Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic testing typically involves a combination of structured clinical interviews, administered tests, observation, review of records and past reports, surveys, and collateral interviews. Diagnostic testing is available for adults and children age 3 & up.
The type of conditions that diagnostic testing can identify include*
Neurodevelopmental Differences (ADHD, Autism, etc.)
Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Panic, Obsessions and Compulsions, Separation Anxiety, etc.)
Trauma Disorders (PTSD, Acute Stress, Adjustment, Reactive Attachment, etc.)
Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar, etc.)
Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, etc.)
Disruptive Disorders (Oppositional Defiant, Intermittent Explosive, Conduct, etc.)
Personality Disorders (Borderline, Avoidant, etc.)
General Behavior, Social, Emotional Difficulties
*A diagnosis is never guaranteed. If your assessment does not result in any diagnosis, I will explain and provide documentation for the reasons each potential diagnosis was ruled out via testing.
Intelligence & Giftedness Testing
I provide intelligence and giftedness testing for children age 6 and older. This type of assessment requires at least two in-person visits to my office in Oakland. I utilize both intelligence and achievement measures to gather a full picture of aptitude and current level across the many facets that make up intelligence. This assessment results in a written report provided to the family during the feedback session, which can in turn be provided to schools as desired by the family for admissions or accommodations. The report will detail your child’s IQ, any areas of particular strength or weakness uncovered, and the grade level at which they are performing in various academic subjects, with an in-depth description of each of these results. Intelligence & giftedness testing can also be integrated into a full diagnostic assessment. See below for more about diagnostic testing.
Personality testing
Personality testing helps us measure aspects of personality in a structured manner. Some tests are projective, meaning that I provide an ambiguous stimulus or task and the examinee is asked to give a subjective opinion of the stimulus or to complete the task. These projective measures help us notice personality variables that we are not overtly aware of (they are in the unconscious mind). Objective personality tests are question-and-answer format, are often multiple choice, and highlight the client’s individual self-perception and how they compare to a normative group (such as other adults their age in the US). Strengths and weaknesses compared to the general population can be revealed.
I utilize a mixture of projective and objective measures in my personality assessments. Specific tests are selected after our intake interview where I learn what questions you’d like explored about yourself or your child. Some tests require in-person administration. The cost of each assessment includes an intake interview, test selection, test scoring and interpretation, a feedback session to provide results to the client. A written report can be added on to any personality assessment for an additional fee.
Career Aptitude Assessment
This service is provided to teens (age 14 & up) considering their first career and adults up to age 89 to support a career change. This assessment involves a combination of structured interviewing and structured assessments, as well as collateral interviews and record review in some cases.**
Choose from the following assessment protocols:
1. Single Measure Assessment
Includes a short (30-minute) structured interview with client (and parent of teen if desired), test administration of 1 measure, scoring and interpretation of test results, and a brief feedback session with client (and parent if desired).
2. Brief Assessment
Includes a full (50-minute) structured interview with client (and parent of teen if desired), test administration of 2-3 measures, scoring and interpretation of test results, one feedback session with client (and/or parents of teen), and a brief written summary of strengths gleaned from results.
3. Full Assessment
Includes an extended (80 minute) structured interview with client (and parent of teen if desired), test administration of 4-6 measures, scoring and interpretation of test results, one (optional) collateral interview with a teacher, coach, or colleague, review of school records or work history, a feedback session with client (and/or parent of teen), and a written summary of strengths gleaned from results. Additional supports, such as an additional measure of personality, a full written report of results, brainstorming or outlining college essays, resume/CV review, or job application support can be added on at an agreed upon cost.
** Insurance does not typically reimburse for career assessment.
Fees and Insurance
Assessment fees include all time spent gathering information, records review, clinical and collateral interviews, administering tests, scoring and interpreting results, and providing feedback. The total cost of my assessments varies widely, dependent upon type of testing and amount of testing needed as well as the complexity of the results and my analysis of those results.
All testing begins with a free 20-minute video call consultation. A cost estimate is provided after that consultation based on the information you provide. My hourly rate for assessment services is $300. The length of assessments ranges widely, from 2 hours to 25 hours depending on depth and breadth of assessment. Your cost estimate will provide an estimate of how many hours will be needed to reach the answers you are seeking through the assessment process. At that point, you can decide if you want to move forward with the assessment or not.
After testing is complete, I can provide a “superbill” you can use to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Depending on your insurance benefits and the type of testing you seek, psychological testing may or may not be covered. For insurance to reimburse costs for testing, the testing must typically must meet medical necessity criteria established by the insurance company. There is no guarantee for reimbursement and the decision lies with your insurance company. Insurance companies do not reimburse for career assessment services.