child needs. These are considered additional services billed accordingly.