Psychological Assessment & Diagnosis in Durham, NC
Psychological Assessment & Testing in Durham, NC
Meet Your North Carolina Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Hannah Walker
Education & Experience That Matters
Dr. Hannah Walker holds her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Dr. Walker has undergone rigorous training programs, and she is well-published in academic journals. She has experience providing comprehensive psychological evaluations in a variety of treatment settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient facilities, trauma specialty clinics, and both civilian and military hospitals. Dr. Walker welcomes clients of diverse cultural backgrounds and prioritizes providing an affirming and safe treatment space for individuals of all backgrounds. Drawing from the most cutting-edge research on clinical assessment and intervention, Dr. Walker tailors her treatment approach to meet the unique goals and needs of each individual.
Dr. Walker provides psychological assessments in her office located in Durham, North Carolina.
Types of Psychoeducational Evaluations at Acacia
Mental Health Diagnosis
By providing clarity for a variety of mental health diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, personality disorders, and more people can receive the appropriate treatment that helps them live their healthiest and most supported life.
Autism Diagnosis
This extensive evaluation serves to gather information about biopsychosocial functioning beginning in early childhood, difficulties with social communication, any restricted interests or repetitive behaviors, and any areas of vulnerability. Our autism testing service is available for all ages over 8.
Psychoeducational Evaluations for Children
Readiness for Kindergarten
These evaluations are used to determine readiness for early entry into kindergarten. In North Carolina, for a child to start Kindergarten in a given academic year, they need to be five years old by August 31st. However, if a child turns four by the previous April 16th, they might qualify for early entry to Kindergarten if they’re identified as gifted and demonstrate the developmental maturity needed for school success.
Giftedness Testing
These assessments are conducted to determine whether children are eligible for their respective gifted programs. In many districts, children need to perform at the 95th percentile in order to be placed in gifted programs.
Achievement Academic Testing
This assessment provides detailed information on one’s proficiency in specific academic areas, as well as their relative and normative strengths and weakness in different domains of reading, writing, and mathematics.
Psychoeducational Evaluations for All Ages
Psychoeducational Evaluations
These tests are appropriate for children and adults & are administered when the referral question is primarily educational. Diagnoses that are evaluated for with a psychoeducational evaluation include, but are not limited to, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and more, while accounting for other mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression) that may be impacting academic success. We offer several different types of psychoeducational evaluations, and more information about which is best for your needs can be provided through a free consultation call with our providers.
Abbreviated Psychoeducational Evaluations
This evaluation comprises emotional and personality disorder assessments, offering comprehensive insights into an individual’s functioning within these domains. It facilitates understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, underlying personality dynamics, coping abilities, and any vulnerabilities. In cases cognitive issues appear less relevant, a condensed psychological evaluation proves invaluable for clarifying diagnoses and providing treatment guidance.
Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluations
This assessment encompasses comprehensive testing, incorporating evaluations for psychological and psychoeducational issues. It’s ideal for situations where there are multiple concerns or suspected educational and mental health issues. The evaluation aims to identify and eliminate any potential cognitive or educational challenges, and mental health concerns.
Full Psychoeducational Evaluations
Our full psychoeducational battery includes cognitive and achievement testing, along with specific continuous performance testing to determine attentional and executive functioning. This assessment specifically assesses for the possibility of ADHD, intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, and more, while ruling out the influence of other mental health conditions that may impact one’s executive functioning or academic performance. Additional individuals involved in the child’s life, such as teachers, may also be interviewed. Depending on the circumstances, observing the child in a school setting or arranging collateral calls with teachers and/or school counselors might provide valuable insight.
When do people get psychoeducational and psychological testing?
Our psychological testing services can help provide clarity & provide mental health diagnoses. You can undergo testing with our psychoeducational assessments at our office in Durham, North Carolina.
- Testing helps increase our understanding of why we think, feel, and behave the way that we do.
- Formal assessment helps us understand whether symptoms warrant a diagnosis or any treatment.
- These evaluations can help guide treatment planning with one’s therapist and/or psychiatrist.
- Psychological testing provides reliable diagnoses in a written format, which can be utilized to ascertain useful services.
- Formal assessment may be required documentation for educational or medical/disability systems.
- It may help you ascertain academic or occupational accommodations to help bolster performance and harness your strengths or making vocational decisions.
- Many seek out testing to ascertain practical treatment recommendations related to accommodations or symptom management.
Learn more about our types of evaluations, the process, costs, benefits & more below. Fill out our easy Get Started form to schedule your date & time for an initial consultation with our psychologist.
About Children’s Psychoeducational Assessments in the Triangle
Our expertise includes assessment designed to answer questions related to school performance, including Early Entry to Kindergarten, ADD/ADHD, and learning differences. We utilize assessments approved by the Wake, Durham, and Orange school systems and our reports can be used to contribute to the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and support ideas for academic accommodations.
Unlock Special Resources & Family Support
In cases where formal accommodations are required, psychoeducational assessments provide the documentation needed to advocate for your child’s rights within the school system. This unlocks a variety of resources and support to best support your child.
Beyond academics, these assessments can also address social and emotional development, providing a more holistic view of the child’s needs and strengths. This comprehensive approach supports overall well-being and development.
About The Psychological Assessments Experience at Acacia
What should I expect from testing?
Consultation call
A complimentary consultation call is offered to help determine a personalized testing plan to meet your needs. Questions and concerns about testing are encouraged and can be discussed with the testing psychologist at this time before committing to the evaluation.
Clinical interview and information gathering
Interview(s) are conducted with the individual being tested and any important collateral contacts (e.g., parents, teachers). Information gathered will include developmental, health, school/employment, and family history. Any relevant records will be reviewed (e.g., report card, prior testing).
Assessment
Depending on the evaluation chosen, the testing day may last between 2-6 hours and include cognitive and achievement testing, continuous performance testing, and evaluation of emotional and/or executive functioning impairments.
Feedback and recommendations
After the written report is finalized, a feedback session is conducted with the testing psychologist to discuss the report findings, the meanings of each of the testing scores and diagnoses, and recommendations for the client (e.g., useful accommodations, treatment needs). Any questions and concerns are encouraged to ensure a full understanding of each of the findings.
What will the testing tell me?
- Psychoeducational testing can help improve your understanding of your learning style and any strengths and weaknesses.
- These psychoeducational results may provide helpful information about accommodations that may be useful academically or in the workplace.
- Psychological testing is also used for differential diagnosis when one’s diagnoses are unclear or more information is needed.
- Recommendations will help you and your loved ones better understand what will be helpful to target moving forward.
What testing will tell you also depends on the level of comprehension your test is. We offer different size levels of assessment for simple and advanced evaluations.
Insurance & Fees for Psychological Assessments
All testing appointments take place at our office in Durham, North Carolina. However, if preferred, the initial consultation and clinical interviews can be completed by telehealth.
Total assessment costs can range from $600-$3000+ depending on the testing required.
All evaluations are out-of-network for insurance. As a courtesy, we will provide you with statements that have all the necessary information required to file a claim with your insurance carrier. We strongly encourage you to check your policy and contact your insurance carrier directly with any questions about your benefits and limitations.
Getting Started Is Easy
Simply fill out the form below then schedule your initial consultation with our psychologist on the next page.
Contact Acacia Collaborative
Ask a question or book an appointment below.
Hours
Monday through Friday
9AM-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-3PM
Durham Office:
3710 University Drive #302, Durham, NC 27707
Cary Office:
570 New Waverly Pl #210, Cary, NC 27518
Online Therapy
All of North Carolina
Insurance
Accepting Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, State Health Plan, Out-of-Network Superbills & Private Pay. We are credentialed with the following Medicaid plans: Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete, and Wellcare.
Services
Mental Health Therapy & Psychological Assessments