FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Psycho-educational testing is conducted by a licensed or license-eligible professional to accurately assess a child’s cognitive and academic abilities. These results help to pinpoint strengths and areas of growth that play a crucial role in informing school based interventions. The goal? To create a customized roadmap for success at school, home, and beyond. 

Check out our blog on How Timely Psycho-Educational Evaluations Can Support Early Interventions:

Success Story: How a Psycho-educational Evaluation Helped A Student Get the Support Needed for ADHD Inattentive Type

We often hear from parents saying things like:

“My child works so hard but just isn’t getting it.”

“Their teacher mentioned something about focus issues—should I be worried?”

“Are they struggling, or are they just bored because they’re too advanced?”

If your child is having challenges (or seems to have hidden talents waiting to be unlocked), testing can give you answers and solutions.

We also invite you to explore one of our top resource:

Top 10 Signs Your Child May Need a Psycho-educational Evaluation

A licensed/certified psychologist, license-eligible clinician or a graduate level student in route to a higher degree may conduct a thorough review of the student’s education, social, and medical history, administers the evaluations, writes a report, and shares his or her findings with the parent.
Meet our team:Our Team

Step 1: Initial Consult: A discussion of your concerns, goals, and the testing process.

Step 2: Testing sessions. One-on-one sessions where your child completes various tasks, such as cognitive tests, academic assessments, and questionnaires.

Step 3: Parent & teacher input. Surveys or interviews to gather insights about your child’s behavior and performance in different settings.

Step 4: Results & recommendations. This is the big “a-ha!” moment where we share everything we’ve learned and how to help your child thrive. It typically includes a detailed explanation of results, diagnoses, and actionable recommendations.

Testing sessions are usually 4-6 hours for a Comprehensive Psycho-educational Evaluation. We know kids have limits, and we won’t push them past that! So, they will get as many breaks as they’d like. If the testing has to be administered over several days, that’s ok too. 

Other tests such as dyslexia, ADHD, and basic psycho-educational evaluations ranges from from 2-4 hours. 

From start to finish, the process takes about 2–4 weeks.

A lot! Below are some of the most commonly requested areas: 

• Learning profiles e.g. specific learning disability, dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia

• ADHD

• Autism spectrum challenges

• Anxiety or mood concerns

• Intellectual strengths (hello, gifted programs!)

We’ve got you covered! Our evaluations are often used to secure IEPs, 504 Plans, or accommodations for standardized tests (like extra time on the SAT). Schools and testing agencies respect our reports because they’re thorough and clear.

If you provide us with your insurance information, we’d be happy to check your eligibility for reimbursement, but please keep in mind that coverage is not guaranteed and the final determination for insurance reimbursement is determined by your insurance company.

You would still be required to pay for the service since we do not take insurance directly.

Once the testing session is completed, we will provide you with the necessary documents to seek reimbursement. 

We offer a flexible, no-interest payment plan, with no credit ding to see if you qualify. Many families also use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the cost.

Absolutely! Our reports are designed to make teachers and school staff say, “Got it!” Each report is carefully written to meet the requirements of school systems and provide actionable recommendations for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans. We are also happy to collaborate with your school team upon request.

Keep it simple and upbeat:
“We’re going to meet someone who will play some fun games and puzzles with you to see how your brain works. It’s not a test you can pass or fail—it’s just to help us understand what you’re great at and where you might need help.”

Check our e-book, Smart Tips On How To Prepare A Child For A Psycho-Educational Evaluation. It has really great tips to help ease your child into the testing session. 

Yes, services are offered weekdays and weekends. 

After the evaluation, a 1 hour feedback meeting is scheduled with the parent to review the results. This can be done virtually or in-person. 

During the feedback session, we’ll review:

• Testing results and any diagnosis

• A clear explanation of your child’s strengths and challenges

• Practical recommendations for academic and emotional success

• Strategies for implementing the findings at school and home

You’ll also receive a Comprehensive Written Report for your records.

We only use high-quality, research-backed assessments to ensure accuracy and reliability in understanding your child’s needs. Most of our tools come from credible testing companies such as  Pearson, a trusted leader in psychological and educational testing. These tests are nationally recognized, scientifically validated, and widely accepted by schools, colleges, and other institutions.

Examples of tests we might use include in:

• WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children): Measures cognitive abilities.

• WIAT (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test): Assesses academic skills including reading, writing, and math.

• BASC (Behavior Assessment System for Children): Evaluates emotional and behavioral functioning.

• KTEA (Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement): Another tool for academic assessment.

• Conners-4: Screens for attention and executive functioning challenges, including ADHD.

We carefully select the tests based on your child’s specific concerns and goals, ensuring every assessment is tailored to their unique needs. You can trust that our process meets the highest professional standards!

The most reliable predictive age for a gifted evaluation is around age 6. Generally, between age 6-8 intelligence scores are relatively stable. Since the scores tend to stabilize then, anytime after between and after this age range is good.

If the parents are divorced or separated, the presenting parent must have legal custody and/or tie-breaking decision making authority for the child’s healthcare or education. A copy of the divorce decree may be requested.

In some cases, written consent from both parents may be required unless the custody decree specifies otherwise.

Our evaluations are conducted for educational purposes only and are not intended for use in custody disputes or legal proceedings.

We reserve the right to notify the non-presenting parent about the evaluation, even if the presenting parent has sole or tie-breaking decision-making authority.

For further details or questions about our policies, feel free to contact us directly.

Absolutely! You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for psychoeducational testing, as these evaluations are considered qualified medical expenses.

We accept HSA/FSA debit cards through our secure payment processor. You can simply use your card as you would a regular credit or debit card at the time of payment.

At The Mind Center for Kids, psychoeducational evaluations are comprehensive assessments that examine a child’s cognitive abilities, academic skills, attention, behavior, and social emotional functioning. These evaluations help determine whether a student qualifies for special education services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

By identifying learning disabilities, attention challenges, or other educational needs, the evaluation provides essential information for developing appropriate supports and accommodations. When necessary, additional assessments such as neuropsychological or psychiatric evaluations may be recommended to gain a more complete understanding of the child’s profile.

IEP eligibility is based on multiple sources of information, not a single report. Schools also consider classroom performance, standardized test results, teacher input, and relevant records. Once the evaluation is complete, the IEP team reviews the findings and determines the services and supports that best meet the child’s needs.

The Mind Center for Kids is the right place to get ADHD testing for children in the Washington, DC area. The center provides comprehensive evaluations designed to identify attention, learning, and behavioral challenges through standardized testing, clinical interviews, and detailed feedback for families.

These assessments help parents understand their child’s strengths and needs while guiding school accommodations and next-step support. Families can contact the center directly to learn about scheduling, evaluation scope, and whether in-person or virtual options are appropriate.

At The Mind Center for Kids, we focus on the complex emotional and behavioral needs that arise throughout childhood and adolescence. Our therapy services offer a structured yet compassionate setting where children and teens can better understand themselves, develop healthy coping strategies, and gain the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges successfully.

Our experienced clinicians use evidence-based and developmentally appropriate methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play-based interventions, mindfulness training, and family therapy to support concerns including anxiety, ADHD, depression, behavioral challenges, peer conflict, and major life transitions. We are committed to empowering children with practical tools, emotional insight, and confidence that lasts beyond therapy.