Testing Process
All of our processes have been designed to prioritize the mental health and well-being of your child and family! Our collaborative testing process ensures that we meet your needs while maintaining open communication throughout so we may adapt if those needs change. Results of the testing process are delivered promptly, ensuring your child receives support without delay, paving the way for their success. Take a look at our testing process:
1.
Intake Appointment
The intake appointment gives your provider a comprehensive understanding of your referral concerns, allowing them to tailor the assessment to meet your unique needs. We'll discuss medical, academic, social/emotional, and behavioral history, address any recent concerns, and align on assessment goals. Your provider will outline the testing process, ensuring it meets your approval before scheduling testing dates.
02.
Testing
At the conclusion of the intake appointment, you and your provider will schedule testing dates. Testing takes place in the office with ample time and consideration dedicated to ensuring the environment is comfortable.
You may also be asked to complete questionnaires that provide valuable information and support accurate diagnoses and tailored recommendations.
03.
Scoring, Data analysis, & Report writing
Once all data is collected, your provider will meticulously review, score, and analyze information from gathered from interviews, behavioral observations, standardized assessments, and questionnaires. This comprehensive data will be compiled into a formal report detailing your unique profile and any associated diagnoses. Evidence-based recommendations for support across settings will be provided, ensuring you feel confident in your path forward.
04.
Feedback
At the feedback session, we provide you with a comprehensive report, allowing us to review the gathered data, discuss overall impressions, and collaboratively develop a plan for implementing recommendations. Rest assured, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way on this journey!
Testing Packages
- Quality assessments with a clear process so you can focus on what matters most -
Testing services at McKee Collaborative Therapy are uniquely crafted for each person to address specific concerns. Our transparent testing packages ensure a hassle-free experience without any surprise charges so you can start the journey towards understanding your or your child's needs with clarity and peace of mind.
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ADHD/Executive Functioning
One of the challenges in diagnosing ADHD lies in its overlapping symptoms with other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and learning disorders. As a result, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning. The testing process involves a thorough assessment of the child's cognitive, attentional, emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning across multiple settings. Through testing, psychologists can identify specific areas of difficulty, rule out other potential causes of symptoms, and tailor interventions to meet each child's unique needs. Identification and intervention not only alleviate symptoms but also promote long-term academic, social, and emotional success.
2
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism testing provides clarity and understanding, whether for children, adolescents, or adults. Early diagnosis helps children access vital supports and services that support skills building and greater independence as they grow and develop. For teens and adults, testing offers a deeper understanding of oneself, a foundation for self-advocacy, and insights to foster success and well-being in daily life.
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The evaluation process examines key areas such as social communication, sensory sensitivities, and adaptive functioning through standardized assessments, observations, and developmental histories. This process celebrates individuality, equipping families and individuals with the knowledge and resources to thrive in neurodivergent-affirming ways.
3
Psychoeducational
Psychoeducational testing allows for evaluation and diagnosis of a variety of concerns that impact individuals in an educational setting, such as learning difficulties, attentional issues, behavioral challenges, or social-emotional concerns. School systems provide psychoeducational testing, but they are not able to evaluate or diagnose mental health concerns that impact functioning in school (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, autism, etc.), which is critical for appropriate intervention.
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The testing process involves evaluation of cognitive ability, academic achievement, memory, and social-emotional functioning. As a result, this testing provides valuable insights into each person's strengths and support needs, leading to accurate diagnoses (if applicable) and access to tailored interventions at home and school to optimize educational, social, and emotional well-being.
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Psychological
Whereas psychoeducational testing emphasizes academic ability and functioning within an educational setting, psychological testing evaluates various aspects of an individual's mental health, cognitive abilities, and emotional functioning. By using standardized tests and assessments, psychological testing comprehensively explores aspects of each person's intelligence, personality, and emotional well-being. Participating in psychological testing can help identify strengths to highlight at home and school as well as areas that might benefit from an alternative approach, like exploring a new parenting style, or guided intervention, such as individual therapy.
Just for Kids
At McKee Collaborative Therapy, we believe that sharing aspects of the test results with children and adolescents helps to remove stigma, validates their experiences, and promotes understanding and self-awareness. Our goal throughout the testing process is to help kids feel empowered to actively engage in their journey, building confidence and resilience along the way. We have proudly crafted additional service options designed to do just that!
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Child-Focused Report
This report is written TO and FOR your child! We take information gathered from the testing process and boil it down to a conceptual level, highlighting your child's unique strengths as well as areas that they may have noticed are difficult for them. We carefully consider your child's age, mental health, history, and personality to give them a tailored experience that is informative and shows them how wonderfully unique they are! The end result is an accessible (and fun!) document designed to support their understanding of themselves so they can kickstart their mental health journey feeling empowered!
2
Child-Focused Feedback
Want to share test results with your child but aren't sure how? It can be tricky! We understand the importance of providing them with valuable information about themselves while avoiding any feelings of stigma or self-consciousness. Our child-focused feedback sessions are designed to support you in sharing test results and relevant diagnostic information effectively.
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You and your provider will work together to structure this feedback to meet your child's unique needs. Typically, these sessions include the child, parents, and the provider. Your provider can lead the session with your input, ensuring the information is communicated clearly and sensitively. Alternatively, if you prefer to share the results directly with your child but want support, your provider can be present to offer clarification so you can feel confident in the information you are sharing.
Preparing Your Child for Testing
Before your child visits us for their testing appointments, it is a good idea to have a conversation with them about what their office visit will entail. Families are encouraged to highlight that everyone is unique and that means everyone's brain works differently. That's what makes the world such an amazing, diverse place! Your child will be engaging in a variety of activities that will give us more information about how their brain works, including their specific strengths and areas where we can support them. Some of the activities look similar to what they might do in school, and many of the activities are fun! Different things they might do include puzzles, riddles, and answering questions about themselves. Reassure them that you have already spoken with their psychologist and that they are excited to meet and get to know your child - because we are!
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As with everything at McKee Collaborative Therapy, we encourage your child to ask questions and make their opinion and needs known throughout the testing process. We are so happy when our clients take ownership of their journey! Their questions and curiosity will be met with warmth and empathy, and we will do our best to help alleviate any anxieties they might have about the process.
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Similar to preparing for a test at school, ensure your child gets a good night's rest before the appointment and eats a balanced breakfast on the day of the visit. They should take their regular medications unless the psychologist has provided different instructions. They may bring a water bottle and some snacks to help keep their energy levels stable throughout the morning.