A psychological assessment involves an intake interview to gather information about a person's history and presenting concerns, as well as screening measures, and/or standardized assessment measures.  At Ardent Psychological Services the most up-to-date testing measures are used to arrive at a correct diagnosis.  A differential diagnosis is made, meaning that your psychological evaluation will not take a yes/no approach, but instead look at all possible diagnostic options before drawing conclusions.  Through this process Dr. Staal can make the appropriate diagnosis (or diagnoses) and individualized and specific recommendations.  The real value of a psychological evaluation is not just the diagnosis, because when you make an appointment you already know something is wrong, but you may not know what to call it or why you have symptoms.  What to do next and making sure that your goals are met is what is truly important.  Dr. Staal's evaluations are extremely detailed and incorporate clear rationale for any diagnoses made, as well as guidance on next steps to achieve your goals.  Dr. Staal specializes in complex cases.  She often sees clients who have received multiple diagnoses in the past and have had difficulty making progress in therapy and/or finding the right medication for their mental health concerns. 

Ardent Psychological Services, PLLC offers psychological assessment in the following areas for children, adolescents, and adults:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

The assessment of autism spectrum disorder is possibly one of the most common but also complex psychological evaluations.  Measures used to evaluate someone for ASD include but are not limited to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2), and Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q).  Measures used are selected carefully based on factors such as gender, age, and presenting concerns.  Many insurance companies require the use of ADOS-2 as part of the assessment in order to cover autism related services such as ABA Therapy. 

• ADHD

Individuals with ADHD often experience symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity.  

A comprehensive evaluation is used to diagnose ADHD.  This can include screening measures, as well as        standardized tests to assess things like cognitive functioning and academic performance. 

• Anxiety (such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety and phobias).

• Depression

• Bipolar Disorder

• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

• Cognitive Testing

Cognitive testing provides valuable information such as a person’s overall intellectual functioning (IQ).  It also looks at specific abilities such as verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.  It is typically used as part of a comprehensive psychological evaluation.     

• Academic Achievement/Academic Progress/IEP/Gifted

               Achievement tests are used to ascertain what a student has already learned, and how well this student is 

performing compared to others who are in the same grade or the same age.   

• Adaptive Behavior

Adaptive behavior refers to the conceptual, social, and practical skills that a child or adult needs to function in daily life.  Adaptive measures are used to assess how well a person functions in their daily life compared to others who are the same age. 

• Intellectual Disability/Developmental Delays

• Behavioral Concerns

• Diagnostic Clarification

When a person presents with a complex history and symptoms, psychological testing can help to clarify diagnoses. This is key in making effective recommendations for further treatment.  

Fees:

A psychological evaluation includes an intake interview, testing, scoring, interpretation, report writing time, review of records, as well as the feedback session).

Psychiatric Diagnostic Interview (intake interview): $275

This fee is applied towards the total cost of the psychological evaluation if you choose to proceed with scheduling psychological testing.  

The total cost of a psychological evaluation varies.  

If you’d like to know more about psychological testing and how it can help you, or you would like to make an appointment, give Dr. Staal a call today: (682) 477-8884. 

If Dr. Staal is unable to answer your call during business hours, she is in an appointment.  She understands that leaving a message may feel uncomfortable or be inconvenient. She makes every effort to return calls as quickly as she is able to.  Dr. Staal returns phone calls Monday through Friday between 9am and 6pm.  Alternatively, you may use the contact form on the home page.

Do not leave a message if your call concerns a mental health emergency.  Instead, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.