How do I decide if my child needs an assessment?

It’s common for parents to wonder whether their child’s challenges are part of typical development or something that may benefit from additional support. A psychological or educational assessment can provide clarity, direction, and peace of mind.

Brighter Side Therapy Services offers psychological/psychoeducational assessments for children ages 6+. You might consider an assessment if your child is experiencing:

• Ongoing difficulties with attention, focus, or organization

• Struggles with learning, such as reading, writing, or math

• Frequent frustration with schoolwork or a noticeable drop in academic performance

• Challenges with memory, following directions, or completing tasks independently

• Social difficulties, including trouble making or maintaining friendships

• Big emotional reactions, anxiety, or persistent low mood

• Behavioral concerns at home or school

• A sense that your child is capable, but not performing to their potential

Assessments can also be helpful if:

• Your child’s teacher has raised concerns

• You’re seeking accommodations or support at school

• You want a clearer understanding of your child’s strengths and needs

• You’re looking for guidance on how best to support your child at home

If you are unsure, reach out and we can discuss if testing is the right next step.

What type of tests are administered:

Based on the referral question, a range of assessment measures may be selected to evaluate relevant areas of functioning. While not every evaluation includes all domains, commonly assessed areas include:

• Cognitive abilities (e.g., intellectual functioning)

• Academic achievement (e.g., reading, writing, math)

• Executive functioning and attention 

• Memory

• Social, emotional and behavioral functioning

• More specific testing such as:

  • Auditory processing

  • Language

  • Visual and motor coordination

What does the assessment process look like:

• An initial intake with parents/guardians is scheduled to discuss major concerns and gather background information (~60min done remotely).

• Testing sessions are administered with the child/teen which may take 2-3 sessions, each lasting around 2-2.5 hours (in-person).

• Questionnaires will be sent to parents/guardians as well as collateral providers/teachers.

• Collateral providers and/or teachers may be contacted to help get a well rounded picture of the child’s functioning and specific concerns.

• A feedback meeting is scheduled with parents/guardians at least 3 weeks after the final testing session. This is where you will review and discuss the testing results and any recommendations. A final written report will be provided following this meeting. (~60min done remotely).

• A feedback with the child/teen can also be scheduled if appropriate.

What to Expect on the day of testing:

• Plan to have your child spend 2-2.5 hours each testing session. They can bring snacks and a drink. Breaks will be taken throughout testing depending on the child’s need. 

• If your child wears glasses, make sure they bring them on testing days.

• For ADHD assessments, children should pause their stimulant medications prior to testing. This provides a more accurate baseline. 

How do I submit for out of network reimbursement:

• Brighter Side Therapy Services is considered an ‘out of network’ provider for testing, and reimbursement from insurance is not guaranteed. Not all insurance plans cover psychological testing, so it is helpful to call ahead and confirm if or what coverage may include. The following CPT codes will be used during testing: 

• 90791: Intake

• 96136 (96137): Test administration

• 96130 (96131): Report writing