When a child is struggling at school, at home or with friends, parents and teachers often have more questions than answers. Is it attention? A learning difference? Anxiety? The effects of something that happened? A comprehensive psychological assessment looks at your child’s cognitive, academic, emotional, behavioral and social functioning as a whole, so you get clear answers and a practical plan.

When to consider an assessment

Families often seek an evaluation when a child:

• Has trouble paying attention, staying organized or finishing work
• Is falling behind in reading, writing or math despite extra help
• Has big emotional reactions, worries or mood changes
• Shows behavior problems at school or home that aren’t improving
• May be gifted and seems bored or frustrated in class
• Needs documentation for an IEP, 504 plan or school accommodations
• Is showing changes after a stressful or traumatic experience

What the assessment includes

1. Clinical intake and developmental history. A meeting with parents to understand your concerns, your child’s history and goals for the evaluation.
2. Cognitive assessment. Reasoning, problem-solving, memory and processing speed.
3. Academic assessment. Reading, writing and math skills compared with age and grade expectations.
4. Attention and executive functioning. Focus, planning, organization and self-control.
5. Emotional and behavioral assessment. Mood, anxiety, behavior and the effects of stress or trauma, using child, parent and teacher input.
6. Social and adaptive functioning. Friendships, daily living skills and independence.
7. Feedback and recommendations. A meeting to walk through the results, plus a written report with specific recommendations for home, school and treatment.

Testing is spread across several sessions, and the written report is typically ready within 3 weeks after completion of the testing. Evaluations are billed at $200 to $250 per hour (→ Fees & Policies). Some insurance plans reimburse out-of-network testing; we provide documentation you can submit.

Why work with Dr. Hourmanesh

Dr. Hourmanesh holds a PhD in Psychology, a Master’s in Education, and the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, so she understands both the clinical picture and how schools use evaluation results. Her background in child trauma means emotional and behavioral concerns are interpreted in context, not just scored (→ About).

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from a school evaluation? School evaluations focus on eligibility for special education services. A private assessment looks more broadly at your child’s emotional, behavioral and cognitive profile, and you control who receives the report.

Can the assessment diagnose ADHD or a learning disability? Yes, when the results support it.  

How should I prepare my child? Tell them they’ll be doing puzzles, games and questions with a helper who wants to learn how they think. Make sure they’re rested and have eaten.

Get clear answers about your child. Request an evaluation or call (801) 441-8943.