Psychological Evaluations
When someone is struggling at home, school, or work, it can be helpful to understand the source of the difficulty. Often there is a dynamic interplay between one’s thinking skills, academic abilities, and emotional life. Armed with information, a plan can be put in place to help an individual be the best version of themselves possible.
Dr. Krochek conducts comprehensive psychological/ psychoeducational evaluations on individuals from kindergarten through adulthood. Comprehensive psychological evaluations explore individuals’ cognitive, neuropsychological, academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. The evaluations are sensitive to one’s developmental level and when possible, compared with others their age. Typically, there is a core set of empirically validated tests given (e.g., IQ tests) followed by an individualized assessment plan. Whenever possible and appropriate, information is collected from others such as parents and teachers. Following the evaluation, comprehensive recommendations are developed. There is a feedback session during which the results and recommendations are shared with parents. Dr. Krochek can consult with a child’s school to discuss the results and the recommendations.
For more information and a free consultation please call 516.405.0020.
Some typical evaluation questions:
• Does my child have trouble paying attention?
• What is making it hard for my child to learn?
• Does my child have a learning disability (e.g., dyslexia)?
• My child seems very unmotivated. Is s/he just lazy or is there something else going on?
• Does my child process information slowly? Does s/he need extra time for tests and assignments?
• What is the best school placement for my child?
• Is my child struggling with anxiety or depression? Social challenges?
• What are my child’s strengths and challenges? How can we leverage the strengths?
• What services and treatments would help my child be most successful?
Areas that are typically evaluated:
• Intellectual functioning (IQ)
• Visual reasoning, visual-motor integration, motor planning
• Verbal reasoning and language skills
• Attention and executive functions
• Processing speed
• Memory
• Social cognition
• Academic achievement
• Personality (projective and self-report measures)- Social, emotional, behavioral functioning
Frequently asked questions:
Q- Can this evaluation be used to help secure services from my child’s school district?
A- These evaluations can be shared with your child’s school district to help qualify for special education services and supports.
Q- Who will be able to see these results?
A- Information shared during the assessment is almost always kept confidential and will not be released without written consent from the client and/ or parent/ legal guardian. There are some limits to confidentiality (e.g., a psychologist’s ethical and legal duties when information comes up that indicates danger to oneself or others). All limits to confidentiality will be discussed as part of the informed consent process before the evaluation.
Q- How long does the evaluation typically take to complete?
A- While there is some variability in the duration of evaluations, they typically consist of about 8-10 hours of testing. Sessions are typically 3-4 hours long.
Q- What is the process for the evaluation?
A- Psychological assessments typically begin with an interview of the client and/ or parent/ legal guardian. Next there are several testing sessions; the amount of testing will vary based on the referral question and purpose of the assessment. After the evaluation, there is a feedback session during which the results and recommendations are shared and any questions are clarified. A written report is also provided and can be shared at the discretion of the client or legal guardian.
Q- How can this evaluation help?
A- Psychological assessments provide information about what might be causing someone to struggle and how to help them be the best version of themselves possible. By tapping into strengths, areas of challenge can be more effectively addressed. The evaluation will include recommendations for addressing challenges and building strengths. Recommendations typically focus on the academic environment and level of support, learning strategies and accommodations (e.g., extended time for tests and/ or projects), and the development of a 504 plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).