Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations at MCG

We want you to succeed at MCG.  We work with children, adolescents, and adults to determine the evaluation questions. Our evaluations create a comprehensive picture of the examinee by elucidating their unique learning, social, and emotional profiles. The examinee's strengths and weaknesses are identified clearly, which allows us to create a plan for their success.  We believe you or your child can have a happy, fulfilling life; this is not dependent on learning, processing, or communication difficulties. Our doctorate-level neuropsychologists evaluate examinees and explain evaluation results in jargon-free language.  We will highlight strengths and weaknesses and collaboratively create a plan based on the results.   We will set concrete goals and make relevant recommendations to attain them.

An evaluation has six primary parts:

Initial Consultation, Information Gathering, Evaluation, Giving Feedback, Implementing Recommendations, & Follow-up

1. Initial Consultation: We meet with the examinee and/or their guardian* in order to discuss the primary concerns, collect relevant background information, and collaboratively create specific goals for the evaluation.

2. Information Gathering: We contact other professionals and relevant parties working with the examinee in order to develop a thorough understanding of them.  This may include the examinee's: psychotherapist, psychiatrist, education providers, physician, etc. 

3. Evaluation: The formal evaluation includes the administration of a uniquely tailored test battery and a clinical interview. Specific psychometric and psychological tests are chosen and administered to the examinee to assess all of the primary aspects of cognitive functioning, as well as emotional and personality characteristics and behavior, if necessary.

4. Giving Feedback: The feedback session is a time when the evaluator meets with the examinee and/or their guardian* to discuss the evaluation results and review recommendations. We work together in this meeting to develop a specific plan based on the information provided by the evaluation. We will also provide age-appropriate feedback to the examinee to help them understand how this information is relevant and maybe be useful to their life.  Finally, if appropriate, the evaluator will consult with other professionals who may be working with the examinee (see #2 above).

5. Recommendations: The central component of the evaluation process is to generate recommendations based on the evaluation results, and implement them appropriately.  This is a unique process for each examinee. Drs. Solodyna and Treiber take an active approach to helping the examinee and/or their guardians identify and implement the recommended strategies, supports, and resources.  

6. Follow-up: After the feedback session, a follow-up meeting is often scheduled two to three months later.  This is a time to discuss and assess progress and to review and update recommendations.

What Evaluations Can Do for You at MCG

Our evaluations may assess: 

  • Intelligence/IQ

  • Executive Control functions, such as: problem-solving, planning, starting tasks, shifting tasks, impulse control, emotional regulation, and behavioral control. 

  • Attention

  • Learning

  • Memory

  • Processing and Production speed

  • Language

  • Visual and Spatial skills

  • Motor functions

  • Academic achievement

  • Social functioning

  • Emotional functioning

  • Adaptive skills

  • Cognitive strengths and weaknesses

  • How your child learns best

 

Why would I need or want an evaluation?

Our evaluations can identify and diagnose:

  • Anxiety and OCD

  • Attention deficit disorders

  • Autism spectrum disorders

  • Neuro-developmental disorders

  • Depression

  • Dyslexia

  • Dementia

  • Gifted and talented

  • Learning disabilities

  • Social communication disorders

  • Social-emotional disorders

  • Nonverbal learning disorder

  • Post-concussive syndrome

  • Mood regulation difficulties

  • Reduced processing/production rates

  • Academic – extended time for college entrance exams

  • and, a variety of other conditions.
     

Common Evaluation Reasons Include:

  • Your child's academic or social/behavioral needs are not being met at school.

  • Anxiety may be impacting your ability to focus or adversely impacting your work. 

  • You wonder if you have attentional issues (like AD/HD) or  have been having difficulty concentrating.

  • Would psychotherapy be most beneficial? Which kind of therapy?  How about medication? Both therapy and medication?

  • You've noticed behavioral difficulties in your child, such as difficulty interacting with peers, adults, and making friends.

  • Developmental concerns across the lifespan – speech/motor/social delays in childhood, memory and cognitive decline in older adults.

  • The need for an assessment to determine "gifted" or "exceptional"  students.

  • Determining the unique learning capabilities –and challenges– of students who are not eligible for special education services. 

  • Elucidating whether or not you qualify for accommodations (e.g. extended time) on standardized tests like the SAT, The ACT, GRE, etc.

  • Physical health changes – a concussion, brain injury, a major illness, medication side effects, etc. – adversely impacting your loved one's life.

  • Does my child have dyslexia? 

  • My child's pediatrician recommended we seek testing and advice because he is exhibiting some problem behaviors.

  • School admission testing (WISC-IV/WISC-V, WAIS-IV) pre-requisite for many private and/or independent schools.  

  • Why do I keep having problems in my intimate relationships? Why can't I "keep" a relationship?

  • Expert treatment planning recommendations requested by health providers and support persons for persons with disabilities.  

  • Are my parent's mental changes related to a normal process of aging, mild cognitive impairment, or the onset of dementia?

  • I need a second opinion; I don't think my child truly has AD/HD, etc. 

  • Disability evaluation testing

What to Expect at MCG: Your Evaluation Journey

Scheduling

Please use the online form, email, or call us to schedule an appointment.  We can usually book appointments within 2 – 4 weeks of your call.
 

What to do BEFORE the Evaluation

After the evaluation is scheduled, you’ll receive a packet of forms that you can download and complete online or receive by mail to complete. You’ll be asked to provide relevant background information and to discuss the reason(s) for seeking the evaluation.  Additionally, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your evaluation request.  The purpose of a pre-scheduled follow-up appointment is to give you the peace of mind in knowing that the evaluation is time-limited and you will not have to tolerate not knowing when you'll receive the results.  

Most importantly, make sure you or your child is well-rested the day of the evaluation.  Get a good night's sleep!
 

What to do THE DAY OF the evaluation

Please eat a healthy breakfast.  It is best to avoid caffeine, excessive sugar/processed foods, and any other specific recommendations MCG may suggest prior to the evaluation.  The length of the evaluation session that day depends upon the type of evaluation being performed and other client factors.  Your evaluator will discuss this with you. Generally, appointments begin at 9 am. 
 

What to Expect AFTER the evaluation

Your or your child's testing responses will be carefully scored and interpreted, in accordance with scientific and professional norms.   This feedback session is usually scheduled within 2-3 weeks of the final testing session date.  You will meet directly with the evaluator who provided the assessment.  They will discuss the testing results with you and provide recommendations based on the testing, as well as answer any questions you might have.  

Following this feedback session, your evaluator will prepare a written report of your or your child’s evaluation.  This will include a narrative discussion of the testing results, an appendix of testings results (where applicable), and specific recommendations.  A copy of this written report can be sent to third parties (e.g. psychotherapist, special education department, psychiatrist) at your discretion and with a signed Release of Information.  

The purpose of evaluation is to help provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual from a cognitive, learning, emotional, social, and developmental perspective within the context of their history and environment. This information is used to help develop a detailed plan of action, identify specific strategies and resources, and provide information that can be used to help them identify and reach their individual goals and ultimately begin working toward their full potential. The results can also be useful for other professionals who may be working with the individual.

Types of evaluations at MCG: Find the right fit for you

We Offer A Variety Of Evaluation Types, such as:

1.  Psychological evaluations

2.  Neuropsychological evaluations

3.  Educational/academic evaluations

4.  Intelligence testing

5. Gifted assessment

6.  Substance Use evaluations

7.  AD/HD and Dyslexia evaluations

8.  OCD evaluations

9.  Veteran Disability evaluations

10.  Workers' Compensation evaluations

11. Second opinions on evaluations done by other, non-affiliated providers

12. Personality assessments

And more per request and within the scope of our practice.