Testing and Evaluation Therapists in Suffolk County, NY
![Photo of Dr. Jessica A Scher Lisa - Long Island Mental Health Wellness, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cd90810-6677-4bb5-8b07-091b3555ea7e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jessica A Scher Lisa - Long Island Mental Health Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Setauket, NY 11733
Offered Services: Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder including Autism Specialty Reports for OPWDD, Psychoeducational Evaluations, including IQ Testing, Individual and Family Psychotherapy, School Consultations, Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Management, and Social Groups for Children and Teens.
Navigating the parenting journey with a child or teen on the autism spectrum requires thoughtful support, from therapy to evaluations to engaging in social groups; rest assured, I am dedicated to providing personalized assistance to help you access the services your family needs.
Offered Services: Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder including Autism Specialty Reports for OPWDD, Psychoeducational Evaluations, including IQ Testing, Individual and Family Psychotherapy, School Consultations, Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Management, and Social Groups for Children and Teens.
Navigating the parenting journey with a child or teen on the autism spectrum requires thoughtful support, from therapy to evaluations to engaging in social groups; rest assured, I am dedicated to providing personalized assistance to help you access the services your family needs.
![Photo of Shahal Rozenblatt - Advanced Psychological Assessment, P.C., PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d8d24d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The evaluation process will uncover areas of cognitive, emotional and interpersonal strengths and weaknesses, clarify diagnoses and aid in developing a comprehensive treatment plan, including accommodations for school, work and high-stakes testing.
I am a New York State licensed clinical psychologist with office in Smithtown, Forest Hills & Murray Hill. I specialize in the neuropsychological assessment of individuals with special needs. My clientele includes children, adolescents & adults with genetic disorders, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, autism, concussion and traumatic brain injury, sex chromosome differences, dementia and acquired brain disorders. I also work extensively with children who present with learning disorders, including dyslexia, problems with behavior and attention (e.g., ADHD and Conduct Disorder), and/or who require academic modifications for giftedness.
The evaluation process will uncover areas of cognitive, emotional and interpersonal strengths and weaknesses, clarify diagnoses and aid in developing a comprehensive treatment plan, including accommodations for school, work and high-stakes testing.
I am a New York State licensed clinical psychologist with office in Smithtown, Forest Hills & Murray Hill. I specialize in the neuropsychological assessment of individuals with special needs. My clientele includes children, adolescents & adults with genetic disorders, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, autism, concussion and traumatic brain injury, sex chromosome differences, dementia and acquired brain disorders. I also work extensively with children who present with learning disorders, including dyslexia, problems with behavior and attention (e.g., ADHD and Conduct Disorder), and/or who require academic modifications for giftedness.
![Photo of Cara A Biondo, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f46772a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer psychological testing and evaluation with a neuropsychological emphasis designed to examine areas of cognitive ability, academic achievement, memory, language, executive functioning/attention, personality, and behavior.
I am a highly trained clinical psychologist - I work to guide you to solutions for your problems as efficiently and effectively as possible. I customize therapy to best suit my clients by drawing from a variety of cognitive behavioral strategies and mindfulness techniques. Using these modalities, I provide highly individualized action plans based on collaborative participation in treatment goals to enable my clients to find the best paths to growth, healing, and happiness. I offer services to individuals, couples, and families, for a range of mental health, personal, and professional issues. Please inquire for teletherapy sessions.
I offer psychological testing and evaluation with a neuropsychological emphasis designed to examine areas of cognitive ability, academic achievement, memory, language, executive functioning/attention, personality, and behavior.
I am a highly trained clinical psychologist - I work to guide you to solutions for your problems as efficiently and effectively as possible. I customize therapy to best suit my clients by drawing from a variety of cognitive behavioral strategies and mindfulness techniques. Using these modalities, I provide highly individualized action plans based on collaborative participation in treatment goals to enable my clients to find the best paths to growth, healing, and happiness. I offer services to individuals, couples, and families, for a range of mental health, personal, and professional issues. Please inquire for teletherapy sessions.
![Photo of Alissa Barosin - Alissa Barosin, PhD, PLLC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b1c271a-e186-4b1b-8543-579cbb47f6c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a clinical/school psychologist with 25+ years of experience. In my practice, I perform diagnostic testing for children, adolescents, and adults. I am a consultant to numerous schools and agencies in the New York metropolitan area, providing diagnostic and forensic testing in both English and Spanish. Previously, I trained doctoral students in diagnostic testing and was the Chairperson of the CPSE and a school psychologist in Westbury Public Schools. I have also held Adjunct Professor positions at SUNY Old Westbury, Hofstra University, St. John's University, Dowling College, and Polytechnic University.
I am a clinical/school psychologist with 25+ years of experience. In my practice, I perform diagnostic testing for children, adolescents, and adults. I am a consultant to numerous schools and agencies in the New York metropolitan area, providing diagnostic and forensic testing in both English and Spanish. Previously, I trained doctoral students in diagnostic testing and was the Chairperson of the CPSE and a school psychologist in Westbury Public Schools. I have also held Adjunct Professor positions at SUNY Old Westbury, Hofstra University, St. John's University, Dowling College, and Polytechnic University.
Diagnostic and psychoeducational assessments are conducted to determine the nature of problems experienced at school or in the workplace and help people receive testing modifications and/or educational services.
Let’s work together to figure out how to deal with the factors that are keeping you from enjoying your life and achieving your goals. We will use evidence based cognitive behavioral techniques to help you learn how to manage stress and anxiety more effectively. My goal is to teach effective and practical coping skills and provide a comfortable and supportive environment in which we will create positive changes in your life.
Diagnostic and psychoeducational assessments are conducted to determine the nature of problems experienced at school or in the workplace and help people receive testing modifications and/or educational services.
Let’s work together to figure out how to deal with the factors that are keeping you from enjoying your life and achieving your goals. We will use evidence based cognitive behavioral techniques to help you learn how to manage stress and anxiety more effectively. My goal is to teach effective and practical coping skills and provide a comfortable and supportive environment in which we will create positive changes in your life.
![Photo of Rebecca A Fontanetta, PsyD, ABPdN, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a07065a-dcf9-4421-8e4a-e0b0ee033696/2/320x400.jpeg)
Fontanetta specializes in the evaluation of children with brain-based behavior and psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Rebecca A. Fontanetta is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist who received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her clinical psychology internship at St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute-St. Vincent Hospital and fellowships at both Mass General for Children at NSMC and Stony Brook Medicine.
Fontanetta specializes in the evaluation of children with brain-based behavior and psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Rebecca A. Fontanetta is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist who received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her clinical psychology internship at St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute-St. Vincent Hospital and fellowships at both Mass General for Children at NSMC and Stony Brook Medicine.
![Photo of Naitian Wang, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ce4f76e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological testing is also readily available whenever necessary.
Something might have happened or be happening in your life and you feel that it is not easy to deal with;
You might be suffering from depression, anxiety, or other psychological problems;
You might have found that some areas of your life, certain aspects of yourself or your relationship/family are not that satisfying;
You might be concerned about your child or your loved one...
Those are some of the situations when people come to me and benefit greatly from our contacts. I believe that each individual is uniquely different and I always adjust my approach accordingly to meet your specific needs.
Psychological testing is also readily available whenever necessary.
Something might have happened or be happening in your life and you feel that it is not easy to deal with;
You might be suffering from depression, anxiety, or other psychological problems;
You might have found that some areas of your life, certain aspects of yourself or your relationship/family are not that satisfying;
You might be concerned about your child or your loved one...
Those are some of the situations when people come to me and benefit greatly from our contacts. I believe that each individual is uniquely different and I always adjust my approach accordingly to meet your specific needs.
![Photo of Kunsang Gyato, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07ed1a28-8420-4288-a947-618934439ecf/2/320x400.jpeg)
For testing, I typically take a day or two to observe behaviors and to get best performances on tests.
As a pediatric neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist, my goal is to determine why a child, adolescent or young adult is struggling to meet their developmental goals. The obstacles to their success may include medical, neurological, developmental, learning, behavioral or psychological conditions. In some cases it means providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to a child and/or parent consultation. In others it means using neuropsychological and psychological tests to see what is getting in their way and how that happens.
For testing, I typically take a day or two to observe behaviors and to get best performances on tests.
As a pediatric neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist, my goal is to determine why a child, adolescent or young adult is struggling to meet their developmental goals. The obstacles to their success may include medical, neurological, developmental, learning, behavioral or psychological conditions. In some cases it means providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to a child and/or parent consultation. In others it means using neuropsychological and psychological tests to see what is getting in their way and how that happens.
![Photo of Christopher James Kearney, PsyD, NCSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ef42651-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher James Kearney
Psychologist, PsyD, NCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Setauket, NY 11733
I provide cognitive evaluations, assessments for ADHD, IQ testing for gifted individuals and specialty evaluations for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who may require OPWDD support.
I believe in a counseling approach that is built upon trust and empathy. I have 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Individuals continue to evolve throughout their lives and I enjoy working with clients whom encounter challenges and pressure in daily life. I have taught Counseling courses, Adolescent Psychology and Abnormal Psychology. I have experience with patients with anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities and ADHD.
I provide cognitive evaluations, assessments for ADHD, IQ testing for gifted individuals and specialty evaluations for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who may require OPWDD support.
I believe in a counseling approach that is built upon trust and empathy. I have 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Individuals continue to evolve throughout their lives and I enjoy working with clients whom encounter challenges and pressure in daily life. I have taught Counseling courses, Adolescent Psychology and Abnormal Psychology. I have experience with patients with anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities and ADHD.
![Photo of Nadine Wilches, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e6a96b2-d98b-414a-b78a-9ef25c1ccd0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I conduct in depth evaluations and testing and examine the larger systems that may be impacting each patient as well as medical history and psychological and social functioning and history of trauma.
I have over 15 years experience treating all mental health conditions from anxiety disorders, trauma and phobias to neuropsychiatric conditions and co-occurring developmental disorders and co-occurring medical issues. Additionally, I work with with complex parent-child and family dynamics, sibling issues, behavioral issues, hyperactivity, impulsivity, selective mutism and other communication barriers. I incorporate expressive arts and movement into therapy. All ages/all conditions, In-office & Telepsych. I have a specialized parent-child-interaction-therapy program through in-home video and I offer periodic group treatment.
I conduct in depth evaluations and testing and examine the larger systems that may be impacting each patient as well as medical history and psychological and social functioning and history of trauma.
I have over 15 years experience treating all mental health conditions from anxiety disorders, trauma and phobias to neuropsychiatric conditions and co-occurring developmental disorders and co-occurring medical issues. Additionally, I work with with complex parent-child and family dynamics, sibling issues, behavioral issues, hyperactivity, impulsivity, selective mutism and other communication barriers. I incorporate expressive arts and movement into therapy. All ages/all conditions, In-office & Telepsych. I have a specialized parent-child-interaction-therapy program through in-home video and I offer periodic group treatment.
![Photo of Colleen McKechnie, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc1cc4b6-385c-4ff9-9329-5184a19713d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
In addition, I complete IQ testing and provide written reports.
I have advanced training in CBT and Psychodynamic therapies and treat anxiety, depression, OCD, OCPD, bipolar disorder, and more. Through deep exploration of the past and present, I teach others how to organize and articulate their unique experience. I hope to guide you through the process of letting go of what may be limiting your growth as you simultaneously discover new ways to improve your well-being.
In addition, I complete IQ testing and provide written reports.
I have advanced training in CBT and Psychodynamic therapies and treat anxiety, depression, OCD, OCPD, bipolar disorder, and more. Through deep exploration of the past and present, I teach others how to organize and articulate their unique experience. I hope to guide you through the process of letting go of what may be limiting your growth as you simultaneously discover new ways to improve your well-being.
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Michael Ash
Carmelina G Peralta
Laura Van Schaick-Harman
South Shore Counseling and Psychological Services
![Photo of Melissa Angiel, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f996242-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Neuropsychology involves testing and diagnosing brain based issues (for example ADHD, Learning Disabilities or Head Trauma).
I strive to illuminate your existing strengths and help you to recognize ways to apply these strengths to the areas of your life where you are feeling discouraged or stuck. I will help you to regain your equilibrium, achieve your goals and bring out your best self. I address anxiety/ depression, relationship issues, couples therapy, addictions, weight/eating issues, divorce. I do extensive work with high functioning ambitious adults helping to refine personal goals, push past obstacles and more fully realize potential. I also love working with children, teens and parents.
Neuropsychology involves testing and diagnosing brain based issues (for example ADHD, Learning Disabilities or Head Trauma).
I strive to illuminate your existing strengths and help you to recognize ways to apply these strengths to the areas of your life where you are feeling discouraged or stuck. I will help you to regain your equilibrium, achieve your goals and bring out your best self. I address anxiety/ depression, relationship issues, couples therapy, addictions, weight/eating issues, divorce. I do extensive work with high functioning ambitious adults helping to refine personal goals, push past obstacles and more fully realize potential. I also love working with children, teens and parents.
![Photo of Mark D. Lerner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b568450b-8e4f-4a47-b558-fc9ed6e0ce80/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lerner is a clinical and forensic psychologist, author, speaker, and international consultant. At Lerner Psychological Services, P.C., he sees individuals, couples, and families in his office in Melville, New York, and remotely online. Dr. Lerner specializes in working with plaintiff and defense attorneys and pro se parties on cases involving emotional distress and emotional damages, fitness for duty and fitness to practice, and the independent evaluation of law enforcement candidates (e.g., NOPD with the NYPD).
Dr. Lerner is a clinical and forensic psychologist, author, speaker, and international consultant. At Lerner Psychological Services, P.C., he sees individuals, couples, and families in his office in Melville, New York, and remotely online. Dr. Lerner specializes in working with plaintiff and defense attorneys and pro se parties on cases involving emotional distress and emotional damages, fitness for duty and fitness to practice, and the independent evaluation of law enforcement candidates (e.g., NOPD with the NYPD).
![Photo of Amanda Lea Grodewald - Adler, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/affc11aa-58f6-4ee6-a35d-75e20dc5d05c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychologist specializing in CBT for children, adolescents, and adults. I am dedicated to offering state-of-the-art, scientifically-proven psychotherapy for a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. I provide individualized assessment and customized treatment plans with measurable goals so that therapy is short-term, and signs of progress are clear to all. I offer individual therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducational testing. Additionally, I run a specialized treatment program for insomnia. I am part of a group psychotherapy practice servicing the mental health needs of the community in central Suffolk County, NY.
I am a licensed psychologist specializing in CBT for children, adolescents, and adults. I am dedicated to offering state-of-the-art, scientifically-proven psychotherapy for a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. I provide individualized assessment and customized treatment plans with measurable goals so that therapy is short-term, and signs of progress are clear to all. I offer individual therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducational testing. Additionally, I run a specialized treatment program for insomnia. I am part of a group psychotherapy practice servicing the mental health needs of the community in central Suffolk County, NY.
![Photo of Dr. Laura Damico, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c10b18f-787f-4e54-b286-3d78fbd88c5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I only accept AETNA at this time. I provide psychotherapy for adolescents, college students, and adults; and I have over 20 years of experience working in clinical & academic settings. I address the following concerns: anxiety, depression, relationships, PTSD/trauma, education/career, grief/loss, marriage/family, separation/divorce, parenting, adoption/fertility, and disabilities. I presented research at the American Psychological Association in Boston, and I keep abreast of changes in the field. As a professor, I taught a myriad of graduate courses including psychotherapy, psychological testing, and ethics.
I only accept AETNA at this time. I provide psychotherapy for adolescents, college students, and adults; and I have over 20 years of experience working in clinical & academic settings. I address the following concerns: anxiety, depression, relationships, PTSD/trauma, education/career, grief/loss, marriage/family, separation/divorce, parenting, adoption/fertility, and disabilities. I presented research at the American Psychological Association in Boston, and I keep abreast of changes in the field. As a professor, I taught a myriad of graduate courses including psychotherapy, psychological testing, and ethics.
![Photo of Renee Clauselle, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f67de41-3a5a-433c-8cd9-0793192b63bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Renee Clauselle is the Founder of Child and Family Psychology, a private group practice with 3 locations across Long Island, NY. The headquarter office is in Franklin Square, with two satellite offices in Kings Park and Garden City. Specialties include but are not limited to, psychological testing, ADHD,school issues, anxiety disorders, marital issues,behavioral concerns, Autism Spectrum disorders, depression, family issues, divorce and more. Dr. Renee Clauselle is a frequent media expert and can be seen on Good Morning American Health and ABC Evening Eyewitness News.
Dr. Renee Clauselle is the Founder of Child and Family Psychology, a private group practice with 3 locations across Long Island, NY. The headquarter office is in Franklin Square, with two satellite offices in Kings Park and Garden City. Specialties include but are not limited to, psychological testing, ADHD,school issues, anxiety disorders, marital issues,behavioral concerns, Autism Spectrum disorders, depression, family issues, divorce and more. Dr. Renee Clauselle is a frequent media expert and can be seen on Good Morning American Health and ABC Evening Eyewitness News.
![Photo of Michelle Kirkland, PsyD, NCSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/478aa143-5245-4dd0-8835-3c08d82dd5ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
She does testing for autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, and giftedness.
Dr. Kirkland is a licensed psychologist and Director of Training in Syosset, NY. She works with people across the lifespan—specializing in early intervention for children 5 to 9 y/o and with a special interest in adults 18-35 y/o. She has trained at Zucker Hillside Hospital, NYU Langone and St. John’s University, and has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavior Therapy, Parent Training, and principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Meaning, she uses evidence-based interventions to deconstruct problematic thought and behavior patterns and create more helpful and realistic ways of thinking/acting.
She does testing for autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, and giftedness.
Dr. Kirkland is a licensed psychologist and Director of Training in Syosset, NY. She works with people across the lifespan—specializing in early intervention for children 5 to 9 y/o and with a special interest in adults 18-35 y/o. She has trained at Zucker Hillside Hospital, NYU Langone and St. John’s University, and has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavior Therapy, Parent Training, and principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Meaning, she uses evidence-based interventions to deconstruct problematic thought and behavior patterns and create more helpful and realistic ways of thinking/acting.
![Photo of Alyson H. Skinner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4496103f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a New York State Licensed Psychologist and founder of Skinner Psychological Services, PLLC. My diverse range of clinical training experiences led to specialization in the diagnosis and treatment of complex and/or co-occurring mental health and neurodevelopmental (Autism/Asperger's, ADD/ADHD) conditions across the lifespan. My commitment to lifelong learning is reflected by integration of research within the scope of my clinical practice and ongoing efforts at community outreach. All work I do is deeply rooted in my passion for providing highly individualized interventions to foster clients' accurate self-understanding and growth to potential.
I am a New York State Licensed Psychologist and founder of Skinner Psychological Services, PLLC. My diverse range of clinical training experiences led to specialization in the diagnosis and treatment of complex and/or co-occurring mental health and neurodevelopmental (Autism/Asperger's, ADD/ADHD) conditions across the lifespan. My commitment to lifelong learning is reflected by integration of research within the scope of my clinical practice and ongoing efforts at community outreach. All work I do is deeply rooted in my passion for providing highly individualized interventions to foster clients' accurate self-understanding and growth to potential.
![Photo of Brett M. Liquori, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/491bc839-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist, specializing in treating children, adolescents, and families using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in homes, schools and the community. CBT treatment is highly recommended for anxiety, impulse, and conduct disorders. While it is well-established that CBT within real-world settings significantly improves functioning compared to office-based treatment, few professionals accept the challenge! As a professional with 20 years of experience traveling to families throughout Long Island, I understand that intense emotions, troubled relationships and significant avoidance cannot simply be discussed away in therapy, but mindfully experienced and addressed when and where they occur.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist, specializing in treating children, adolescents, and families using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in homes, schools and the community. CBT treatment is highly recommended for anxiety, impulse, and conduct disorders. While it is well-established that CBT within real-world settings significantly improves functioning compared to office-based treatment, few professionals accept the challenge! As a professional with 20 years of experience traveling to families throughout Long Island, I understand that intense emotions, troubled relationships and significant avoidance cannot simply be discussed away in therapy, but mindfully experienced and addressed when and where they occur.
![Photo of Dr. Keren Adaki, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a30e0965-519d-4926-81be-fd3f522b0fc1/3/320x400.jpeg)
The journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step. Different aspects of the life cycle can feel confusing and difficult and we all need support from time to time. You may be facing a chronic problem or a transitional difficulty. Perhaps you feel disconnected and/or seeking a more meaningful life/relationship. Whatever your reasons for seeking help, what is more important, is that you are taking the first step toward improving your life experience. I believes that anything can be attained if we have proper guidance and support and begin to take small, but meaningful, steps toward our desired outcome.
The journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step. Different aspects of the life cycle can feel confusing and difficult and we all need support from time to time. You may be facing a chronic problem or a transitional difficulty. Perhaps you feel disconnected and/or seeking a more meaningful life/relationship. Whatever your reasons for seeking help, what is more important, is that you are taking the first step toward improving your life experience. I believes that anything can be attained if we have proper guidance and support and begin to take small, but meaningful, steps toward our desired outcome.
See more therapy options for Suffolk County
Testing and Evaluation Therapists
What is a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a test or assessment most commonly administered by a trained psychologist that is intended to be used in the diagnosis of specific psychological conditions, such as ADHD, mood disorders, personality disorders, dementia or Alzheimer's, and learning disabilities. Psychological evaluations can help inform future treatment decisions and help direct clients to professionals and resources that may be most helpful, such as potential therapy options or additional school supports.
Can psychological evaluations be done on individuals of any age group?
Psychological evaluations are conducted on individuals of all ages and can be beneficial to individuals across the lifespan. However, specific types of evaluations may be most frequently conducted on individuals of certain age groups. For instance, ADHD or learning disability testing is often conducted in children ages 4-12--the period of time when ADHD symptoms most commonly emerge. In contrast, cognitive functioning assessments, such as those conducted to diagnose dementia, are most commonly conducted in elderly individuals. Clients should ensure that the psychologist they are seeing has specific expertise in conducting evaluations in their age group to ensure they receive a correct diagnosis.
How long does a psychological evaluation take?
Psychological evaluations vary in length depending on the test being administered and the goals of the evaluation; however, most evaluations are 2-4 hours in length. Some evaluations may take as long as 8 hours but can often be spread across multiple days. In some cases, clients will also attend an intake session or interview, which can help the psychologist assess client functioning outside of the testing environment.
How should I prepare for a psychological test and evaluation?
Individuals do not need to prepare for psychological tests or evaluations in most cases, as they are intended to measure a client's baseline psychological status without test-specific preparation. However, clients may want to brainstorm a list of questions for their psychologist about any tests they are receiving prior to the assessment, including what potential outcomes may mean for what next steps the client should take.