Psychoeducational Assessments for Children, Adolescents and Adults.

I’ve been asked some basic questions about psychoeducational assessments several times lately and I’d like to review some of those today:

1. Do you do adult psychoeducational Assessments?
   Yes, actually psychoeducational assessments for adults are pretty common. They may be needed as part of a more comprehensive psychological assessment, in order to rule-out possible causes for bothersome symptoms. They may also be necessary in order to receive accommodations in a training program, in the workplace or at college/university. Most colleges and universities require that you have a fairly recent evaluation, 2-3 years old at most. This is because sometimes students who have had an evaluation and do well no longer need accomodations and supports. This is why, if your child is in the 11th or 12th grade I urge you to request the school district complete a re-evaluation.

2. Does a re-evaluation mean that the entire assessment has to be completed again?
   Regretfully it usually does. The issue here is that what we are doing in a psychoeducational assessment is comparing different scores from the various parts of the test, so we can’t really use some scores that are 5 years old, and others that are new. I do, however, try to use brief tools whenever possible, The new testing may also focus more on ADHD and related issues that were not the focus of the assessment the adult took when they were 12 or so. Finally, new recommendations that are based upon the services that are available need to be made. These services may be very different in college than they did in high school.

3. What other reasons are there for having a psychoeducational assessment as an adult?
   Many adults find that college/university is a very different experience than the 12th grade was. No one is monitoring your progress on a daily or weekly basisi, and college instructors often are unaware of resources, supports and accommodations that are available, and often legally required. Finally, often someone starting a new job may be having what amounts to academic difficulty, problems understanding and applying new knowledge at work. A psychoeducational assessment helps us understand what both our weaknesses and strengths are in the work place, and the psychologist can help you develop a plan to make things easier.

4. Do I need a referral for a psychoeducational examination? And will my insurance cover it?
   Every insurance plan is different, and covers different things. Just knowing your insurance company doesn’t help me to know what their plan will cover. My Canadian patients pay for these exams, usually about $2,600 Canadian dollars, and then are reimbursed for their payment. I suggest getting a referral from your medical doctor requesting a psychoeducational exam. As a psychologist I am in independent medical practitioner, and I do not need a referral. However, the referral may make things easier with your medical coverage provider. You should also contact your insurance provider and find out what they will cover. Follow this up with at least an email to them that your were told X about the coverage. Sometimes they restrict the number of hours that can be billed for a day, making it impossible to do a two hour testing session and then take two hours to score those tests….they will only pay for 2 hours a day. Some companies don’t care about the details of the billing. And it can differ from insurance company rep to rep. Just be aware, you need to clarify these issues with your insurance company before we start, and I honestly can’t answer any questions about the company’s practices.
   
   5. Can my insurance company pay the bill directly?
   Unless I am contacted by the insurance company, and receive a written contract as to payment, I can’t bill them. It is very occasional when an insurance company pays me directly, and this is usually only when they contact me to make the referral.
   6. How do I start the process for arranging a psychoeducational assessment?
   The best way to reach me is through email at drjimroche@gmail.com. If I have an opening I will contact you back. Please include your phone number and the hours you can be reached in the email. DO NOT include unnecessary personal information in the email. It can be as simple as “I have a 16 year old daughter having difficulty with math and am seeking a psychoeducational assessment….” The initial contact email is not as confidential as you might expect, and until we discuss your case and take part in and sign an informed consent agreement I am not your psychologists. Those steps come next.

   ____________________________________________________________________

I hope answering these few common questions was helpful
Dr. Jim Roche, Offices in Washington State (Bellingham, Seattle), New York (New York City) and Vancouver, Canada.