Frequently Asked Questions
When should I consider a psychological evaluation for my child?
A psychological evaluation is typically conducted to answer a specific referral question—such as understanding the root cause of emotional, behavioral, academic, or cognitive difficulties. For example, you may be wondering, “Why is my child struggling at school?” or “What’s causing my teen’s anxiety or attention issues?”
Psychological evaluations are comprehensive assessments that explore various areas of functioning, including intellectual abilities, learning challenges, attention and concentration, mood, anxiety, and social or emotional concerns.
Many individuals are referred for an evaluation when behaviors—such as inattention, impulsivity, or emotional outbursts—begin to significantly interfere with daily life at home, school, or work. In other cases, families seek Gifted testing to determine eligibility for advanced academic programs.
It’s common for parents or teachers to notice signs like:
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Frequent distractions or difficulty staying seated
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Disruptive behavior in class
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Trouble completing assignments on time
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Sudden changes in mood or social withdrawal
Because the underlying reasons for these concerns are not always obvious, a psychological evaluation helps “tease out” the cause—whether it’s due to ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression, or another factor. The results provide valuable insight and guide next steps, including tailored recommendations for treatment, support, or accommodations.
Psychological reports can also be used to help access services such as academic accommodations (IEPs, 504 Plans, SAT or ACT accommodations), workplace support, or therapy referrals.
What insurances do you accept?
We are TRICARE-certified providers. If you have a different insurance plan that we do not accept, we are pleased to offer flexible payment options through CareCredit to help make self-pay services more accessible. Additionally, we can provide an itemized invoice (also known as a superbill) that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Please note that some educational testing services are not covered by insurance and may require private payment.
What methods of payment do you currently accept?
The office accepts cash, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and AMEX for your convenience.
When should I consider a psychological evaluation for myself?
Psychological evaluations for adults provide clarity and guidance when emotional, behavioral, or cognitive challenges are interfering with daily life. These assessments are helpful for identifying concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or memory and attention issues.
You may want to consider an evaluation if you are experiencing:
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Ongoing difficulty focusing, staying organized, or completing tasks
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Persistent anxiety, sadness, or irritability
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Trouble making decisions or managing daily stress
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Challenges in the workplace or in relationships
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A desire for diagnostic clarity and a personalized plan forward
An adult psychological evaluation offers valuable insights and can be used to guide treatment, therapy, or workplace accommodations when appropriate.
What can I expect during the psychological evaluation process?
The psychological evaluation process is designed to be thorough, supportive, and personalized. It typically involves several steps to ensure we gather a full picture of your (or your child’s) strengths and challenges.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
Initial Consultation: We start with a clinical interview to discuss your concerns, background history, and goals for the evaluation.
Testing Sessions: A series of standardized tests and questionnaires are administered. These may assess cognitive abilities, academic skills, attention, memory, mood, and behavior—depending on the referral question.
Review of Records: If available, we may review school records, previous testing, or medical history to provide further context.
Scoring and Interpretation: The data is carefully reviewed and interpreted by a licensed psychologist.
Feedback Session: You’ll receive a detailed report and meet with the psychologist to go over the results, diagnosis (if applicable), and tailored recommendations for next steps.
The full evaluation process may take several hours across multiple appointments. Our goal is to provide clarity, insight, and actionable guidance to support your or your child’s well-being.
What is the difference between psychological evaluations and therapy services?
At Hammond Psychology & Associates, psychological evaluations and therapy serve different purposes but both contribute to improving mental health and well-being.
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Psychological Evaluations: These are in-depth assessments that provide insight into cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Evaluations help identify conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and other concerns. They result in a detailed report and tailored recommendations to guide treatment or educational planning.
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Therapy Services: Therapy focuses on helping individuals address emotional or psychological challenges through regular sessions. Therapy can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. Sessions are designed to offer coping strategies and support for emotional growth and healing.
If you’re uncertain about which service is right for you or your child, we are happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend the best approach.