What type of evaluations do you do? What kind should I be looking for?
Evaluations can be done for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include diagnosis of learning disabilities (including dyslexia and dysgraphia), social and emotional difficulties (such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder), ADHD, or developmental delays or disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. At times, evaluation may also be requested to better understand one’s learning style, or to provide documentation to support accommodations in school or on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, MCAT, or GMAT. Evaluation may also be sought if there is parental disagreement with an evaluation that has been conducted by a child’s school or other provider, or if additional information is required in order to access specific supports or services (e.g. guardianship, social security).
What can I expect from my (or my child’s) evaluation?
Exact evaluation procedures will vary based on the referral concern, but in general, you can first expect a phone/Zoom consultation to answer your questions regarding evaluation and get enough information to provide a quote for services and an idea of what type of evaluation is warranted. A more in-depth intake interview is the next step, followed by the actual testing sessions (approximately 2 sessions of 3-4 hours depending on the individual’s tolerance and the referral concern). A feedback session is also provided, along with a written copy of the evaluation report.
What are your business hours?
Due to work commitments during the workweek, evaluations are conducted primarily on weekends and school holidays. Interviews and feedback sessions may be conducted via phone or teleconference after 5pm.
What ages do you serve?
18 months to college-aged individuals. Due to a conflict of interest, students in grades PK-12 that are enrolled or reside within Northside ISD can not be evaluated by Dr. Renken at this time.
Is it better for my child to be older before being evaluated?
Not necessarily. Early Childhood Intervention services can provide services to students from the age of birth to three years, and school districts can provide special education services to children that qualify from age 3 to 22. For most tests, norms are available for 4-6 month increments for younger children, and year-long intervals for older children. This allows them to be compared to others their same age to determine whether any cognitive, developmental, behavioral, or academic differences exist no matter what their age. There are some situations such as dyslexia where certain characteristics may be present at kindergarten or younger, but a full evaluation and definitive diagnosis is not made until later when all relevant academic areas (such as reading fluency) can be assessed.
How should I talk with my child about the evaluation?
Preparing your child by explaining the process to them is very beneficial. General statements are recommended, such as “We’re going to meet someone named Dr. Renken. She’s going to talk to you about how you’ve been doing. You guys will talk, play some games, answer some questions, and do some school stuff (reading, writing, and math). It’s not for a grade, and it’s not a pass/fail-type thing. You just need to try your best.” Older students may be self-aware and mature enough to include the reason for the evaluation, such as “Dr. Renken is going to work with you to see if we can help support you better at school.” Please do not tell your child a set time testing will finish, as some students become overly focused on an end time and are not able to focus as well during the assessment.
What should I do or bring on testing day?
Before the testing appointment, the best preparation is a good night’s sleep. In the morning, a good breakfast is also recommended as it’s hard to focus and give your best effort on an empty stomach. All medications should be taken as usual. During your child’s appointment, you are welcome to wait in your car until the end of the appointment, though most parents choose to leave and return at the end of the appointment. Drinks and snacks may be brought to the testing appointment if desired. Comfort objects (e.g. blankets, stuffed animals, or fidget toys) may be brought to the appointment, but please do not bring any electronic devices.
How much does an evaluation cost?
The cost of evaluation varies depending on the scope of the evaluation, but most evaluations will typically range from $1,100-$3,000. Limited-scope assessments (such as cognitive skills only, or a brief academic assessment) range from $300-$500 but include only a brief written report. For full description of evaluation and typical fees, see the Fees and Rates page.
Couldn’t I get this evaluation cheaper somewhere else?
Possibly. However, the “you get what you pay for” is as true for psychological assessments as for anything else. Other providers may quote lower total prices due to a higher hourly rate for a smaller number of hours, but often this results in a sparse report that provides some answers but does not fully meet the client’s needs. Lower prices can also be found by utilizing individuals with different credentials (such as an LCSW, LPC, or diagnostician), but their evaluation methods will likely be very different, and likely more narrow in scope. With Dr. Renken, your evaluation is guaranteed to be completed in a thorough manner with the utmost professionalism. If a goal of the evaluation is educational support, Dr. Renken is an experienced school practitioner with children of all ages. With this experience and the willingness to work cooperatively with educational personnel, the results of your evaluation stand the strongest chance of being accepted by your or your child’s school.
What kind of records are kept, and how are they secured?
Texas laws and standards of best practice indicate that psychological professionals keep treatment records. These records are kept in compliance with federal and state laws. Examples of records that are kept include signed forms, assessments, testing reports, notes, personal contact information, and payment information. You have the right to review these records at any time.
Do you offer evaluations via telehealth?
Though portions of evaluations such as rating scales and interviews may be completed virtually or via phone, face-to-face assessment sessions are needed to complete standardized cognitive, academic, behavioral, and psychological measures.
If my child has been evaluated recently, can they have another evaluation?
Yes, though there are some things to take into consideration. For most tests it is not recommended that they be retaken within a year, as it is possible the child would remember the tasks and score higher solely due to “practice effects”. To combat this and be able to retest before the one year mark, either a different version of the same test (e.g. Version B is Version A was originally used), or use a completely different measure to measure the same evaluation components. These are the methods used when, for example, a student has recently had an evaluation done by a school district but the parents have requested an independent evaluation.
Do you take insurance?
Insurance is not accepted at this time, and all services are provided on a private-pay basis (See Fees page for detailed information regarding prices). Payment plans are offered on a limited basis based on need.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. In Texas, only physicians and specially-trained advanced practice nurses (APNs) can prescribe medication. However, psychological reports are often used by these providers to help determine whether medication is appropriate.
Will the school accept this report and give me/my child accommodations/modifications or a 504 Plan/IEP?
Unfortunately there are no guarantees that a report will be accepted by a particular school. Even if the report is accepted, school personnel may accept the test scores but disagree with the conclusions or recommendations. However, as an experienced school practitioner Dr. Renken has an intimate knowledge of Texas Education Agency (TEA) disability criteria. She also is willing and able to consult with school personnel to determine specific criteria they may have, as well as to identify and address possible concerns before they arise.
Who receives a copy of the report?
The report is only shared with the individual (if adult), parents/guardians, and those for whom express written consent has been obtained. Copies of the report will not be shared with school personnel directly unless the adult student or their parent/guardian requests that it be sent.
How long until I have the report?
A feedback session will be held 2-3 weeks after all evaluation data is received. A written copy of the report will be provided at the feedback session.
If I a divorced, do I need to provide my divorce decree prior to my child’s appointment?
Yes. The divorce decree will indicate the rights of each parent in regards to ability to consent to an evaluation. Depending on the decree, one or both parties may be required to sign consent for the evaluation. If custody is shared, it is most beneficial if interview data and rating scales can be obtained from both parties.