Insights with Impact
Psychological assessments in California.
Psychological testing can help answer questions that previous therapy or medication evaluations haven't fully explained. Whether you're seeking diagnostic clarity, treatment recommendations, or a deeper understanding of yourself, our comprehensive assessments provide clear, actionable guidance for your next steps.
All assessments are conducted by clinicians with advanced training in psychological assessment and evidence-based diagnostic evaluation.
A psychological assessment may be right for you if...
You've been in therapy but still feel stuck
You've received different diagnoses from different providers
Medication hasn't helped as expected
You're seeking a second opinion
You want diagnostic clarification
You want clear treatment recommendations
You simply want to understand yourself more deeply
What to Expect
Clinical
Interview
Testing
Sessions
Report
Writing
Feedback
Session
Why Complete a Psychological Assessment?
People often ask, "If I'm already in therapy, why would I need an assessment?"
One way to think about it is this:
Why do we ask people to take a driving test before giving them a driver's license?
When asked this question, most people laugh and say something like, "Because someone might say they're a great driver, but actually be a terrible driver."
Exactly.
It's not that we assume people are being dishonest. Rather, there's an important difference between what we believe we do and what we actually do. Self-report is incredibly valuable, but it tells only part of the story.
A psychological assessment adds another layer of understanding by collecting objective information about how you think, solve problems, remember information, process emotions, approach relationships, respond to stress, and much more. Rather than relying only on what is reported in conversation, assessment allows us to directly examine patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.
Therapy and assessment are complementary. Therapy helps us understand your experiences, relationships, and goals through ongoing conversation. Assessment combines that information with objective testing to provide a more complete picture. Together, they often lead to greater diagnostic clarity, more targeted treatment recommendations, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Therapy helps us understand your story. Assessment allows us to test our understanding of that story.
Sometimes an assessment confirms what you already suspected. Other times, it reveals a completely different picture—and that clarity can change the direction of treatment.
We understand that an assessment is an investment, both in terms of time and money. Below, you will find detailed information about our assessment services to help you make an informed decision on whether psychological assessment is right for you.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have about the process.
Assessment Services
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A Comprehensive Psychological Assessment is beneficial for individuals seeking a thorough evaluation of their current strengths and difficulties. A comprehensive assessment examines mood, attention, thought process, interpersonal styles, and other factors that may impact one’s well-being. We use an assessment “battery,” meaning several tests used in combination, to gain a well-rounded understanding of your strengths and difficulties. This information is then integrated and used to inform the diagnostic process and treatment recommendations. The goal of this assessment is to be thorough and set you up for as much success as possible with your next steps toward wellness. This comprehensive service typically includes:
Clinical Interview
Brief interviews with others, such as a parent or teacher, if clinically indicated
Review of relevant records
Administration of psychological tests
A detailed written report including test findings, implications of findings, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations
Meeting with the client to review the assessment findings
Feedback with provider(s) of your choice, if desired
During the Clinical Interview, we will spend, on average, one to two hours getting a thorough history. This includes going through your full social and medical history. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of who you are, the context of your experiences, and any problems or symptoms you have been struggling with.
Next, we will dive into testing. Specific assessments are selected based on your individual needs, symptoms, and goals. Many tests can be completed virtually, but others require in-person administration. We will conduct multiple tests together to gain a comprehensive understanding of your experiences and behaviors. We utilize a variety of assessments that are commonly used, reliable, and valid. A few of our most frequently used assessments include, but are not limited to:
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-3)
Rorschach Assessment Performance System (R-PAS)
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition (WAIS-5)
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)
Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS)
*Please note that at this time, we do not offer comprehensive neuropsychological or ADHD evaluations.
After testing is completed, your clinician will spend time scoring and interpreting the completed assessments. They will then write a comprehensive report that summarizes the Clinical Interview and the results of testing. The written report will focus on discussing the implications of the results and will include treatment recommendations.
Once the written report is prepared, we will schedule a session to review the results. The feedback session is usually 60 minutes. We will review the assessment findings together and allow ample time for you to have your questions addressed. You can also invite others to attend, such as a parent or loved one, if you would like. You will receive a copy of the written report. The report can be shared, as you see fit, to inform other treatments you engage in with therapists, psychiatrists, etc.
If you are unsure whether you want to move forward with a comprehensive assessment, we also offer an assessment consultation service.
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If you are looking for diagnostic clarity for yourself or a loved one regarding a psychosis-related diagnosis, such as schizophrenia, we can help. Through a thorough Clinical Interview and psychosis-specific assessments, we can help you get answers. In addition to the Clinical Interview and administration of assessments, we will review any medical records you provide or speak with other providers, at your request, for additional information. After all the data is collected, we will meet to discuss the results and recommended next steps. You will also be provided with a written report summarizing the findings and recommendations.
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This service is worth considering if you are unsure whether to engage in a Comprehensive Psychological Assessment. The consultation incorporates an abbreviated Clinical Interview, as well as the administration of assessment screening measures, if indicated. Relevant medical records may also be reviewed, if provided. Through this consultation process, we can provide further guidance on determining the next steps. You will receive a brief written report summarizing the consultation.
Our Approach
Many assessments focus primarily on assigning a diagnosis. Our goal is broader.
We integrate psychological testing, clinical interviewing, and your unique life history to understand not only what you're experiencing, but why.
By the end of the psychological evaluation process, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself, greater confidence in your diagnosis (or clarification when previous diagnoses don't fit), and concrete recommendations you can use immediately with your therapist, psychiatrist, physician, or other providers.
When appropriate, we are happy to collaborate with your therapist, psychiatrist, primary care physician, or other members of your treatment team to ensure your assessment meaningfully informs your ongoing care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does payment work?
Psychological evaluation services are billed at an hourly rate. The amount of time needed to complete an assessment varies depending on the referral question and testing needs.
To help you estimate cost, a Comprehensive Psychological Assessment typically takes approximately 15-20 hours to complete. An Assessment Consultation usually takes 2-3 hours. Psychosis Screening and Assessment varies the most, depending on whether you are looking for an initial screening or a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
Assessment Services with Connor Adams, PsyD, are billed at $425 per 60 minutes.
Assessment Services with Stephanie Stiavetti, AMFT, APCC, are billed at $225 per 60 minutes.
Assessment Services with Fay Hartje, LMFT, APCC, are billed at $225 per 60 minutes.
Please do not let financial constraints prevent you from seeking an assessment. We offer a limited number of sliding scale assessments, based on financial need. Please reach out to discuss.
Is this covered by insurance?
Our practice does not accept insurance. If your health insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, we can provide documentation (superbill) to submit for reimbursement. It is up to the client to determine if they are eligible for out-of-network coverage. Learn more about using out-of-network benefits here and on our FAQS page.
How can I use out-of-network benefits?
Many insurance plans offer reimbursement for out-of-network therapy. We recommend contacting your insurance company to ask about your mental health benefits, deductible, and reimbursement rates. We are happy to provide the documentation needed to submit claims.
Can I participate from anywhere in California?
Sometimes. Many components of psychological assessments can be completed virtually. However. select tests must be completed in person. During an initial consultation call, we can determine whether you may need in-person testing, depending on your goals for the assessment.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. All of our assessment services include a written report summarizing your history, assessment findings, diagnostic impressions, and individualized recommendations. Many clients choose to share this report with their therapist, psychiatrist, physician, school, or other providers.
Ready to take the next step?
Living with unanswered questions can be exhausting. Whether you're seeking clarity for yourself or someone you love, we're here to help you make sense of what you're experiencing and identify the best path forward.