Phone: (804) 378-6141

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Fax: (804) 378-6183

Psychological Evaluations

Psychological & Educational Evaluations in Richmond, VA

Routinely providing psychological and educational evaluations by Spectrum’s licensed clinical psychologists.

With a cohesive team approach and evidence-based treatment, our full continuum of care includes our group of compassionate and certified clinical psychologists dedicated to helping individuals understand their unique skillsets and abilities. Our family of clinical psychologists will be there to help guide you or your beloved family member on the journey to reach the fullest potential.

Regardless of the type of evaluation or assessment necessary, our psychologists are available and ready to aid in any way possible. Each treatment plan at Spectrum is customized based on the needs of the individuals served. No service is generalized. It’s why our team is committed to passionately and proactively caring for you or your child with thorough assessments, detailed diagnoses, an all-inclusive, welcoming culture and a dedication to being there as a guide on your journey.

Psychological Evaluations

A psychological evaluation involves using tests (assessments) to examine different skills and abilities. Results are used to clarify diagnosis, aid in treatment planning, document the need for higher level supports and to give a detailed picture of an individual’s strengths and areas of needed growth. At Spectrum, we have the ability to provide full psychological evaluations by Licensed Clinical Psychologists. 

Examples of these evaluations:

Autism Evaluations

Spectrum Transformation Group provides evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to infants as young as 12 months all the way through adulthood. Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder is complex and needs to include direct observation as well as information from parents, teachers, caregivers, spouses, and other professionals working with the individual. All this information needs to be integrated to create a comprehensive picture of the individual’s strengths and weakness so that the evaluation goes beyond giving a diagnosis but lays out a plan for helping the individual fulfill his/her full potential. Spectrum uses gold standard assessment procedures such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) as well as other assessment tools. Our Licensed Clinical Psychologists have decades of experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

ADHD Testing

Attention-Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more than just not being able to pay attention or difficulty sitting still. Research has shown that ADHD is more complex and multi-faceted than we once thought. There are other disorders and difficulties that can ‘mimic’ ADHD, so a thorough evaluation is needed to rule-out these other conditions. Our clinicians conduct a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional skills as well as a detailed developmental history when evaluating for ADHD.

Learning Disability Assessment

Individuals can have difficulty learning in many different areas which can be very frustrating and lead to secondary problems such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and behavior problems. In addition to the academic areas we normally think of such as reading, writing, and math, learning differences can reside in other skill areas. People can have difficulty efficiently processing information that comes into the brain. Such information can be visual, auditory, visuospatial, and/or nonverbal. Some individuals have a hard time expressing themselves verbally or understanding verbal information presented to them. A Learning Disability (LD) assessment at Spectrum Transformation Group includes an in-depth analysis of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses with regards to how one learns as well as a comprehensive developmental history. This can have huge implications for successful teaching methods in the classroom and at home as well as within social interactions.

Cognitive Assessment

A cognitive assessment often involves a measurement of an individual’s intelligence (IQ) as well as other processes necessary for the acquisition of knowledge such as executive functioning skills.

Cognitive assessments can be useful for:

  • identifying intellectual disabilities
  • identifying and diagnosing learning disabilities and disorders
  • evaluating cognitive processing strengths and weaknesses
  • assessing for giftedness
  • satisfying a requirement for the application for certain support services

Adaptive Functioning Testing

Adaptive functioning is how well we navigate through the demands that are placed on us by our environments as compared to others our age. It includes such skills such as communication with others, self-care, social skills, safety, and coping (although not an exhaustive list). Knowledge of a person’s strengths and areas of weakness can help create an individualized treatment plan that promotes successful interaction with one’s environment.

Educational Testing

Educational testing is very similar to a Learning Disability Assessment (see above) but can also be used for:

  • accommodations in college
  • accommodations for taking certain standardized tests such as the SAT
  • part of the admissions process for private schools

The Psychological Evaluation Process

1)  Intake

This is the first session and should be attended by the individual being evaluated and his/her primary caregiver (if the individual is under the age of 18). During this session, background information will be gathered and informal observations will be made. We encourage clients to bring copies of any prior testing, FSIPs, IEPs, summaries of other therapies such as OT or Speech, pertinent medical records, and any other records that might be helpful during the evaluation process. A decision whether to progress forward to testing will be determined at the completion of this initial intake session.

2)  Testing

Testing may occur during one multi-hour session or over a couple of sessions. Your clinician will review exactly what assessments will be used and what you might need to do to prepare – if anything.

3)  Interactive Feedback

After testing is completed, parents/caregivers and/or the client will meet with the psychologist to discuss findings and recommendations. Parents/caregivers or adult clients will receive a written report detailing the results of the evaluation and recommendations. Attendance at IEP meetings by the psychologist or other actions of advocacy is available for a nominal fee.

If interested in any of our Outpatient Services please call us at (804)378-6141 or contact us online.

FAQ

How do I begin?

To begin the process, a letter of medical necessity is required from the child’s treating physician (primary care or specialist) or psychiatrist. Spectrum Transformation Group’s Psychological Evaluation services accept Medicaid, self-pay, and most private insurance plans (please check with your benefits specialist to verify coverage).

Spectrum Transformation Group aims to provide gold-standard, comprehensive treatment across a continuum of care, and across the lifespan of those needing Psychological Evaluations. We are happy to provide more information and answer any specific questions you may have about our psychological services. We look forward to serving your family!

If interested in our evaluations please call us at (804)378-6141 or contact us online!

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