The Evaluation Process

Initial Consultation (optional) - Email me (mark@westerfieldpsych.com) or use the scheduling button at the bottom the page for a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about the assessment process and schedule your intake appointment.
Complete the Intake Packet - Once scheduled for an intake, I will send an intake questionnaire, informed consent forms, and exchange of information forms. You complete these forms prior to the intake appointment.
Intake Appointment - We meet to discuss your child’s history and your goals for an assessment. This meeting is for parents only and lasts for 60-90 minutes.

School Observation - For elementary age children, I may coordinate with you and your child’s teachers to arrange a time for me to observe them in school. School observations help me learn more about your child’s functioning in the classroom context.
Testing Sessions - Standardized tests are administered in 2-hour sessions over a number of days. For a typical comprehensive assessment, we will schedule 4 sessions, for a total of 8 hours of face-to-face testing. During these sessions, your child will complete tasks to assess their verbal skills, problem solving, processing, reading, writing, math, attention, memory, executive functioning, and mental health. I will ask your child some questions about school, hobbies, friendships, emotions, and family relationships.
Rating Scales - To gain an understanding of your child’s behavior in a variety of settings, parents and teachers complete standardized rating scales. Your child will also complete several questionnaires about their thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
Collateral Interviews - I will speak with teachers, educational specialists, executive functioning coaches, therapists, psychiatrists, tutors, or other providers involved in your child’s care.

Parent Conference - I meet with parents 1-2 weeks after the final testing appointment to share the results of the evaluation, diagnosis, and individualized recommendations. I will also make referrals to providers in the community if needed. This meeting is 60-90 minutes.
Child Feedback - I meet with your child (either alone or with parents) to educate them about how their brain is unique from a strength-based perspective. These feedbacks also allow the child to ask questions about the results and recommendations. For younger kids, I use the Brain Building Book, developed by my colleague Dr. Liz Angoff, to explain assessment results.

Written Report - Following the parent feedback, a comprehensive and detailed report is provided within 2 weeks, including: the purpose of the evaluation, background information, results of every test, summary, key strengths and areas for growth, and diagnoses. Detailed recommendations for educational accommodations and supports, evidence-based interventions, resources for parents and strategies to cope with challenges are also described. The written report can be used to pursue formal accommodations in school or standardized testing (SAT, ACT, etc.), and provides a road map to supporting your child in the coming years.

School Meetings - When requested, I will attend school meetings to present the findings of the assessment and advocate for appropriate supports or accommodations for your child. This includes IEP meetings, 504 meetings, or meetings with teachers and support staff at private schools.
Additional Consultation - I remain available after the assessment to answer any questions you may have after reading the report, and to ensure that you are able to access supports that will help your child find success and overall well-being. With your permission, I will also speak with school staff, tutors, therapists, or other professionals involved in your child’s care.