PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL/ACADEMIC EVALUATIONS
(Used when the question is primarily educational.)

Full Psychoeducational Evaluation: This includes an IQ and Achievement battery with AD/HD testing to assess for the possibilities of AD/HD and/or learning disabilities, combined with clinical interviewing to rule out the influence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions on educational abilities and performance.  A complete history is also taken to identify any possible medical conditions that might be affecting educational abilities and performance. Collateral contacts will also be interviewed, such as teachers. A school observation of the child or school visit with teachers and/or school counselors may be helpful in some cases. Resulting report meets all NC state requirements, should report be used within educational institutions to qualify the client for any special services. If you suspect AD/HD or ‘ADD’, this evaluation is used to test for AD/HD and determine a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, all types (hyperactive, inattentive, or combined).

IQ & Achievement Battery / LD Screening / Gifted Screening: This includes an IQ test and Achievement test, which will provide in-depth information on several factors of intelligence (such as factual knowledge, short-term memory, abstract reasoning, visual-spatial abilities, and common sense), academic strengths and weaknesses, mastery of specific subjects, and the likely presence of a learning disability. Collateral contacts may also be interviewed, such as teachers. A school observation of the child or school visit with teachers and/or school counselors may be helpful in some cases.

IQ Testing only: This includes the Wechsler Intelligence Test IV, the standard in assessing IQ, which will provide in-depth information on several factors of intelligence (such as factual knowledge, short-term memory, abstract reasoning, visual-spatial abilities, and common sense), and on academic strengths and weaknesses. The results are also used by some educational programs as one component utilized in determining the “gifted” label. At the other end of the spectrum, the results can also identify mental retardation. **We also have the Universal Nonverbal  IQ Test, which can be used with children who do not speak English well, or are deaf or mute.**

Achievement Testing only: This includes the Woodcock Johnson III (WJ-III), the standard in assessing academic achievement, which will provide in-depth information on a child’s mastery of specific subjects and on academic strengths and weaknesses.

Readiness for Kindergarten: To determine early entry for Kindergarten.

Comprehensive Assessment of Functioning (School Success Screening): A quick and affordable screening tool; in just 45-60 minutes screen for red flags and strengths in all major areas: cognitive/academic, emotional, social, and developmental.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
(Used when the question is primarily one of mental health.)

Full Psychological Evaluation: This includes cognitive, emotional and personality testing, and provides in-depth information on an individual’s functioning in all three of these areas. It is useful to help understand what a person is thinking and feeling, their underlying personality structure, cognitive strengths and limitations, coping skills or areas of weakness in coping, and why a person behaves as he or she does. In clinically complex cases and/or cases in which it is hard for a person to get in touch with or articulate what the problem is he or she is experiencing, a full psychological evaluation can be an invaluable resource for providing diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations.

Abbreviated Psychological Evaluation: This includes emotional and personality testing, and provides in-depth information on an individual’s functioning in both of these areas. It is useful to help understand what a person is thinking and feeling, their underlying personality structure, coping skills or areas of weakness in coping, and why a person behaves as he or she does. If previous cognitive testing exists, or if it seems fairly certain that cognitive issues do not bear on the case, an abbreviated psychological evaluation can be an invaluable resource for providing diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations.

MMPI only: The most widely used and widely researched test of adult and adolescent psychopathology. A self-report measure used to screen for clinical and psychosocial disorders. Questions on the MMPI are designed to evaluate the thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and behavioral traits that comprise personality. The results of the test reflect an individual’s personality strengths and weaknesses. Can be a helpful adjunct to treatment planning in therapy.

Other psychological testing: In some instances, a single or minimum number of tests, such as one personality test, or depression and anxiety screens, may be quite useful in clarifying the diagnosis and thus aiding in treatment planning. Many of these tests are fairly brief.

FULL BATTERY (Combined full psychoed and full psychological)
(Used when there are combined concerns/possibilities of educational and mental health issues.)

Full Battery: This is the most comprehensive of testing, which combines a full psychological, a full psychoeducational, and a substance abuse evaluation. Testing can rule-out all possible cognitive/educational issues, all possible mental health concerns, and substance abuse.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATIONS
(Used when the question is primarily one of substance abuse.)

Juvenile Substance Abuse Evaluation: Clinical interview, SCID, and parent interview to determine or rule out any substance-related diagnosis and risk for future use. Gives clarity about whether substances are part of the child’s difficulties, and recommendations for level of treatment necessary to address any substance abuse. For families in crisis when they get to the point of requesting this, can be done in one session (~ 2½ hours) with focus on providing verbal guidance regarding treatment needs at the end of session. Can also include review of past records or more lengthy report if required by court or school.

Adult Substance Abuse Evaluation: Clinical interview and SCID to determine or rule out any substance-related diagnosis, risk for future use, and give treatment recommendations. Can be used by individuals to gain clarity on their substance abuse, or can be used if a substance abuse evaluation has been court-ordered or is being required by your employer or school. Results in verbal recommendations as well as any letter/report of results needed. Can also include review of past records or more lengthy report if required by court, employer or school.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS
(Used when the question is primarily one of court matters.)

We are a comprehensive forensic testing facility offering the full range of evaluations used in domestic, civil and criminal cases. Several of our clinical psychologists are also forensic psychologists who have been qualified as expert witnesses in court. Please click here for in-depth information on our FORENSIC EVALUATION SERVICES.

AT LEPAGE ASSOCIATES, WE HAVE ASSEMBLED A HIGHLY QUALIFIED
ASSESSMENT TEAM OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS:

Dr. Tina Lepage: Several years experience doing psychological, substance abuse, custody, and juvenile forensic evaluations for the schools, courts, community centers, and in private practice settings. Dissertation on custody evaluations. Expertise in diagnostic clarification in clinically complex cases in which there has been over-diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or an inability to diagnose. A Certified Juvenile Forensic Evaluator, trained by the University of Virginia Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy, one of the premier nationally recognized training institutes for forensics.

Dr. Nicole Imbraguglio: Extensive experience in conducting psychoeducational evaluations across the academic spectrum, to include evaluating for LD and AD/HD as well as gifted children. Also experienced in comprehensive psychological and behavioral assessments to aid in differential diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and determinations of adoption readiness. Has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient facilities, an emergency walk-in center, trauma clinics, college counseling centers, elementary and middle schools, and hospitals.

Dr. Katrina Kuzyszyn-Jones: Extensive psychological testing experience to include all areas noted above. Educational testing experience to include IQ, achievement, AD/HD, and LD evaluation. Forensic psychology training to include civil matters such as child custody, parental competency, and personal injury. Forensic evaluations for juveniles include risk assessments, competency, and insanity.

Dr. Colleen Hamilton: Child specialist with in-depth experience assessing children of all ages; through direct observation and/or parent descriptions of very young children, and testing with preschool children and older, assesses children ages birth through 18. Dr. Hamilton is one of few child psychologists specialized in the birth to preschool years as well as K-12 children. Extensive experience conducting trauma assessments, comprehensive psychological and behavioral assessments, and educational evaluations across the academic spectrum to include evaluating for LD and AD/HD as well as gifted children. Also experienced in adult trauma assessments and psychological testing for adults.

Dr. Molly Parks: Extensive experience conducting evaluations with both children and adults with complex clinical diagnoses in a variety of clinical settings. Dr. Parks has worked in the field of childhood speech and language pathology as well thus offers a uniquely informed attention to the more holistic needs of children struggling across multiple arenas in academic and school-based settings. Psychological testing experience includes assessing a wide range of behavioral and pathology-based issues, as well as conducting trauma evaluations for children to assess the effects of, and recommend treatment for, traumatic stress. Experience conducting both psychological and educational assessment with all ages. Educational testing experience includes assessing LD, AD/HD, and testing for giftedness.

Dr. Rhonda Karg: In-depth knowledge and experience in substance abuse assessment. In addition to her clinical work in substance abuse assessment, Dr. Karg continues to work as a researcher, studying the usefulness of various substance abuse assessment instruments and treatment programs / interventions.

Click here to go to Clinical Services / Therapy & Evaluation