Diagnostic Assessments
Each individual diagnostic assessment varies depending upon the level of severity and
number of symptoms present. It also depends upon the availability of past test scores and
documentation of developmental history. Thus, the cost may vary among similar clients, and
not all insurance policies provide full coverage for diagnostic assessments. Diagnosis for any
childhood or adolescent disorder usually involves a clinical interview with the parents,
clinical interview and behavioral observations of the child/adolescent, review of
pre-existing test scores, reports, and school records, and administration of several
standardized, objective tests, depending upon the number of symptoms present and needs of
the client. This can be accomplished in one full day, but it is usually best to spread out
testing across several individual sessions. Once the testing is completed, a report is
generated and the results and recommendations are shared with the client and parents.
Copies of the final report can be disseminated at the discretion of the parents, and
treatment for problematic symptoms is generally available following the evaluation, if the
family chooses to pursue this course of action.
Each individual diagnostic assessment varies depending upon the level of severity and
number of symptoms present. It also depends upon the availability of past test scores and
documentation of developmental history. Thus, the cost may vary among similar clients, and
not all insurance policies provide full coverage for diagnostic assessments. Diagnosis for any
childhood or adolescent disorder usually involves a clinical interview with the parents,
clinical interview and behavioral observations of the child/adolescent, review of
pre-existing test scores, reports, and school records, and administration of several
standardized, objective tests, depending upon the number of symptoms present and needs of
the client. This can be accomplished in one full day, but it is usually best to spread out
testing across several individual sessions. Once the testing is completed, a report is
generated and the results and recommendations are shared with the client and parents.
Copies of the final report can be disseminated at the discretion of the parents, and
treatment for problematic symptoms is generally available following the evaluation, if the
family chooses to pursue this course of action.