Understand how your child learns, thinks, feels, and functions

A comprehensive psychological evaluation can clarify ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, learning differences, behavior concerns, and more.

Is your child struggling at school, having trouble focusing, melting down more often, feeling constantly anxious, or falling behind in ways you cannot fully explain?

Evaluation

Does your toddler have big feelings, behavior challenges, trouble in preschool, or developmental concerns?

You deserve answers—and support. A comprehensive psychological evaluation can provide a deep understanding of how your child is thinking, learning, feeling, and functioning, so you can make informed decisions about treatment, school support, and daily life.

This evaluation goes far beyond a brief screening. It includes standardized psychological testing and input from parents, teachers, and other important adults in your child’s life when appropriate. We look closely at a variety of concerns such as ADHD, learning differences, executive functioning, anxiety, depression, behavior and emotional challenges, and relational and social-emotional functioning. The result is a comprehensive picture of your child’s current functioning, challenges, strengths, and treatment needs.

When families seek a psychological evaluation

Parents often pursue a psychological evaluation when daycare or school concerns are growing, previous treatment is not fully helping, diagnoses feel unclear, or they need documentation to support appropriate accommodations. It can also be helpful when a child is bright but still struggling, when medication decisions feel uncertain, or when families want to better understand how their child’s brain works.

For younger children, parents may notice aggression, tantrums, clinginess, sleep or eating problems, withdrawal, trouble adjusting to school, developmental concerns, or have questions about emotional well-being or behavioral functioning.

Gettings answers now can make a meaningful difference: early identification leads to earlier support and better outcomes.

What to expect from a psychological evaluation

Psychological testing is a structured process in which a licensed psychologist administers standardized, validated measures to evaluate a child’s cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, personality, behavior, and/or neuropsychological abilities.

Results are interpreted within the context of clinical interviews, history, and other relevant data to inform diagnoses, treatment planning, educational placement, or other clinical and functional determinations.

At Sheppard Pratt, we evaluate children with a wide variety of concerns, including, but not limited to, learning differences/disabilities, ADHD and executive function difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, mood disorders, and adjustment challenges. Testing Time

Psychological evaluations typically occur over 3-6 hours across 1-2 testing days; the testing activities typically begin in the morning and end in the afternoon
Length of the evaluation is dependent on the child’s age
Your child will take breaks as needed (e.g., to drink water, eat snacks, play games, use the bathroom, check in with parents/caregivers)
A 1-hour lunch break is scheduled if testing in one day
The psychology examiners discuss with you any additional supports or accommodations your child needs to complete the testing activities comfortably

Report

Following testing, parents attend a feedback appointment during which evaluation results and recommendations are carefully discussed and caregivers’ questions answered. A formal written report is provided in a timely manner.

The process is thorough but designed to move efficiently. Our goal is to complete the evaluation within about two weeks from start to finish—meaning you get answers, fast. Families receive a comprehensive written report that can support treatment planning, school accommodations, and next steps in care.

How a psychological evaluation can help

Why should you consider a psychological evaluation for your child? A psychological evaluation can help to:

Clarify diagnoses and better understand overlapping concerns
Provide clear insight into developmental, emotional, and behavioral concerns
Identify learning, attention, mood, behavior, and executive functioning needs to support intervention
Support 504 plans, IEP discussions, and school accommodations
Guide treatment planning, including therapy approaches and medication decisions
Help parents gain confidence in how to best support their child

Pricing and payment

The fee for a psychological evaluation at Sheppard Pratt for children eight and older is $5,000; the fee for children seven and younger is $3,000. This fee is all-inclusive; payment is due at the time services are rendered.

As a private pay program, we do not participate with insurance. We can provide superbills upon request that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement of out-of-network services.

We have the flexibility to consult with others in your child’s life—including pediatricians, teachers, coaches, and other family members—and conduct any tests we feel are necessary to help us arrive at a diagnosis and path forward for your child. We are unencumbered by prior authorizations or what insurance does or does not cover—meaning you get answers, faster.

Frequently asked questions

What does a psychological evaluation assess?

Depending on your child’s needs, testing may look at thinking, reasoning, and learning skills, attention, executive functioning, mood, behavior, and social-emotional functioning.

Can this evaluation help with school support?

Yes. A comprehensive report may help inform school accommodations and treatment planning.

Why choose a psychological evaluation instead of a diagnostic evaluation?

If you need a more complete understanding of your child’s functioning, a psychological evaluation provides much more detailed, comprehensive information.

What age do you start evaluating children?

We conduct evaluations for infants; the Center for Youth evaluates children of all ages.

Can an early evaluation really make a difference?

Yes. Getting answers early allows families to access the right supports sooner, which often improves outcomes—not just for the child, but for the whole family.

How much does a psychological evaluation cost?

The evaluation fee includes multiple sessions—an initial meeting with the parents, one to two in-depth testing sessions (each approximately two to three hours) with the child, and a written report. The fee also includes coordination with other important people in the child’s life, such as teachers, coaches, and other family members.

For children 7 and under, the psychological evaluation is $3,000.

For children 8 and older, the psychological evaluation is $5,000.

One of the benefits of a private pay approach is that we have the flexibility to use all measures available to us to form a well-rounded picture of your child. We are also able to move quickly; we aim to complete an evaluation in just two weeks.

Are psychological evaluation sessions in person or virtual?

All testing sessions are in person. The initial parent meeting and comprehensive feedback meeting can both be held virtually.

[call to action] A psychological evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of your child’s thinking, learning, social, emotional, behavioral, and personality development. Connect with our team to schedule an evaluation today.