Psychoeducational testing
What is psychoeducational testing?
Psychoeducational testing is a detailed evaluation that looks at how someone learns, solves problems, remembers information, and performs academically. It helps identify learning disabilities, ADHD, cognitive strengths, and other factors that may be affecting school, college, or work. The information gathered during the evaluation provides a clearer understanding of why challenges are happening and offers recommendations that can support future success.
At Acacia Collaborative, psychoeducational testing is available for children, teens, college students, and adults who want answers about learning, attention, or academic performance.
When Should You Consider Psychoeducational Testing?
Many people seek an evaluation after noticing that school or learning requires far more effort than expected. A child may spend hours on homework without making progress. A college student may struggle despite strong study habits. An adult may wonder why reading, writing, organization, or time management have always felt difficult.
You may benefit from psychoeducational testing if you or your child:
- Have ongoing concerns about reading, writing, or math
- Find it difficult to stay focused or complete assignments
- Are falling behind in school despite extra support
- Need documentation for school or college accommodations
- Have been referred by a teacher, physician, or therapist
- Want to understand whether ADHD, a learning disability, or another concern is affecting performance
An evaluation helps move beyond assumptions by identifying the factors that contribute to learning and academic challenges.
What Does a Psychoeducational Evaluation Include?
We start by listening to what brought you or your child to testing, then your psychologist builds an assessment plan around those specific questions and concerns, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Depending on your needs, your evaluation may include:
- A clinical interview with you (and, for children, with parents or caregivers)
- A review of educational, developmental, and medical history
- Cognitive (IQ) testing
- Academic achievement testing
- Attention and executive functioning measures
- Memory and processing assessments
- Emotional and behavioral questionnaires, when relevant
- A clear, easy-to-read written report
- A feedback session to walk through the results together and talk through next steps
Every piece of the evaluation adds to the same goal: a fuller picture of how you or your child learns, and where the right support can make the biggest difference.
Learning challenges can develop for many different reasons. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine which factors are affecting performance and whether a diagnosis is appropriate.
Psychoeducational testing may identify:
- Specific Learning Disorders, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Executive functioning difficulties
- Giftedness and twice-exceptionality
- Cognitive strengths and areas of weakness
- Academic skill gaps
- Emotional concerns that may influence learning
Having this information can help families, educators, and healthcare providers make decisions based on evidence rather than guesswork.
What Can Psychoeducational Testing Identify?
How the Results Can Help
The value of psychoeducational testing extends beyond receiving a diagnosis. The findings can help explain patterns that have affected learning for years and provide a roadmap for moving forward.
Depending on the results, recommendations may include:
- School accommodations through a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- College disability services
- Academic interventions
- Tutoring or specialized instruction
- Executive functioning strategies
- Therapy or additional psychological services
- Referrals for medical consultation when appropriate
Recommendations are tailored to the individual’s needs, strengths, and goals.
Psychoeducational Testing, Answered
Common questions about psychoeducational testing, what's involved, and how Acacia Collaborative can help.
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.
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.
How Do You Get Started?
STEP ONE: CONTACT US
At any point in your decision to pursue therapy or assessment, feel free to contact us with questions. We will gladly talk with you over the phone to determine if one of us will be a good fit. Visit our Contact Page.
STEP TWO: INTAKE
Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will be emailed forms to complete electronically prior to your first appointment. If we are in-network with your Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or State Health Plan insurance benefits will be processed.
STEP THREE: FIRST SESSION
Your first appointment will be 60 minutes. In this first appointment, we will discuss what brought you in, your history, and will develop a “game plan” with you to work toward your goals.
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