Evaluations for what?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Anxiety, ADHD, Learning disorders including dyslexia and math disability, and other concerns. 

I also provide adaptive testing for developmental disability services, IQ testing for school admissions, as well as college accommodations evaluations.

Why would we want an evaluation?

Is your child or teen struggling in school, with peers, or has there been a change in their mood or daily behavior? Do they seem more frustrated, sad, discouraged, or disconnected? Are they struggling to find their place and people?

I can offer insight and ways to support your child or teen at home, with friends, and at school. I consider the whole person and try to understand a person's strengths, what they are communicating, and how to meet their needs from a practical perspective. I embrace diversity while also recognizing the need to advocate for supports in a world that is not yet built for everyone.  

What is the goal of evaluation? 

The goal of my evaluation is to answer questions about why your child is struggling in an area and offer resources and strategies to help them be their happiest and best self. There is often a diagnosis, but sometimes there is not.  Either way, I will do my very best to answer your questions and will provide recommendations for your concerns. Many people are neurodiverse and identify with a particular community, but may not meet current criteria for a formal diagnosis at this time. An evaluation does not guarantee a diagnosis, particularly given the nature of development and how many disorders unfold over time. The goal is always to better understand needs and strengths and figure out how to provide support so they can lead a happier life.

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Neurodiversity-affirming care

I embrace that the concept of "disorder" is not a fair nor accurate picture of the full range of wonderful neurodiversity in the world. However, I also recognize that from a practical standpoint, a formal diagnosis is needed to access necessary services and supports. I am happy to meet you where you are.

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Please contact me if you have questions or to schedule a free brief phone consult. The best way to reach me is by email at sam@piperchildpsychology.com

My email system is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant.

You can also call 303.223.4186, Extension 2

Evaluations are self-pay only so I can have the clinical freedom to decide what may be most helpful for a client based on my professional training and judgement, not based on insurance restrictions. I am Out of Network for all insurances which means I do not contract with or bill insurance.  Insurance typically will not pay for learning evaluations, evaluations for certain diagnoses, or academic testing. There are limits on how many hours of evaluation they will cover, regardless of what is actually needed. I will provide you with a Superbill with billing codes and any diagnostic codes at the end of the evaluation. You can submit it to your Health Savings Account or insurance to see if they will reimburse you directly for any portion. You may wish to contact your insurance ahead of time to see what percentage they might cover. (See questions to ask your insurance below.)

A deposit equal to half the package fee is due at the initial appointment and the remainder is due at the feedback appointment.  I take checks or credit cards. There is a 2.6% discount for checks. 

I offer a package fee for evaluations. Most of my evaluations are considered Comprehensive Evaluations. I provide a Good Faith Estimate upfront in compliance with the Federal No Surprises Act. 

If you are seeking a targeted re-evaluation or college accommodations evaluation, we can discuss whether a Focused Evaluation might suit you better. 

For IQ testing only for school admissions or other brief testing, it is charged at the hourly rate and I can provide an estimate after we discuss what is required.  

A Consultation or Records Review appointment is also an option to decide next steps. 

*For children and adults who have an existing diagnosis of Autism, Intellectual Disability, or Neurodevelopment disorder: I offer Adaptive testing only (Vineland-3 or ABAS-3) for continuation of developmental disability services.

I provide adult autism evaluations on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your needs.

To better understand your options, see Evaluation Types/Fee structure.

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Consultations offered:

• Review of outside test records for interpretation or consultation

• Interview and guidance on next steps based on concerns

• Complex differential diagnosis case consultation for other psychologists

• Primary Care Provider consultations