What to Expect From a Psychological Evaluation

Most people start looking into psychological testing because someone else brought it up. A teacher suggests an outside evaluation. A pediatrician wants a clearer picture. Or you've wondered for years whether the thing you call "just how I am" might actually be ADHD. A psychological evaluation is how you get a real answer, and the process is simpler than most people expect. Here's what it looks like at Fox Valley Institute, from the first phone call to the final report.

Testing and therapy are different things

Therapy is an ongoing relationship. You and your therapist meet over weeks or months and work toward goals you set together.

An evaluation is a defined project with a beginning and an end. A licensed psychologist gathers information through an interview and standardized tests, studies the results, and writes a report that explains what's going on and what to do next. Sometimes that leads into counseling. Sometimes the answer itself is what you needed.

What we test for

At Fox Valley Institute, evaluations commonly look at:

• Attention and focus, including ADHD. Along with traditional measures, we use the Attemo, a test that objectively measures attention and motor control.
• Autism spectrum concerns in children, teens and adults.
• Learning differences and giftedness.
• Mood and anxiety, when symptoms overlap and it isn't clear what's driving them.

The steps, start to finish

1. A phone call with our intake coordinators. Tell them what prompted the question. If a school or doctor asked for something specific, mention it. They'll check your insurance and get you scheduled.
2. A one-hour diagnostic interview. The psychologist learns your history, or your child's, and what's been happening day to day.
3. Testing. This usually takes about three to four hours and happens in person at our Naperville office. For children, sessions are broken into smaller pieces so they don't get worn out.
4. Scoring and the written report. This is the careful part. Reports are usually ready in about four to six weeks.
5. A one-hour feedback session. You sit down with the psychologist, go over the results in plain language, and talk about next steps. You won't get a report in the mail and be left to decode it.

Getting ready

There's nothing to study. A good night's sleep and a decent breakfast help. Bring snacks for breaks, a list of current medications, and any school reports or teacher notes if it's a school concern. Parents usually stay at the office while their child is tested.

And for kids, keep it light. Don't coach them on answers. Just let them know they're going to spend some time with someone who wants to understand how they think.

Not just for kids

Plenty of adults come in for testing. Some were never evaluated growing up and finally want answers. Others need documentation for college or workplace accommodations. If you've spent years wondering, it's never too late to find out.

If counseling is the next step

Because testing and counseling happen under the same roof, you don't have to start over somewhere new if the results point toward therapy. Our team of more than 35 licensed therapists and psychologists works with children, teens, adults, couples and families, and once you're matched with a therapist, you stay with that same person.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole evaluation take?
It usually includes a one-hour interview, about three to four hours of testing, and a one-hour feedback session. The written report is typically ready in four to six weeks.

Can psychological testing be done by telehealth?
No. All psychological testing at Fox Valley Institute is done in person at our Naperville office.

Can the results be shared with my child's school?
Yes. The written report explains the findings and gives practical recommendations, and with your permission it can be shared with your child's school or doctor.

Does insurance cover psychological testing?
It depends on your plan. Our intake coordinators check your coverage before anything is scheduled, so you know where you stand up front.

Ready to get answers?

Call us at (630) 718-0717 or send us a text through our website. Tell us what's going on, and our intake team will help you figure out which evaluation fits.