Diagnostic Evaluation

Setting the Foundation for Progress

The first one or two appointments will always be for an initial evaluation, with a focus on gathering information and evaluating the concerns that led you to call. I will do this by talking with you and your child and asking questions. Sometimes I will ask you to send prior evaluations, medical and school reports, and other documents in advance of the first appointment to bring me up to date. I may meet with the family together at the first meeting or just the parents. In those circumstances, the second appointment often includes some time meeting with the child or adolescent alone for some of the time.

At the end of the initial evaluation, initial impressions of the problems and a description of what our work together would include for improvement to occur are discussed. We will make a treatment plan together during this process so that we all are working collaboratively regarding what to expect and how to know if things are improving.