Psychological Evaluations

What is a psychological evaluation?

Psychological evaluations assess academic, emotional, behavioral, and personality functioning. They can identify strengths and challenges, clarify diagnoses, support treatment planning, assist with employment or academic needs, and provide personalized insights. All evaluations are tailored to the individual.

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What does a psychological evaluation assess? 

Evaluations assess attention, working memory, executive functioning, cognitive abilities, and personality functioning. They can help confirm or rule out conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorder, and more. You will receive a comprehensive report to support diagnosis, medication decisions, treatment planning, and, when appropriate, recommendations for IEPs or 504 Plans.

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Why might I need a psychological evaluation?

People seek evaluations for many reasons, including:

• School or workplace accommodations

• Mental health diagnosis and treatment planning

• Learning disabilities

• Cognitive or intellectual functioning

• Personality assessment

• Occupational aptitude

• Employment evaluations​

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How many appointments are required?

The evaluation process typically includes:

1. Intake appointment (virtual): Review history, goals, and the assessment process.

2. Testing appointment (in-office): Testing appointment (in-office): This may include one extended session of standardized testing or it may be divided into multiple appointments, depending on the individual. Some assessments may be offered via telehealth for California residents.

3. Scoring and report writing: The evaluator analyzes results and prepares a detailed report.

4. Feedback session: The results, diagnoses, and recommendations are reviewed.

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Do you provide academic accommodations?

Yes. Our evaluators can assess for learning disabilities and other conditions that may qualify for academic accommodations, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, dyslexia, and more. Reports may support IEPs or 504 Plans when appropriate.

Does insurance cover psychological evaluations?

Coverage varies. Learning disability evaluations are not covered by medical insurance, but many other assessments are. At Avina Psychological Services, we accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna .

Call us at (858)-751-9259 to verify coverage or discuss out-of-pocket costs, we’re happy to help.

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Do you think you may benefit from an evaluation?