Psychoeducational Evaluation
What is a psychoeducation evaluation?
In general, a psychoeducational evaluation typically answers the question, "Why is my child struggling in school" and provides direction on what to do about it (i.e., recommendations, interventions, Individualized Education Program [IEP], 504, etc.).
Who are psychoeducational evaluations best for?
A psychoeducational evaluation may be required to identify any combination of the following (or to rule out) Specific Learning Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and behavioral problems. A high-quality psychoeducational evaluation will address all of your questions pertaining to education and how to best assist your child. Psychoeducational evaluations are often more comprehensive than neuropsychological evaluations since psychoeducational evaluations often include teacher interviews, teacher rating scales, analysis of classroom data, and classroom observations, which neuropsychological evaluations typically do not include.
What is the difference between a school evaluation (MET) and a private evaluation?
The entry level degree for school psychologist is a master's degree versus a doctoral degree for licensed psychologists. School psychologists often evaluate specifically for special education eligibility, which is regulated by IDEA and ARS. Licensed psychologists typically use the DSM-5-TR for diagnostic decision making.
I (Dr. Andersen) am a school psychologist and licensed psychologist. In addition to evaluating individuals in my private practice, I also work in schools routinely conducting METs. So I am able to assess for clinical (DSM-5-TR) conditions as well as special education eligibility (IDEA).
Licensed psychologists in private practice can also conduct psychoeducational evaluation as a "second opinion," which is paid for by the school. This type of evaluation is called an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). The interested reader can refer to my service page and/or blog post regarding IEEs. And for licensed psychologists in private practice that conducts IEEs, it is of the upmost importance for them to be fluent in IDEA guidelines as well as state regulations (Arizona Department of Education) and statues (Arizona Revised Statues).
What Do You Receive with a Psychoeducational Evaluation?
Assessment
- Interview with the parent(s)/guardian(s) (~1 hour)
- IQ test (~1 hour) with a thorough examination of your child's cognitive processes
- Academic testing (~3 hours)
- Social/Emotional//Behavioral test (~1 hour)
Results
- Verbal Feedback (~1 hour) with practical school, home, and community based recommendations
- Dr. Andersen can also go over the results/diagnosis/feedback with your child upon request!
- Written Report (~10 to 15 pages) with diagnostic impressions and recommendations
This type of evaluation is typically conducted over 3-4 sessions. First, the initial parent-only interview. Second, Dr. Andersen will work directly with your child (typically over two sessions). Finally, the third session is to provide verbal feedback, at which time you will also receive a written report.
*An Autism evaluation can be added onto a psychoeducational evaluation. If this is done then add one hour onto the interview (i.e., ~2 hour interview) and potentially an additional day for face-to-face testing. Autism rating scales will be also administered, and additional communication & executive function testing will be performed.
Dr. Andersen can also participate in school meetings (e.g., MET, IEP, intervention and problem solving meetings, 504, FBA/BIP, etc.) upon request. Still have questions? Do no hesitate to reach out to use at 602.699.4543 (via phone or text) or info@andersenpsychology.com.