Why would I need an evaluation?
Clients are referred for testing for several reasons. Some individuals are referred for testing if they are struggling at school with behavior or learning issues. You or your child may have been in counseling for some time but have shown little improvement or challenges may be getting worse. The ultimate goal of testing is to understand a client’s specific strength and areas of need, and their overall diagnostic presentation in order to provide tailored recommendations to improve functioning.
While testing provides valuable information in clarifying diagnoses and guiding treatment, there are times when testing is not appropriate. For instance, individuals who are in crisis typically need more emergency and immediate care. It is important that any client being tested can sit and participate throughout the evaluation. To ensure comfort for your child and accuracy of test results, we do not complete evaluations within 45 days of any crisis intervention or discharge from psychiatric treatment. However, we can still discuss your child’s needs and gather appropriate documents, so we are ready once stability is achieved after 45 days. If your child is scheduled for testing but experiences crisis, we kindly ask that you inform us so that we may adjust your appointment accordingly.
Is all testing the same?
Absolutely not! Each testing session is designed with the specific client in mind in order to gain the best understanding of the client. Testing can examine a client’s social-emotional functioning, behavioral issues, learning challenges, cognitive abilities, memory, language, sensory processing, and attention/executive functioning.
What should I expect on the day of testing?
The client will work with Dr. Horner for 3 – 5 hours, with breaks offered regularly and an hour-long lunch break. Testing consists of a variety of different activities – solving puzzles, answering personal questions, etc. Some of these tasks will be easy while some will be hard. Everyone is just encouraged to try their best. Parents of minor clients are escorted to a waiting area to complete parent measures, and we ask that you remain on the premises to support your child during breaks or any moments of struggle or worry. Please bring food and drinks for your child.
What should I tell my child?
Some children do best knowing that they are being tested and that the information learned from testing will be used to help them with whatever they are struggling with. For other children, it helps to explain that they will be meeting with a doctor who is going to ask them a bunch of questions and have them look at pictures to help figure out what is easy and hard for them and how their brain works. You can tell your child that they might enjoy parts of testing, but it also might have some parts that are more difficult for them. Please do not tell them that they are going to be playing games as this can often set them up for disappointment when some parts of testing are more challenging.
When can I expect feedback and the report?
Once all data has been collected (meaning testing sessions are completed,
your evaluator has received all parent and teacher rating forms and applicable records), reports are typically ready in 2-4 weeks.
Where are you located?
Our clinic office is inside of South Shore Therapies at 64 Schoosett Street in Pembroke, Massachusetts 02359.
This location is close to Route 3, there is plenty of parking available, and there’s a large waiting room with wi-fi.
We also have a lunch break on the day of testing and there are a ton of local and chain restaurants around to eat.
Can anything be done virtually?
Yes! Intake and feedback appointments can be held online via Zoom. Families often take advantage of this because it is more convenient, especially if traveling far to our South Shore office.
Do you take insurance?
We are not contracted with any insurance companies. If your plan covers out-of-network providers, then our services should be reimbursable (after you’ve met your deductible), up to their stated percentage. You would pay us directly first and then seek reimbursement from your plan. After you have paid your bill, we will provide what is called a “Superbill” that gives insurance companies the information they need to reimburse you. It is your responsibility to verify out-of-network coverage with your insurance company prior to consenting to services. You are ultimately responsible for all charges incurred from our services and we cannot guarantee reimbursement.
What do you charge?
The cost of each evaluation will differ depending on a number of factors (e.g., the complexity of the referral concern, amount of time spent gathering additional information from community providers). Typically, our evaluations are between $3,200 and $3,800. Please note, this is significantly lower than most other providers who charge $5,000 and higher.
How do I pay?
Clients will enter their credit card information when they book their first appointment. After the intake session, the first $200 will be charged. Additionally, if a testing appointment is scheduled, half of the remaining balance will be charged prior to that appointment. The remaining balance is then charged on the day of the testing session. Clients can also opt to pay by check instead, with the full fee due at the time of the first testing session.
What if I have to cancel my appointment?
We reserve our time for you and cannot typically see another client with short notice. As a result, clients will be charged a $150 fee for missed or canceled appointments (without 24-hour notice of cancelation). This fee will be collected prior to rescheduling the appointment. There are exceptions to this policy, so if you need to cancel last-minute, please reach out to discuss.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes, most information shared between an evaluator and a client is confidential, with some important limitations.