Frequently Asked Questions

Cognitive/IQ testing helps parents to understand how their child learns.  The assessment includes a cognitive battery, which covers all areas of information processing.  This is a great choice if you wonder if your child is gifted, how they process information, and how you can best help and support them. 

A Targeted Learning Assessment is a focused evaluation on an academic area in which your child is struggling.  It will help to identify the specifics of their achievement as compared to their peers as well as the cognitive processing that is directly related to that achievement.  It will also help to identify if the child has a learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia).  

A Psychoeducational Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that includes cognitive, academic, and social-emotional skills.  It will help parents understand if their child has a learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia) or another concern that is interfering with their progress in school (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc.).      

This assessment includes cognitive, academic, and social-emotional skills, as outlined in the above question, as well as an evaluation of social communication and interaction skills, with which children with autism typically struggle.  

School neuropsychology is a special area of educational psychology that uses brain science to understand learning and development.  Since many learning disabilities are related to how the brain works, a school neuropsychological assessment helps parents and teachers understand why a child might be struggling in school and what can be done to support them. This assessment is especially useful for children with a known or suspected brain injury or those who have suddenly and unexpectedly fallen behind in their schoolwork.  It's all about finding the best ways to help your child succeed and reach their full potential.

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is like getting a second opinion from a neutral, third-party professional.  It is completed by someone who is not connected to your school district to look at how your child learns and what help they might need.  Parents can ask for an IEE if they do not agree with the school's evaluation.  This evaluation helps ensure your child gets the right support.

An assessment helps parents understand how their child learns and identifies challenges like dyslexia or ADHD.  It helps facilitate support at school, with personalized recommendations, including interventions and classroom supports, to help your child get the right help.  For kids, it means getting a plan that helps them do better in school, feel good about what they're good at, and deal with feelings and friendships that affect learning and happiness.  Overall, it helps both parents and kids by showing what's needed for school success and feeling good about themselves.

I start with an intake interview with parents to gather background information, discuss referral concerns and questions, and create a plan for the assessment.  I then conduct interviews and/or collect questionnaires from parents, teachers, and other relevant service providers.  I also observe the child in their classroom or other important school setting, such as recess or PE (depending on the type of assessment and with permission from parents and the school's cooperation), and review all available educational records.

The testing process typically involves one to four sessions with the student, each lasting one to three hours, depending on their stamina, work speed, and focus.  These sessions take place in my south Orange County office.  Afterward, I review and interpret all assessment data and write a detailed report.  I then meet with parents to review the findings, discuss recommendations, and address any questions.  I can also meet with the child separately to explain the findings in a positive, affirming manner, upon request from parents.  The entire process typically takes about one month and involves between 10 and 40 hours, depending on the type of assessment. 

Assessments are billed at a flat fee.  Payments are made in two installments: 50% at the start of services and the remainder due at the feedback session at the end of the assessment. I accept all major credit cards, checks, or Zelle.    

Independent Educational Evaluations through a school district are conducted at no cost to families, as the district provides payment.   

Payment for other services, such as consultation, is billed at an hourly rate and due at the time of service.

I do not accept insurance, but I can provide a "superbill" if you wish to seek reimbursement from your insurance.  Some families get reimbursed for using an out-of-network provider for ADHD or autism evaluations.  However, I cannot guarantee reimbursement and recommend contacting your insurance provider beforehand if you plan to pursue this option.

I believe that the most important part of the assessment is the recommendations that come from it.  Whether or not the child meets the criteria for a disorder, I always include strategies for home and school to help support the areas found to be weaknesses.  If relevant, I will make recommendations to professionals in other specialty areas (e.g., speech-language, occupational therapy, therapy, etc.). 

Yes, parents have the right to request a free psychoeducational assessment from their child's public school district.  However, school-based assessments mainly focus on identifying special education eligibility.  They do not diagnose learning or psychological disorders using the DSM-5-TR and may not include recommendations based on the findings.  Additionally, school psychologists often have high caseloads, which may result in less thorough evaluations as compared to those conducted by an LEP.  Schools also do not conduct assessments during breaks longer than five school days, including summer break.

The assessments I conduct are not just for diagnosing or determining eligibility, but for providing information on how a child learns and if something is impeding their academic progress.  I clearly identify the child's strengths and weaknesses, diagnose any educationally relevant psychological disorders, and always provide clear, actionable recommendations for support.

If you're unsure about the differences between my assessments and a school-based assessment, please contact me.  I am happy to discuss your options and help you determine the best one for you.  

An LEP is a credentialed School Psychologist in the state of California who has an additional license authorizing them to work outside of a school setting.  They have prior experience working on a school campus and have extensive knowledge about school systems, special education, educationally relevant disabilities, and learning and development.  

Neither type of psychologist is necessarily better, but it depends on what information you are seeking to learn about your child.  Clinical Psychologists often assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, while Educational Psychologists aim to understand learning processes and educational environments of students.  Educational Psychologists specialize in understanding the school system and seek to provide solutions that will work for parents and teachers.

Yes, I am absolutely neurodiversity-affirming. I believe in embracing and celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives that come with neurodiversity. Everyone's brain works differently, and that's something to be valued. My approach is centered on understanding, respect, and support for all individuals, helping them thrive in ways that honor their individuality.