Evaluation
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WHAT MAKES EVALUATIONS AT PPA UNIQUE?
At PPA, our evaluations are designed to uncover the unique factors influencing each individualās challenges.Ā We offer a thoughtful process that helps individuals and families better understand the "why" behind strugglesāwhether emotional, academic, or behavioral. Our team brings a wide range of specialties to the table, allowing us to look at each case from multiple angles. With flexible options and clear, practical recommendations, we help chart a path forward thatās tailored to each personās unique strengths and needs.
Common Reasons for Seeking Evaluation
There are numerous reasons why an evaluation might be requested. Our comprehensive
assessments are invaluable for addressing inquiries concerning overall developmental and
learning profiles (comprising both strengths and weaknesses), as well as emotional,
interpersonal, and behavioral functioning.
Common reasons for referrals include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Disruptive Behavior Problems (Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, etc.)
- Early Childhood and Developmental Concerns
- Learning Disabilities (i.e., dyslexia, math, nonverbal, processing, etc.)
- Psychological/Psychiatric Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, etc,)
- Social Skills/Functioning
- Study Skills, Organization and Executive Functioning
- Brain Injuries and other Neurological Disorders
- Reactions to Divorce, Traumatic Events, etc.
Providing second opinions
When it comes to matters as crucial as mental health diagnoses and treatment plans, seeking asecond opinion can provide invaluable clarity and insight. At PPA, our evaluation services areoften sought by individuals who wish to obtain a second opinion onprior diagnostic conclusionsand/or recommended interventions. We understand the significance of this decision and arededicated to offering comprehensive assessments to aid individuals in making informed choicesabout their mental health care.
Our team of skilled professionals has extensive experience in reviewing findings from previousevaluations and offering a fresh perspective on their interpretation. We carefully analyze theinformation provided by the initial assessment and consider its relevance for diagnosis andtreatment planning. In cases where the prior evaluation may not have fully addressed the referralquestion or provided sufficient insight, we may recommend supplemental testing to ensure athorough assessment.
Supplemental testing allows usto gather additional information and fill any gaps in the existingevaluation, enabling us to provide a more accurate and comprehensive second opinion. Our goalis to offer clarity and validation to individuals seeking reassurance or guidance regarding theirmental health diagnosis and treatment options.
If you or someone you know is considering seeking a second opinion, we encourage you to reachout to PPA. Our team is here to provide the support, expertise, and thorough evaluation neededto help you makeimportant decisions about your mental health care journey
Establishing Eligibility for testing accommodations
Establishing Testing Accommodation Eligibility with PPA Evaluations:
At PPA, we recognize the critical importance of providing fair and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, especially when it comes to standardized testing administered by organizations like the College Board, ACT, and others. Our evaluation services are sought by students who are seeking to establish eligibility for testing accommodations or appealing the denial of requested accommodations by these organizations.
Our team of evaluators at PPA is renowned for their expertise in conducting thorough assessments to determine the need for testing accommodations. We understand that each individual’s situation is unique, and we tailor our evaluation process accordingly. In cases where a prior evaluation was not sufficiently thorough or did not include the most sensitive tests to identify challenges, we may recommend supplemental testing to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
Supplemental testing allows us to delve deeper into an individual’s needs and identify any areasthat may have been overlooked in previous evaluations. We may also reinterpret prior findings to address the specific reasons for denial cited by the College Board, ACT, or other organizations. Our goal is to provide clear and compelling evidence to support the request for testingaccommodations and advocate effectively on behalf of our clients.
One of the hallmarks of our success at PPA is our ability to navigate the appeals process with confidence and expertise. Our evaluators have a proven track record of success in appealing the denial of requested accommodations, and we understand the nuances of the process. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the accommodations they need to demonstrate their true abilities on standardized tests.
If you or someone you know is seeking to establish eligibility for testing accommodations or appealing a denial of accommodations by the College Board, ACT, or other organizations, weencourage you to reach out to PPA. Ourteam is here to provide the support, guidance, andcomprehensive evaluations needed to navigate this process successfully.
Appealing denials of requested accommodations
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Types of Evaluations and Fees
Evaluations serve to uncover crucial insights into an individual’s developmental, cognitive, academic, and/or psychosocial well-being. Depending on the issues presented, a particular type of evaluation may be recommended. Irrespective of the evaluation type, our comprehensive assessments cover all significant areas of functioning, including cognitive, academic, emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental aspects. This does not include Psychological, Gifted/Intelligence, or Speech/Language Evaluation
s, which are limited in scope to address specific areas of functioning.
Below you will find information (descriptions and fees) for the various evaluation services offered at PPA:
MDDC evaluations seek to assess early development in infants and toddlers (ages zero to three years), typically when there is a concern regarding developmental delays or āred flagsā for an Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or a developmental delay.
- Evaluators: Team is composed of a Pediatric Psychologist, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Pediatric Speech/Language Pathologist.
- Age range: 0 to 3 years
- Fee: $2,000 (additional $500 if supplementary testing is required to rule out/diagnose an Autism Spectrum Disorder using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition -ADOS-2).
Psychodevelopmental/Psychological EvaluationsĀ are conducted to assess young children (ages three to five years) when there are concerns about potential developmental delays that may be interfering with optimal functioning. Developmental milestones include fine and gross motor functioning, speech/language/communication skills, processing/cognitive abilities, preacademic and early academic skills (when appropriate), as well as social, behavioral and emotional functioning.
- Grades Preschool 3 & 4
- Fee: $3,800*
Psychoeducational / Psychological Evaluations are conducted to assess an individualās learning style (ages five years through adulthood). Psychoeducational evaluations are usually recommended when a student is struggling in school or having difficulty with test-taking (i.e., FSA, SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, GMAT, etc.). Depending on the age, the reason for the testing will vary (school placement, academic accommodations, interventions, and field of study/career decisions for college students and young adults). Psychoeducational evaluations are used to determine an individualās strengths and weaknesses and establish whether there is a neurodevelopmental condition (such as a learning disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, etc.) interfering with academic functioning. Evaluation results are integral in the creation of individualized intervention/accommodation plans that will be most effective for a student to succeed.
Insurance Benefits and Evaluations
Insurance benefits for psychological testing/evaluations vary depending on insurance plans. Many times the coverage of testing is contingent on the patientās diagnosis, which determines medical necessity for the testing procedures. Generally, our evaluations are conducted to determine or rule out a diagnosis, and, consequently, diagnostic information is not available until completion of the evaluation. Often times, insurance companies require a copy of the psychological report to confirm this medical necessity. Please note that insurance companies do not cover for testing that is educational in nature (i.e., to rule out a learning disorder, giftedness, etc.), as they do not consider this to be of medical necessity. More recently, insurance companies have also denied coverage of testing for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Our office payment policy for testing is that payment needs to be made at the time of testing. If you have insurance and are interested in seeking reimbursement for some of your testing expense, we will be happy to provide a detailed invoice once the testing is completed and payment has been submitted. We do not submit insurance claims directly to insurance companies for testing. This is the insuredās responsibility. It is advisable for you to contact your insurance company directly to obtain a detailed explanation of your benefits and procedures for submitting claims related to evaluations, including any authorizations required prior to testing. If needed, we will complete any clinical forms required by the insurance company (such as treatment plans or prior authorization forms); however, it is the insuredās responsibility to inform us of what is required by your insurance policy.
THE PPA WAY: WHAT MAKES EVALUATIONS AT PPA UNIQUE?
At PPA, our evaluations stand out due to our comprehensive approach, highly qualified team,and commitment to individualized care. Unlike traditional assessments, PPA evaluations delvedeep into the rootcauses of challenges, providing thorough insights into various domains offunctioning. With a collaborative team of experts, flexible evaluation options, andcomprehensive follow-up care, we ensure that each individual receives the personalized attentionthey deserve to thrive.
THE PPA WAY: WHAT MAKES EVALUATIONS AT PPA UNIQUE?
- Expert evaluators
- Testing conducted byDoctoral-level (Ph.D./PsyD) psychologist
- Specialized training & decades of experience
The evaluation covers all key areas of early development, including Language, Communication, Social, Play, Behavioral, and Adaptive Skills. It includes assessment of these key domains in order to determine whether a child meets criteria for developmental delays and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The fee for this comprehensive evaluation with a written report is $1,850.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evaluations include a one
-
hour initial interview to gather background information
and current concerns, approximately 4
-
8 hours of testing (depending on
evaluation type) spread out
over 1
-
4 appointments, collection of caregiver
questionnaires, school observation/consultation if appropriate, a one
-
hour
feedback session to review results, an additional feedback session with older
children/teens if appropriate, and a comprehensive writt
en report with diagnostic
impressions and specific recommendations for next steps. Referrals for trusted
local treatment providers can also be provided, as needed.
Testing can be condensed into one week or spread over multiple weeks, based on your preferences and needs. After intake and testing have been completed and all relevant information and questionnaires have been collected, the turnaround time for the feedback and report is typically about two weeks.
There are several reasons an evaluation may be requested. Our comprehensive evaluations will help answer questions regarding overall developmental profiles and learning styles (including strengths and weaknesses), as well as emotional,social, and behavioral functioning. Any diagnoses that result from the evaluation will help unlock services, scholarships, school programs, and/or insurance coverage for many families. However, we take the approach of identifying not only relevant diagnoses but also the roots of current challenges. This approach allows us to most effectively provide you with a roadmap to inform interventions,learning strategies, school placement, and accommodations to help each examineeachieve their full potential, thereby gaining confidence and self-efficacy. Our evaluations are accepted by public and private schools, universities, and standardized testing agencies (e.g., the College Board, ACT).
