FAQ’s

Q: Why Should A Student Have A Psychoeducational Evaluation?

A psychoeducational evaluation is often needed before a school will consider providing academic accommodations or special education services. While a diagnosis of ADHD or anxiety disorder can be made by other mental health professionals, some schools require documentation of how that diagnosis is negatively affecting a student’s academic performance or ability to learn. A psychoeducational evaluation sometimes includes a comprehensive assessment of personality structure and social-emotional functioning to facilitate making a differential diagnosis or developing an effective treatment plan. They can also be used to help improve a student’s insight into their learning challenges so the student can better advocate for themselves.

Q: How Young Can A Child Be Tested?

In most cases, a child between the ages of 3-5 can be properly tested. Of course, ages vary based on multiple factors. Please get in contact so that we can assist you further.

Q: Who will do the testing?

All testing is administered by a licensed clinical psychologist or a nationally certified school psychologist. One of the unique features of KSA is that we use a team approach to assessment, as more than one psychologist is involved with every case. For example, even if he has not worked directly with the client, Dr. Stefano meets with the team weekly to discuss cases, reviews the scoring and interpretation of all tests administered, and edits the reports. He also conducts all intake, consultation, and feedback sessions with parents (except for Autism/Developmental Evaluations, which may be conducted by Dr. Allison Maletsky).

Q: What specific tests will be administered?

The specific measures that will be administered depend upon the referral question as well as the scope and complexity of the evaluation. All tests administered will be listed in the final report and discussed during the feedback session. If you are seeking admissions testing, please be sure to contact the potential school to learn what specific tests are required and then contact our client manager to confirm testing availability.

Q: Do you offer a payment plan?

We are happy to offer a payment plan to assist your family. Our client manager will help create a plan that works for you.

Q: Does KSA take insurance?

KSA is a fee for service practice. From an insurance perspective, we are considered non-participating, non-network providers. Many psychoeducational testing practices do not take insurance because these evaluations are often not considered to be “medically necessary,” so many plans do not cover them. Even when some coverage exists, insurers often require strict documentation, preauthorization, and diagnosis-related billing that can limit the time needed for a thorough assessment. They also limit the number of hours approved for testing, making it impossible to conduct a thorough evaluation.

Since we do not accept third party reimbursement from insurance carriers, clients are responsible for full payment at the time of service and for submitting insurance claims themselves.  We can provide you with information to provide your insurance company including procedural codes and a Superbill. While our practice does not have a dedicated billing department, we will do our very best to address your insurance needs in a timely manner.

To assist families, we also offer a payment plan. Our Client Manager will help create a plan that works for you.

Q: How much will an evaluation cost?

The total cost of an evaluation depends on the scope and complexity of testing needed to address a client’s needs. This cost covers all aspects of the evaluation process including the diagnostic consultation, testing session or sessions, rating scales, consultation with teachers and providers, comprehensive report, parent feedback session, teen feedback session, and follow-up consultation as necessary. When you call, our client manager will discuss a range of fees for the services your family needs. Additionally, we also offer a payment plan to assist families. Our Client Manager will help create a plan that works for you.

Q: Do you test for SAT/ACT, graduate school, and licensing exam test accommodations?

Yes, KSA provides these evaluations. We specialize in writing reports that provide the necessary documentation to obtain accommodations on these types of “high stakes” tests. The specific measures that will be administered depends on the specific “high stake” test you are taking and what is required by the administering board.

Q: What is the difference between a psychoeducational evaluation and a neuropsychological evaluation?

Both types of evaluations use many of the same instruments. The main difference is in the focus of the evaluation. Psychoeducational testing focuses mainly on learning skills, academic achievement, and whether a student has a learning disability or needs school supports, while neuropsychological testing is broader and looks more deeply at brain-based functions like memory, language, and executive functioning. A psychoeducational evaluation is usually enough when the main concern is school performance, but a neuropsychological evaluation is better when the question involves more complex cognitive, developmental, or neurological issues.

Q: Do you do partial assessments?

Partial assessments are available depending on the referral question. At the initial consultation/intake appointment, Dr. Stefano can discuss partial evaluation options.

 

I have the final report. Now what?

 

You have the right to share the report with whomever you wish. We may recommend who to share it with, such as schools or interventionists, depending on the next steps you wish to obtain. Additionally, Dr. Stefano is available for additional parent feedback sessions to help implement an action plan that addresses the needs identified in the report.

 

How long does it take to get the report after testing is completed?

 

Once test sessions are completed, it typically takes between 3 and 4 weeks to complete a report. This timing varies depending upon how quickly rating scale and external consultations can be completed. We do offer an expedited report for an additional charge.

 

Does a parent need to remain during testing?

 

For clients up to age seven, KSA requires that a parent remain in the waiting room while testing is completed. For older clients, parents are free to drop off their child and pick them up at the conclusion of the testing session. For parents who wish to remain on site, there is a cubicle available to work while you wait. We also have free WiFi access.

Q: I have the final report. Now what?

You have the right to share the report with whomever you wish. We may recommend who to share it with, such as schools or interventionists, depending on the next steps you wish to obtain. Additionally, Dr. Stefano is available for additional parent feedback sessions to help implement an action plan that addresses the needs identified in the report.

Q: How long does it take to get the report after testing is completed?

Once test sessions are completed, it typically takes between 3 and 4 weeks to complete a report. This timing varies depending upon how quickly rating scale and external consultations can be completed. We do offer an expedited report for an additional charge.

Q: Does a parent need to remain during testing?

For clients up to age seven, KSA requires that a parent remain in the waiting room while testing is completed. For older clients, parents are free to drop off their child and pick them up at the conclusion of the testing session. For parents who wish to remain on site, there is a cubicle available to work while you wait. We also have free WiFi access.

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Still Have Questions?

Give us a call at 310-770-7501 or send us a message

Testimonials

“The reports you prepared for us have been very helpful, not only getting our son accommodations on his standardized tests, but also for our own understanding of his strengths and weaknesses and for his understanding. Thanks!”

Parent

“Understanding the thought process of our child has been a complete eye opener. We now understand our daughter so much better and can help her. Thanks!”

Parent

“Our son struggled so much in school, littel did we know he was not understanding the lessons simply due to teh learning envoironment being so distracting. Workign with the school staff to remove or limit these, we have all seen improved conduct and grades. Thank you so much!”

Parent

“Our daughter understands that she is not stupid and has become an advocate for herself and other children.”

Parent

“The reports you prepared for us have been very helpful, not only getting our son accommodations on his standardized tests, but also for our own understanding of his strengths and weaknesses and for his understanding. Thanks!”

Parent

“Thank you for attending the EMT meeting. We felt so much more comfortable and at ease having such a knowledgeable and widely respected individual and professional alongside us.”

Parent

“Thank you for helping us understand her needs and for guiding us in the belief that she could further her education beyond high school.” (on the occasion of the student’s college graduation)

Parent

“Your expertise and guidance was instrumental in getting this placement and we are so grateful. From the initial testing, the many phone conversations and meetings, to advocating for him at (school) meetings, you have stood by us in our pursuit of understanding learning differences and obtaining quality teaching for our son. We feel extremely fortunate to be able to share the benefit of your professional training, dedication and devotion to children with learning disabilities.”

Parent

“We are very pleased with the tutor you referred us to. She has been very good at gaining trust and cooperation from our son, who most of the time feels he needs no help and all of the time would rather be doing something else. Most significant to us is that his organizational skills have improved dramatically, and his grades show it.”

Parent

“You have a gift for making the parents feel comfortable and reassured during the entire evaluation process of their child and for this, I thank you.”

Parent

“I felt compelled to write to you about your report. It has been many months since I have read an educational evaluation that has been as thorough and helpful as yours has been. After reading the evaluation, one has the necessary insight to develop an educational plan for this student. After reading most evaluations I have a rather vague idea of what we should do to help a student. Because of your report, I believe we will be able to help this student much more successfully.”

Educator

“I would like to thank you for your generous donation of time and expertise in the recent work you did with one of our families. The evaluation that you performed made it possible for her family to participate in a new supportive program where she will receive ongoing case management.”

Educator

“I would like to thank you for your wonderful workshop. Your presentation was engaging and informative. Our teachers were able to participate fully and share with you their experiences, I was further impressed at how you managed to create an atmosphere that was comfortable enough that teachers were able to ask honest, precise questions.”

Workshop Sponsor

“It is rare that a speaker generates so many thoughtful questions, and I was really pleased that some of our most skeptical members were among the questioners. From observations made during and comments heard after your talk, it was clear that the group learned a great deal and that they were very glad to have the opportunity to hear from “the source” a clear and fine explanation of the reports they encounter regularly as part of their job here.”

Workshop Sponsor

“We particularly appreciated the very useful information you presented and the manner in which you were able to make a very complex subject easily understood to all of the audience. The information you presented answered a lot of questions which were on the minds of the people attending our meeting.”

Workshop Sponsor

“Please know that you are at the top of my list for testing referrals, and that all families that I have shared with you have spoken very highly of you and your professionalism and thoroughness. It is so reassuring to know that a referral will be successful, and that I can count on the experience being a positive one.”

Referring Partner