FAQs
What does the evaluation process entail?
First and foremost, Dr. Andersen conducts the entire evaluation himself. He doesn’t utilize technicians, psychometrists, residents, interns, or students. Dr. Andersen prides himself on conducting the highest quality evaluations where he is involved in every step from start to finish.
Paperwork
After scheduling, Dr. Andersen sends you intake paperwork to be completed online via a client portal.
Interview
For child evaluations, Dr. Andersen interviews the parent(s) first, separately. The initial interview can be in-person or virtually. The initial interview typically takes approximately 2 hours.
For adult evaluations (ages >18) Dr. Andersen will interview the person to be tested and they can choose whether or not anyone else (e.g., parents) should be in on the initial interview.
Regardless if the evaluation is for an adult or child, Dr. Andersen will review all of the records provided to him. This is especially important when the evaluation may be for the purpose of obtaining any school accommodations (e.g., reviewing report cards, previous evaluations, etc.).
Evaluation
Dr. Andersen typically tests people over 1-2 days. For children, Dr. Andersen will greet the child and parent(s) in the waiting room and then bring everyone back to his office and interview the child in the presence of the parent(s). Dr. Andersen always ensures the child (or you) is comfortable with him prior to beginning the exam. Once the child is comfortable, then the parents return to the waiting room while Dr. Andersen works one-on-one with the child.
We typically work in 1 hour increments and then take a break. The first day is typically scheduled from 9:00am until approximately 1-3pm depending on the child’s age (less time for younger kids and more time for older kids). If the evaluation goes past 1pm, we normally take a lunch break halfway through. Dr. Andersen finds it important to see the child for a good chunk of time to understand their stamina, frustration tolerance, fatigue, etc.
Dr. Andersen has well over a decade of experience testing individuals of all ages. He is acutely aware of fatigue and other factors (e.g., frustration) in which an individual may need a break. Dr. Andersen’s evaluation is not like a traditional test in school (e.g., ACT, SAT) where breaks are rigidly set and you are allowed only so many; rather, Dr. Andersen encourages breaks. If you need the evaluation completed within a particular time frame, please let Dr. Andersen know during your initial correspondence with him.
Feedback
After the evaluation, Dr. Andersen will provide you with verbal feedback (typically a 2-hour session) and you’ll receive a written report.
School Advocacy
Throughout the evaluation, if you provide consent, Dr. Andersen will collaborate with teachers. Dr. Andersen can also observe your child at school. He also frequently attends school meetings (e.g., 504, IEP, etc.).
How much does an evaluation cost?
Dr. Andersen specialized in comprehensive psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and psychological evaluations. Depending on the reason(s) for the evaluation, the cost is typically between $2,700 - $3,800.
If the reason for referral is for one specific question (e.g., ADHD), the cost is less than for multiple reasons (e.g., ADHD versus learning disability). Moreover, depending on whether or not another specialist is involved (e.g., a speech-language pathologist [SLP] and/or an occupational therapist [OT]), the cost might be more or less.
For brief evaluations, which are typically in cases where one questions whether or not a comprehensive evaluations is warranted (e.g., academic screener), the cost is typically $800. If the screener indicates that a comprehensive evaluation is necessary, the cost of the screener is then applied to the cost of the comprehensive evaluation.
Contact our office (info@andersenpsychology.com or text 602.699.4543) for a specific quote.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance. Dr. Andersen bills you the cost of the evaluation on the day of the evaluation.
Therefore, all services are provided on a private pay basis and payment is due at the time of service. However, upon request, if you wish to pursue reimbursement for out-of-network (OON) benefits, then we will provide you with a “superbill” (i.e., a detailed receipt of all services rendered) for you to submit to your insurance. The superbill with have all of the information you need to pursue OON reimbursement (i.e., Dr. Andersen’s title, credentials, tax ID number, NPI, CPT codes, etc.). You can check with your insurance company to see if the following CPT codes are reimbursable: 90791, 96136, 96137, 96130, and 96131. Want assistance submitting a superbill? You can check out Mentaya (https://www.mentaya.com/patients).
What ages do you work with?
All ages! Dr. Andersen has evaluated children as young as 2 and adults over 100 years old!
Are there any types of evaluations Dr. Andersen does not conduct?
Dr. Andersen does not conduct child custody or court ordered evaluations.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards (e.g., Visa, Discovery, American Express, etc.). We also accept payment via the Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). Payment is due at the time of service.
Do you take asap requests?
Yes! If you are in need of an evaluation on a short deadline (e.g., due to a move, an upcoming IEP meeting, etc.), please inform us of this when you contact our office. We will work diligently to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation in a timely manner.
In addition, if you are coming from out-of-state and will be in the Phoenix area for only a limited time, we can usually accommodate your schedule.
How can I (or my child) prepare for the evaluation?
The best way to prepare for an evaluation with us is similar to how one would prepare for any other important exam (e.g., get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast prior to arrival, etc.). Dr. Andersen has worked with literally thousands of individuals that arrive to the exam anxious, distressed, worried, nervous, etc. and he will not proceed with any tests until the examinee is at ease. For children, he typically uses a sticker chart and has a prize box to reward children for trying their best. For adults, usually an initial 30 minute conversation puts people at ease. We’re sure you’ll find Dr. Andersen friendly and caring.
Are the tests like school tests?
Not necessarily. If academic testing (e.g., reading, writing, math) is required, then the test items will likely appear to be similar to what an individual is doing in school. However, the large majority of other cognitive tests are more similar to brain teasers than school exams. Dr. Andersen is also in the room with the individual administering items to them so it is not like the ACT or SAT where the proctor gives instructions and then the students tests for hours on end by themselves. Dr. Andersen’s evaluations are very interactive, and Dr. Andersen examines how individuals respond to him as well as the individual’s success or failure. It’s not just about the test scores.
What are your hours of operation?
Dr. Andersen takes weekday and weekend (Saturday & Sunday!) appointments. Please contact our office for our schedule and availability.
Andersen Psychological Services, LLC does not provide emergency services.
If you have an emergency dial 911.
What is your cancellation policy?
- For intake interviews, a minimum of a 24-hour notice is required. Without proper notification, your credit card on file will be billed $50.
- For evaluations, Dr. Andersen reserves a significant block of time (typically a full day) for you or your child to complete testing. Therefore, we require a minimum of a 48-hour notice is required for cancellation or rescheduling. Without proper notification, your credit card on file will be bill $500.
Where are you located?
Andersen Psychological Services, LLC is located in the HonorHealth medical complex off of the 101 and Shea Blvd in Scottsdale, AZ. You can also get directions to the office via Google My Business.
Our mailing address is: P.O. Box #54554 Phoenix, AZ 85078