Assessment & Evaluation Services
We facilitate a range of assessment services tailored to meet the needs of children, teenagers, adults and their families.
Assessments are often needed when there are questions about a particular child, teenager or adult’s emotional, behavioral or academic functioning. CFA Psychologists tailor each evaluation to a particular client’s needs– we do not work from a ‘standard battery’ approach. Rather, we fine-tune the assessment to measure what we are asked to assess. This approach is both cost effective and saves time. CFA Psychologists & clinicians are available to meet with school personnel to explain test findings and recommendations.
Admissions Testing for Independent Schools
CFA Psychologists are available to conduct neuropsychological and cognitive testing measures that many private schools require as part of their application processes. We not only facilitate the measures, but we are also available to answer any questions the school admissions office may have regarding our test findings and recommendations. We are typically able to complete this process and prepare a report within three weeks of the initial testing session.
What does the admissions testing protocol include?
- Clinical interviews with the child, teenager and parents
- Neuropsychological and cognitive measures such as the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fifth Edition (WISC-V), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS- IV)
- Rating scales, as requested by the school, such as the Behavior Assessment System for Children—Third Edition (BASC-3), Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales (CBRS), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF2) etc.
- Written report with cover letter
Psychoeducational Assessment
CFA Psychologists are skilled at conducting psychological and educational measures used to assess a particular child or teens cognitive functioning and its impact on academic performance. This type of assessment is typically requested when there is concern about the child’s progress in school or about the presence of a learning difficultly or disability (LD). Often, the child also exhibits challenges with planning, memory, organization, attention/concentration, starting tasks, and regulating emotion. These are all factors commonly known as areas of ‘executive functioning,’ often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
CFA Psychologists are typically able to complete this process and prepare a written report within sixty-five days of the last testing session. We are also available to review our findings with schools and facilitate any informal or formal accommodation process, including Individualized Education Plans or 504 Accommodation processes, triggered by our test results.
What does the psycho-educational testing protocol include?
- Clinical interviews with the child, teenager and parents
- Neuropsychological and measures that assess strengths and weaknesses, such as the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fifth Edition (WISC-V), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS- IV)
- Rating scales, such as Behavior Assessment System for Children—Third Edition (BASC-3), Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales (CBRS), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF2) etc.
- Tests of achievement that assess strengths and weaknesses, such as the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement-Fifth Edition (WJ-V)
- Tests that measure memory, reading ability, or other discrete areas of functioning
- Written report with cover letter, which provides recommendations tailored to address the child’s specific academic or social functioning needs
Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation
CFA Psychologists have expertise in conducting comprehensive measures used to not only assess cognitive functioning and its impact on occupational and academic performance, but also assess emotional, behavioral or personality functioning that may also contribute to the adult, child or teen’s occupational, academic and/or emotional instability. Typically, these assessments are requested for an individual who has been in treatment for quite some time and the treating provider’s desire clarification of a particular diagnosis, or the client’s course of treatment. Parents and schools often seek a comprehensive psychological evaluation for children or teenagers when there has been a pattern of academic and emotional instability that has not resolved and there are questions about the child’s accommodations at school or his or her treatment plan with an outpatient provider.
CFA Psychologists are typically able to complete this process and prepare a written report within sixty-five days of the last testing session. We are also available to review our findings with other providers and schools and facilitate any informal or formal accommodation process triggered by our test results.
The Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation testing protocol includes:
- Clinical interviews with the child, teenager and parents
- Neuropsychological and cognitive measures that assess strengths and weaknesses, such as the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fifth Edition (WISC-V), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS- IV)
- Rating scales, such as Behavior Assessment System for Children—Third Edition (BASC-3), Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales (CBRS), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF2) etc.
- Tests of achievement that assess strengths and weaknesses, such as the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement-Fifth Edition (WJ-III).
- Tests that measure memory, reading ability, or other discrete areas of functioning, as needed
- Tests that measure the individual’s coping, emotional regulation, social skills, capacity for insight, and level of safety.
- Written report with cover letter, which provides recommendations tailored to address the individual’s specific emotional, occupational, academic or social functioning needs.
Brief Mental Health Assessment & ADHD Screening
CFA Psychologists are known for their skill at facilitating a combination of clinical interviews and psychological measures to assist general practice physicians, nurses, pediatricians, other mental health providers, and schools in developing treatment plans for particular adults, children and teenagers. We often receive referrals to rapidly asses an individual via this method, which may provide provisional diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. This method of assessment is most indicated when there are relatively minor concerns about the individual’s functioning but there is a need to gain a better understanding of potential underlying factors impeding the client’s progress. Moreover, these assessments are tailored to meet the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for the assessment of child and adolescent mental health issues.
CFA psychologists are typically able to complete this process and prepare a written consult letter within fourteen days of the last clinical interview. We are also available to review our findings with other providers and schools and facilitate any informal or formal accommodation process triggered by our assessment findings.
Brief Mental Health Assessment & ADHD Screening protocol includes:
- Clinical interviews with the adult, child, teenager and parents
- Review of reported evidence of emotional and/or executive functioning from multiple sources
- Tailored behavioral recommendations for adults, parents and schools
- Written consultation letter to the referral source, which provides recommendations tailored to address the individual’s specific emotional, occupational, academic or social functioning needs as indicated
School Refusal Consultation
The CFA School Refusal Consultation seeks to evaluate the myriad of factors contributing to school refusal behavior. The consultation process involves gathering information from parents, students, and school personnel to create a clear understanding of the situation and develop actionable recommendations.
This type of consultation is typically requested when a student exhibits persistent difficulty attending school, often accompanied by emotional distress, academic challenges, or family-related concerns. Our goal is to identify barriers to school attendance and provide a roadmap for effective intervention.
CFA personnel are typically able to complete this process and prepare a written report within forty-five days of the final interview or consultation. We are also available to review our findings with schools and facilitate any informal or formal intervention processes triggered by our consultation results.
The School Refusal Consultation protocol includes:
- Clinical Interviews:
- A meeting with parents to gather detailed background information and concerns.
- A meeting with the student to explore their perspective and experiences. Additional sessions may be required depending on individual needs.
- School Collaboration:
- Consultation with relevant school personnel to gain a well-rounded understanding of the student’s environment.
- Feedback Session:
- A meeting with parents and the student to review findings and discuss actionable next steps.
- Written Report:
- A narrative summary of findings and tailored recommendations to address the factors contributing to school refusal.
Eating Disorder Consultation
Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of an eating disorder? Find clarity and direction with our specialized Eating Disorder Consultation. The goal of this assessment is to illuminate the path forward and provide invaluable insight and support for individuals and families facing the challenges of disordered eating.
CFA staff will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the intricacies of your child’s relationship with food and body image. Parents will gain a nuanced understanding of their child’s behaviors and their potential impact on their well-being. Parents and the client will come away equipped with valuable tools and resources to support their loved one’s journey to healing.
Important Note to Parents:
Please be aware that this package is designed for consultative purposes only and does not constitute comprehensive therapy. Its primary aim is to provide CFA staff with the insights necessary to create a roadmap for moving forward.
The Eating Disorder Consultation protocol includes:
- Clinical Interviews:
- A meeting with parents to gather detailed background information and concerns.
- A meeting with the client to explore their perspective and experiences.
- Collaboration with other providers:
- Consultation with relevant medical personnel to gain a well-rounded understanding of the client’s needs and medical history.
- Feedback Session:
- A meeting with parents and the client to review findings and discuss actionable next steps.
- Personalized Roadmap:
- Parents will receive a customized plan outlining recommendations for progress and healing.
For more information about CFA Assessment, Evaluation, and Consultation services, please call our client care coordinator at 703-533-3930 and press extension 1 for new referrals. In doing so, our client care coordinator will promptly receive your inquiry and will make every effort to return your call within 48 hours.