Please note: Dr. Daniel is currently scheduling new clients for psychological testing.
Psychological assessment (also referred to as “testing”) is a time-limited service designed to provide clarification or answer specific questions about areas of concern. Dr. Daniel sees children and adolescents only, ages six and up, for testing. Some clients receive diagnoses and treatment without formal psychological testing, but for others it can be helpful in providing clarification around diagnosis, providing new insights to assist in treatment, providing documentation of eligibility for additional services, or supporting access to accommodations in the educational setting. Testing typically takes place over one to four sessions after the initial evaluation session(s). Testing sessions typically last two to four hours each. The pace of these sessions is determined by the client’s age, ability level, focus level, cooperation, etc. Breaks in between testing tasks may be taken to assist with this process. Dr. Daniel will select the tests to be administered based on the questions or concerns presented in the initial evaluation. Some insurance plans require pre-authorization of testing services, so in some cases, the testing appointments will be scheduled after pre-authorization is obtained. In other cases where pre-authorization is not required ahead of testing, these appointments may be scheduled at the end of the initial evaluation.
Common areas of concern prompting assessment/testing include:
Cognitive / Intellectual ability
Learning issues or learning disability (math, writing or reading disorders, “dyslexia”)
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity / Impulsivity
Autism Spectrum / Developmental
Social-emotional
Behavioral
Personality
Dr. Daniel typically meets with the child/adolescent individually for testing. She requests that parents remain in the waiting room during the testing sessions in case their assistance is needed at some point during the assessment, unless otherwise discussed with Dr. Daniel. Once all testing sessions are completed, Dr. Daniel will score, interpret, integrate, and write into a report the results of the testing, including any recommendations or diagnosis. This report will be sent to the client/parents after it is completed. Please note that this may be up to 4-6 weeks after completion of all testing sessions. Dr. Daniel makes every effort to complete and return this as quickly as possible, but this is an estimation of time and it is important to note that there may be other factors that impact its completion.
After the client/parents have a chance to review the testing report, a feedback session is recommended to be scheduled with Dr. Daniel. This session lasts 45-50 minutes and is an opportunity to review together the test results, address further questions, and discuss recommendations. Typically, the professional relationship between Dr. Daniel and the client/parents ends once the testing process is completed. However, in some cases, the client/parents may wish to follow-up with consultation on a short-term basis with Dr. Daniel after the assessment. Typical topics that may prompt further consultation may include accessing/implementing educational plans (504/IEP), discussing strategies for use at home or school to best support client, or assisting with accessing additional resources that may be helpful. If ongoing therapy or psychiatric (medication) services are needed, Dr. Daniel may provide referrals to the client/parents for these services.
Cost: Some insurance plans provide coverage for assessment/testing services, which can assist with some to all of the cost of assessment/testing services. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company to ask about coverage for psychological assessment/testing. Dr. Daniel works with Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Midlands Choice (which includes some Cigna plans), some Health Partner plans, as well as accepts private pay. Some insurance companies require pre-authorization before assessment/testing services are approved, which Dr. Daniel will submit. Although assessment/testing may be a covered service through your insurance plan, depending on the type of testing requested, your insurance may or may not authorize the testing, or set limits around it. If assessment/testing is a covered service through your insurance plan, but you have a deductible, please note that assessment/testing may go towards the deductible. If there are out-of-pocket costs for the assessment/testing, Dr. Daniel will do her best to provide a general estimation of cost for the assessment/testing, however, it is ultimately the responsibility of the client to know their insurance coverage.