Psychological Evaluations

A psychological evaluation is part of an overall assessment. This includes a clinical interview, a battery of cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and personality and psychopathology tests and self-report measures, a review of records, a collateral interview with family/friends/doctors/therapists, analysis of data, and report writing.

These evaluations are typically used to clarify diagnosis and guide treatment for therapeutic purposes (i.e., if you are in therapy). Clinical psychologists typically perform these types of evaluations. Psychologists will administer tests and measures for various issues related to an individual’s psychological, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Specifically, a clinical psychologist will select the appropriate tests based on the referral question. (Do I have Bipolar Disorder?)

Testing day is a long day. It is best to rest the night before. During the testing sessions, we will complete various tests that examine cognitive abilities, problem solving, verbal and nonverbal abilities, memory, attention and perhaps social perception and abilities. Individuals are encouraged to take breaks and can end testing at any time. They are also encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, and to bring snacks and drinks.

We are in network with Aetna, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, Highmark Health Options, and Medicare. Out-of-pocket costs vary by policy, so before anything is scheduled we look up your benefits and talk them through with you.

Whether a screening or a comprehensive evaluation is right for you is a clinical decision. Most insurance plans follow guidelines that consider a screening medically necessary and do not cover a full comprehensive evaluation. When insurance does not cover what is clinically recommended, or if you have no benefits or are out of network, we offer payment plans, sliding scale fees, and CareCredit.

From intake to feedback, the process usually takes about four to six weeks. Each evaluation answers a specific question, so the exact length varies, and Dr. Serravalle works to complete it as quickly as possible.

A comprehensive screening answers a focused question. A comprehensive evaluation looks at the full picture. Which one is right for you is a clinical decision, and Dr. Serravalle explains both in the Tuesday Q&A.

Most insurance plans consider a screening medically necessary and do not cover a full comprehensive evaluation. We will talk through your benefits and your options before anything is scheduled.

Similar to the psychological evaluation, the neuropsychological evaluation is part of an overall assessment. However, there are a few differences here. First, the psychologist conducting the neuropsychological evaluation must be specifically trained in neuropsychological tests and measures.

At a minimum, they are licensed psychologists in their state and can practice independently and hold the equivalent of two full-time years of experience and specialized training in neuropsychology and related neurosciences. At least one of the years must be obtained post-doc, and both years are supervised by a clinical neuropsychologist.

Secondly, neuropsychologists use their in-depth knowledge of brain-behavior relationships to assess and evaluate patients with neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and cognitive conditions. They use tests, puzzles, and game-like activities to evaluate different cognitive areas of the brain, such as attention, memory, language, executive functioning, visual-spatial relations, motor skills, and intelligence. This evaluation is looking at the whole person, not just psychological functioning. The results will aid in understanding the underlying neurocognitive processes and their relation to an individual’s behaviors.

Center for Balanced Living provides psychological, psychoeducational, and neurodevelopmental evaluations.

Results answer the referral question. They are most often used to guide treatment, support school planning such as an IEP or 504 plan, and document the need for academic or workplace accommodations. Some people seek an evaluation simply to understand themselves more clearly.

Dr. Serravalle is not a forensic psychologist and does not complete evaluations for custody, fitness for duty, competency, workers' compensation, or malpractice. Through her work with the Delaware Psychological Association, she can refer you to forensic colleagues.

The purpose of this evaluation is to provide an in-depth study of the cognitive/intellectual processes and current academic levels of functioning. This evaluation might also include an assessment of memory and executive functioning. The outcome is not a diagnosis but the ways in which any deficits or strengths impact the learning environment. The results may indicate learning giftedness as well as learning disorders. This type of evaluation usually informs IEP, 504 and accommodations for school. These evaluations are not covered by insurance.

The purpose of this type of evaluation is to determine a level of risk. The evaluation examines one’s history, static and protective factors, and current psychological functioning. It often requires collateral data or participation. These assessments are not covered by insurance.