We’re here to help. That’s why working with us should be easy as 1-2-3:
1. Before the Assessment – Let’s Talk!
Since a personal approach is so important when your child or teen needs help, the clinical psychologist will meet to review your concerns, discuss relevant history, a talk about the process, including how to present it from a ‘strengths’ perspective to your child. If your child is an older teenager, he/she will be included in the process. This is where we can discuss the child’s needs, as well as medical, developmental, educational information and history.
2. The Assessment – A Series of Meetings
We begin with an interview with a parent or parents. If the child is an older teenager, he/she she will be included in the process. This is where we can discuss the child’s needs, as well as medical, developmental, educational information and history. We encourage questions in preparation for the actual evaluation.
- The assessment generally consists of two to three separate appointments depending on your child’s age. A typical evaluation appointment lasts three hours with two and a half for younger children, but each evaluation is unique. These consist of testing, observation and conversation with the child in age-appropriate language. Although the assessment will be led by a clinical psychologist, other team members may be brought in as we learn more about your child’s needs.
- For pre-school through elementary school age children with attention concerns, it is often important to observe a child in his/her own environment so we will arrange to have a team member (anonymously) observe your child in his/her classroom. This gives us a more accurate picture of your child.
3. After the Assessment – Our Recommendations
We meet to report our findings and make our recommendations. You will leave our office with a “blueprint” or roadmap to success for your child that translates our findings into specific areas to address. This personalized plan includes the following:
- Referrals to the appropriate area professionals
- Suggested frequency of visits
- Timeframes
- Goals
- Tips for parents
- Other support
While we do some specialized therapy at our practice, you will be referred to providers in your community whose work we trust and respect. Also, with your permission, we can communicate our findings to teachers and other school personnel to ensure the school’s support in your child’s treatment plan. And if issues arise around school placement, we can serve as an advocate for your child by attending a meeting at his/her school.
Note: The report you receive is not merely informational but can be used as a tool to get services going forward.
Ongoing Follow-up
Because our goal is happy and healthy children, teens and parents, we are available whenever you need us – for follow-up, questions, additional advocacy and/or fine-tuning of the original plan.