What is a psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive process designed to help you better understand how a person thinks, learns, feels, and behaves. It goes far beyond a quick screening or checklist—it’s an in-depth assessment that uses interviews, evidence-based and standardized tests, direct observations, and rating forms to gather information about areas such as attention, cognition, executive functioning, communication, social skills, emotions, and behavior.

A psychological evaluation provides you with a greater understanding of yourself or your child and specific, actionable recommendations that help support success at home, in school, at work, and in daily life.

Psychological evaluations illuminate a path forward. With the right answers, you can take meaningful steps toward growth, success, and support.

When to seek a psychological evaluation?

• You or your child has been referred for psychological testing by a medical provider, mental health professional, school personnel, or other professional
• You are seeking an official diagnosis for formal educational accommodations (IEP/504 Plan), therapy, medication, or disability services
• Providers, schools or employers require formal documentation from a Licensed Psychologist
• Initial screening/clinical assessment was inconclusive or insufficient
• There are complex or overlapping concerns (e.g., ADHD vs. Anxiety; ASD vs. Trauma, etc.), and/or there is a need to differentiate between multiple possible diagnoses
• Symptoms significantly impact daily functioning in school, work, relationships, or emotional well-being
• You want a deeper understanding of you or your child’s strengths and challenges as well as personalized recommendations to improve quality of life
• You or your child have struggled for years without clear answers and are seeking clarity or direction
• You feel like you or your child are not making progress in therapy and/or are not experiencing therapeutic benefit from medications, and are questioning the effectiveness of you or your child’s current treatment plan

Psychological testing can provide diagnostic clarity that can help to identify the underlying causes of you or your child’s challenges, and serve as a foundation for developing a targeted, effective treatment plan – helping individuals access the support that truly makes a difference.

Benefits of a psychological evaluation

• Clarifies complex cases where symptoms overlap and distinguishes differential diagnosis
• Ensures diagnostic accuracy and comprehensive understanding of one’s cognitive profile and current functioning
• Creates a baseline for future monitoring
• Provides customized and actionable treatment recommendations
• Unlocks access to effective supports when needed:
• Meets documentation standards for formal academic and standardized testing accommodations
• Often meets ADA documentation requirements for workplace accommodations
• Meets formal documentation standards for Social Security Disability (SSD/SSI), OPWDD eligibility, and similar programs
• Supports collaborative care between physicians, schools, therapists, and families

Our evaluations can be life-changing for you, your child, and your entire family. It’s not just about getting a diagnosis – it’s about understanding your or your child’s unique needs and creating a clear, supportive plan to move forward with confidence.

What does the evaluation process involve?

The process includes:

–Referrals

• We accept patient self-referrals and provider referrals, though provider referrals are not required. Referrals by providers can be sent via fax. If you are interested in an evaluation, please contact our office and our staff will send you the New Patient Paperwork or visit our website and complete the New Patient Paperwork online.

–Completion of New Patient Paperwork

• Our office will contact you to schedule the initial consult(s) after the completed New Patient Paperwork is received.

–Initial Consult(s)

• The provider will meet with you, as well as your child (if relevant), to discuss presenting concerns and symptoms and obtain information about your biopsychosocial history and functioning. The consultations include clinical interviews and, if applicable, a direct observation session for younger children.

–Standardized Testing: The testing appointments will take place in-Person at the DENT office with the exception of additional semi-structured clinical interviews, which will be held virtually. The duration and number of testing appointments will be determined by the provider and will be based upon the presenting concerns.

–Data Interpretation and Diagnostic Formulation: The provider will review and interpret all clinical data from the intake paperwork, review of relevant records, information gathered during the initial consults, testing data, behavioral observations, rating forms, additional measures, etc. All of this information informs the diagnostic conclusions and treatment recommendations.

-Feedback/ Review Session: The provider will meet with you to review of results, diagnostic conclusions, and treatment recommendations.

-Written Report:  At the conclusion of the evaluation process, you will be provided with a written report that details all components of the evaluation, including the assessment results, diagnostic conclusions, and recommendations to support treatment planning and actionable next steps.

Can evaluations be completed virtually?

We offer a hybrid model that combines convenience with the high-quality care you deserve.

The initial consultation and feedback review session are conducted virtually through a secure video platform, and the majority of our gold-standard assessment procedures are completed in-person.

How long does it take to complete the evaluation process?

Our evaluations typically involve 4-7 appointments, depending on the complexity of the referral question and the individual’s needs. Our multi-step process allows us to gather a complete and accurate picture across different settings and time points – something a one-time session simply cannot achieve. General time estimates for our evaluations are as follows (actual time may vary):

ASD: 6-18 hours

ADHD: 6-10 hours

What is the cost of an evaluation?

Psychological evaluations are a life-changing investment for you or your child. Seeking an evaluation is more than just a few appointments. Our assessments are highly specialized, time-intensive, and deeply personalized – and a powerful step towards clarity, confidence, and the right support. Our process is designed to give you answers that can truly change your life – or your child’s – by uncovering strengths, identifying needs, and guiding meaningful and actionable next steps.

We understand that cost is an important part of your decision, and we want to be as transparent and supportive as possible. The total cost of an evaluation varies per case depending on your specific needs. A total fee estimate will be provided and discussed in detail after the initial consultation appointment(s) with your provider.

The general cost of our evaluation services is $150 per hour. These services include the initial consultations, direct assessment/testing appointments, time spent scoring assessment measures as well as interpreting and integrating the results, comprehensive report writing, and a one-on-one feedback session to discuss the results, conclusions, and customized treatment recommendations.

By investing the necessary time in each step, we ensure a very thorough assessment where no detail is overlooked. This comprehensive approach not only leads to an accurate diagnosis but also provides a complete understanding of an individual’s strengths and challenges, empowering you with a clear plan for moving forward. We truly believe that this level of thoroughness offers exceptional value – it’s an investment in clarity and direction that can make a meaningful difference for your family. It’s the foundation for effective treatment, school or workplace accommodations, self-advocacy, and peace of mind. It’s an investment in long-term growth, well-being, and opportunity—and one that can make all the difference. It’s a powerful investment in your or your child’s future.

Private Pay & Insurance Reimbursement Support

Our psychological evaluation services are private-pay. Dr. Radecke does not participate with insurance. We do not bill insurance companies directly. However, we encourage you to utilize your insurance benefits whenever possible. We will provide you with an itemized receipt with the necessary diagnostic and procedural codes at the end of your evaluation. You can file a claim with your insurance provider for potential reimbursement, so you remain in control of your healthcare spending.

We understands the financial aspect of healthcare can be stressful, and we strive to make it as easy and transparent as possible.

Payment Installments

We understand that a comprehensive evaluation is a meaningful investment, and we’re committed to making it as accessible as possible.  To support flexibility and make services more manageable, we divide the total cost into multiple payment installments, with payments collected at each phase of the evaluation process.

When you reach out to inquire about services, we’ll walk you through the process. After your consultation(s), and before testing is scheduled, we’ll confirm your total cost to ensure transparency

What happens after an evaluation is complete?

Once your evaluation is complete, we’ll schedule a feedback session where the provider will walk you through the results, conclusions, and recommendations. You’ll receive a comprehensive written report that outlines the findings, any diagnoses (if applicable), and personalized, practical recommendations tailored to your or your child’s needs. This report can be shared with schools, healthcare providers, or other support systems to help guide next steps and collaborative care.

Our mission is to provide clarity, direction, and an actionable plan to move forward.