At Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC), we understand that seeking a psychological assessment for your child can raise many questions. Below, we've compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process.

General Information

How long does the assessment process take?

The assessment process involves several steps:

Intake Paperwork: Before scheduling, you'll complete a questionnaire to provide background information about your child. You will also be asked to upload any prior evaluation reports from psychologists, doctors, psychiatrists, or other assessors to help with your evaluation. For school-based evaluations, records can be requested from school district records offices.
Caregiver Interview: An initial interview with caregivers to discuss concerns and developmental history.
Caregiver/Informant Questionnaires: Psychologist will send caregivers and other informants (such as teachers) standardized assessment questionnaires to complete.
Testing Sessions: One to two sessions where your child will complete standardized assessments.
Feedback Session: A meeting typically scheduled to review the written report - approximately 4-6 weeks after testing

The entire process, from the initial interview to diagnosis, typically spans 6-8 weeks.

My child was just assessed last year. Should they come back in for an annual update?

We do not recommend annual re-evaluations. We recommend re-evaluating your child every 3-5 years, unless there are significant changes in their emotional or behavioral adjustment, or a provider is recommending a targeted (i.e., non-comprehensive) evaluation. If your child was evaluated within the last 3-5 years, ACGC will request that you share a copy of the previous evaluation report(s). This is to ensure that there is an accurate review of your child's history, and to prevent unintentionally using a measure your child was already given before. If it was a school-based evaluation (e.g., an "IEP"), you can request these documents from the school or school district. If it was an evaluation completed with a psychologist or psychiatrist, please contact their office for a copy of the previous evaluation report.

What's the difference between a neuropsychological, psychological, psychoeducational, and comprehensive psychological evaluation?

These terms are sometimes used to describe evaluations that target different areas, and sometimes they are used interchangeably. Comprehensive psychological evaluations, which ACGC provides, cover areas of cognitive, attention/executive functioning, academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. These evaluations may also include additional neuropsychological measures (e.g., assessing memory or visual-motor integration). A neuropsychological evaluation is similar to a comprehensive psychological evaluation, but is usually conducted by a psychologist who specializes in neuropsychology. These specialists can also provide more in-depth interpretations of neurocognitive differences and assess for brain-related concerns such as dementia or traumatic brain injuries.

Eligibility & Referrals

Who can refer my child for an assessment?

We accept self referrals and referrals from licensed physicians, such as pediatricians or primary care providers.

Do both parents need to give permission for the assessment?

Yes. If both parents have legal rights regarding medical decisions, we require written consent from both parents before proceeding with the evaluation.

The Assessment Process

Will my child receive a diagnosis?

If appropriate, the assessment may result in a diagnosis that helps guide treatment and support services. However, a diagnosis is not always necessary or the primary goal of the evaluation.

Insurance & Payment

Will my insurance cover all of the assessment process?

Insurance plans vary with what areas they cover for testing. It will be important for you to check with your individual plan to see what coverage you/your child will have. Ask your insurance about coverage for the billing codes used during testing, including 90791, 91630, 96131, 96136, and 96137. If we are not in network with your insurance, we can provide superbills that you can use to submit to your insurance for out-of-network coverage (if that is part of your plan).

Please note that testing may not be covered by insurance if there is no diagnosis, and academic testing may not be covered by insurance (if it is the primary diagnosis), so if you believe an academic diagnosis will be the primary, it may be better to pursue these types of evaluations through the school for school-aged children.

Please see this link for resources for requesting an evaluation through the school.