Psychological Assessment
Collaborative, neurodiverse‑affirming assessment for your child or teen — designed to move beyond labels and into meaningful understanding and support.
Is This Your Child or Teen?
Struggling to make or keep friends—often left out or misunderstood by peers?
Seeming “fine” at school, only to unravel the moment they get home?
Overwhelmed by big feelings, easily frustrated, or quick to shut down?
Trying their best but still finding school confusing, exhausting, or just too much?
Navigating each day like it’s harder than it should be—and you're not sure why?
And maybe you’ve already tried to get answers.
You’ve talked to your pediatrician, tried therapy, met with teachers or school staff—but something still isn’t clicking.
You can’t shake the sense that there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Sometimes, what your child needs most is a deeper understanding of how their brain works and why they’re struggling.
Neurodiverse-affirming Testing/assessment (ADHD, Autism, and more) for children and teens in Asheville, NC
That’s where a thoughtful, individualized assessment can open the door to real clarity—and real change.
How a Thoughtful Assessment Can Help
An assessment isn’t just about a diagnosis or a label—it’s about understanding your child’s unique brain, needs, and strengths.
Through a collaborative, compassionate process, we’ll look at the full picture:
How your child thinks, learns, and processes information
What might be getting in the way socially, emotionally, or behaviorally
And most importantly, what kinds of support will actually help them thrive
Through working together—combining your deep understanding of your child with the tools and knowledge I bring—we’ll figure out what’s going on beneath the surface and explore what could truly support your child in moving forward.
What to Expect
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all evaluation—it’s a thoughtful, collaborative process designed to help your family better understand what’s going on and what might help.
Throughout our work together, we’ll create a shared understanding by combining:
Your deep insight as a parent
My clinical tools and experience
And your child or teen’s own voice, perspective, and lived experience
Here’s how the process typically goes:
Initial Parent Meeting:
We’ll start with a conversation about what’s been happening, your questions, and what you’ve already tried. Your input helps shape the direction of the assessment from the very beginning.Assessment Sessions with Your Child or Teen:
I’ll spend time getting to know your child through conversation, structured tasks, and possibly even play. As we go, I’ll invite their thoughts, reactions, and curiosity—helping them feel seen, heard, and understood.Making Sense of It Together:
Once we’ve gathered enough information, we’ll sit down to reflect together. You, your child (when appropriate), and I will look at what we’ve learned, connect the dots, and explore what it all means. This conversation—along with a written report—will help guide your next steps with greater clarity and confidence.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling stuck and unsure what your child needs, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
A thoughtful, collaborative assessment can help you move from confusion to clarity—and begin building a path forward that feels grounded, informed, and hopeful.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation or ask any questions you might have about the process. I’d be honored to support you and your child on this journey.
What Are the Benefits of a Private Pay Assessment?
Choosing to invest in an out-of-pocket assessment—rather than going through insurance—can feel like a big decision. But for many families, it offers important advantages:
More time, more depth:
Insurance-based evaluations are often limited in scope and time. A private assessment allows us to slow down, look more fully at your child’s strengths and challenges, and tailor the process to their unique needs.A more collaborative, personalized approach:
Without the restrictions of insurance, we’re free to include you and your child in the process in meaningful, therapeutic ways—not just testing and a one-time results meeting.Confidentiality and control over information:
When you use insurance, any diagnosis or mental health data becomes part of your child’s permanent medical record. Private assessments keep that information confidential—you choose what to share, when, and with whom.Support that goes beyond the checkbox:
Insurance companies often focus only on whether a child meets criteria for a diagnosis. But sometimes, support is needed even without a formal label. A private assessment gives space for nuance and creates recommendations based on your child—not just a checklist.
What are some common questions you answer in assessments?
Why does my child/teen struggle with change and transitions?
Why is my child/teen acting differently?
Why isn’t therapy working?
What does my child/teen need at school to be successful?
Why is my child/teen so self-critical?
Does my child/teen have ADHD? (or anxiety, depression, OCD, etc.)
Is my child/teen autistic?