Frequently Asked Questions

 Cognitive/IQ testing helps individuals and parents understand how a person learns, thinks, and processes information. The assessment includes a comprehensive cognitive battery covering multiple areas of reasoning and problem-solving. This type of testing is ideal if you or your child want to explore learning strengths, consider the possibility of giftedness, or gain practical strategies for school or higher education.

 A Targeted Learning Assessment is a focused evaluation of a specific academic area(s), such as reading, writing, or math, where a child or adult may be experiencing difficulties. It helps identify both achievement levels compared to peers and the underlying cognitive processes that contribute to performance. This type of assessment can also determine whether a learning difference or disability is present (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia) and provides practical strategies to support success in school or higher education. 

A Psychoeducational Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that examines cognitive, academic, and social-emotional skills. For children, it helps parents understand learning differences or other factors, such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression, that may be affecting school progress. For adults, it provides insight into learning strengths and challenges that impact higher education, along with practical strategies to support success in this setting. 

An Autism Assessment evaluates cognitive, academic, and social-emotional skills, along with social communication and interaction abilities, areas in which individuals with autism often experience challenges. For children, it helps parents and educators understand strengths and needs in school and social settings. For adults, it provides insight into learning, workplace, and social interactions, and offers practical recommendations for educational, professional, and daily-life success. 

School neuropsychology is a specialized area of educational psychology that applies brain science to understand learning and development. This type of assessment helps children, teens, and adults identify how neurological factors may be affecting learning, attention, and academic performance. It is especially useful for individuals with a known or suspected brain injury, neurological condition, or those who have unexpectedly fallen behind in school. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of strengths and challenges, along with practical strategies to support educational success and help each person 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 provides a clear understanding of how a child or adult learns, highlighting both strengths and areas of challenge, such as learning differences, ADHD, or other factors affecting academic performance. For children, it helps parents and educators create personalized strategies, classroom supports, and interventions to support school success, social-emotional growth, and confidence. For adults, it can clarify learning or attention difficulties, guide educational or career planning, and provide practical strategies to improve performance and self-understanding. Overall, assessments empower individuals and families with actionable insights to achieve academic, educational, and personal goals. 

 The assessment begins with an intake interview to gather background information, discuss concerns, and create a personalized testing plan. I also collect relevant questionnaires and conduct interviews with parents, teachers, or other service providers, and review all available educational records. For children and teens, I may observe the student in the classroom or other school settings, such as recess or PE, depending on the type of assessment and with appropriate permissions.

Testing typically occurs over one to four sessions, each lasting one to three hours, depending on the individual’s stamina, work pace, and focus. Sessions take place in my south Orange County office. After testing, I review and interpret all data, write a detailed report, and meet with parents (or with the adult being assessed) to review findings, discuss recommendations, and answer questions. For children, I can also meet with the student separately to explain results in a positive, affirming way. The full process usually takes one to two months and involves 10 to 40 hours, depending on the type and scope of the 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 and intervention suggestions if appropriate.  Additionally, 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 a Clinical Psychologist nor an Educational Psychologist is necessarily “better” - the right choice depends on what you hope to learn. Both are highly trained professionals, but their areas of expertise differ. Clinical Psychologists primarily focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other emotional and behavioral concerns. Their assessments are designed to provide insight into emotional well-being, mental health needs, and potential therapy recommendations.

Educational Psychologists, on the other hand, specialize in understanding how individuals learn and function in educational settings. Their assessments explore learning strengths and challenges, attention or executive functioning difficulties, and social-emotional factors that can impact academic success. For children, they provide guidance for school supports, classroom interventions, and IEPs or 504 plans; for adults, they help clarify learning profiles, guide higher education or professional learning decisions, and offer practical strategies for success.

If your main concerns relate to learning, attention, social interaction, or school-related challenges, working with an Educational Psychologist is often the most direct and helpful path. At OC Assessment, my focus is on providing actionable insights that help both children and adults reach their full potential academically, socially, and personally.

Yes, I am absolutely a neurodiversity-affirming clinician.  I believe that differences in how people think, learn, and experience the world are natural and valuable.  Rather than viewing neurological differences as deficits to “fix,” I focus on recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths that come with neurodivergent profiles, whether that’s ADHD, Autism, or other learning and thinking differences.  My approach is grounded in respect, understanding, and collaboration - supporting each individual in ways that honor their identity and empower them to succeed on their own terms.