Psychological Assessments for Students and Adults

 

What is a Psychological Assessment?

A psychological assessment is a series of tests conducted by a psychologist to help someone understand themself better. Assessments can involve formal tests, self-report surveys, interview information, medical records, report cards, and observational data. Oftentimes, a person’s answers are compared to others their age to understand how they are functioning relative to others. The specific tests involved in the assessment vary depending upon what someone wants to learn from the evaluation.

People often use many names interchangeably to refer to psychological assessments, including assessment, evaluation, and testing.

Psychological Assessments Can Be Useful For:

  • Gaining clarity on mental health diagnoses

  • Providing direction in treatment planning for therapy and medication

  • Understanding strengths and weaknesses

  • Seeking academic accommodations, including 504 plans or Individualized Education Plans (IEP)

  • Applying for standardized test accommodations (i.e., SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, Bar Exam)

It is important to understand that I cannot guarantee we will find anything specific, such as diagnoses or accommodations recommendations, from the testing process.

Types of Psychological Assessments

Educational

 

This evaluation focuses on understanding intellectual and academic functioning. It is useful to understand someone's cognitive abilities, learning profile, academic achievement, as well as strengths and weaknesses.

This type of testing is formally called a psycho-educational assessment.

Emotional

 

This evaluation investigates emotional, behavioral, and personality concerns. It is helpful when there are concerns about depression, anxiety, personality, or other mood struggles.

This type of testing is formally called a comprehensive psychological assessment.

ADHD

 

This evaluation incorporates understanding attention and executive functioning, which are necessary to determine whether or not there is a diagnosis of ADHD.

This type of testing is formally called a neuro-psychological assessment.

If you (or your child) have been struggling with mental health concerns, but are unsure about the type of assessment that would be helpful, we can talk together about what would be the best fit.

The Assessment Process

  • Educational Assessment in Washington, DC

    Step 1: Phone Consultation

    The first step is a free initial phone call (~15-30 minutes) to discuss what you are looking to learn in an assessment and the goals you have. I can answer any questions you have about the assessment process.

  • Emotional Testing in Washington, DC

    Step 2: Assessment Administration

    The next step in the process is meeting together two to three times for test administration sessions for three to four hours each time. These sessions usually take place on Fridays.

    I will also collect collateral information (i.e., report card, parent interview, therapist interview, teacher interview, etc.).

    After collecting all the test data, I will analyze the results and write a report. This part can take up to two months.

  • Step 3: Feedback Session and Report

    Lastly, I will provide you with the assessment report. We will meet for a one-hour feedback session to go over the findings and recommendations.

Dr. Emma Nowicki, psychologist in Washington, DC for students and adults

My Areas of Expertise:

  • ADHD

  • Depression

  • General Anxiety

  • Personality Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Social Anxiety

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychological Assessments

  • The assessment process can take up to three months. This timeline includes one month to administer the tests as well as two months for me to analyze the data and write the report. If you have a specific deadline, please let me know in the initial phone call.

  • For test standardization and validity, most of the assessments need to be provided in person. With most test batteries, there are some take-home self-report measures and interviews that can be virtual.

  • The cost of a psychological assessment ranges from $4,000-$5,000 depending on the specific type of testing required. During the initial phone call, we will discuss what your goals for the assessment are and determine the best set of tests to meet your unique needs.

  • I will provide you with an invoice for the assessment. You are welcome to submit to your insurance to try for reimbursement; however, they rarely cover the full cost. I would encourage you to call the insurance company ahead of the assessment to find out from them directly what, if any, they will cover.

  • I provide assessments for children age 10 and older as well as adults.

Are you ready to understand yourself better?

Let’s talk together about what you are interested in learning.