Evaluation FAQ
Does my child need a psychological evaluation? - How do I schedule a psychological evaluation?
- How do I reach Dr. Pratt or Dr. MurrayMetzger?
- What should I tell my child before a psychological evaluation?
- What can my child expect during a psychological evaluation?
- What are the differences between a psychologist, social worker and psychiatrist?
- Does insurance pay for a psychological evaluation?
- Is my family's privacy protected?
- How do I find additional information?
Does my child need a psychological evaluation?
The Pratt Center web site describes many common reasons that families seek psychological evaluations; however, it is sometimes difficult to know whether to proceed. If there are issues that might warrant a psychological evaluation, we recommend that families schedule all of the necessary appointments for a comprehensive evaluation. At the first meeting, the child's developmental history and current issues will be discussed in detail. Then the licensed psychologist and parents can discuss whether or not to proceed with an evaluation. Some parents decide not to proceed, and it is easy to cancel the remaining appointments. It is hard to add appointments later because the evaluators' schedules fill up. If you would like to discuss things briefly before an evaluation, you are welcome to send an e-mail to brendan@prattcenter.com for Dr. Pratt or rebecca@prattcenter.com for Dr. MurrayMetzger.
How do I schedule a psychological evaluation?
We have an online scheduling system for psychological evaluations and school meetings. Click on the Evaluation Scheduling link to the left to proceed. We do not schedule psychotherapy appointments online.
How do I reach Drs. Pratt and MurrayMetzger?
Our licensed psychologists make every effort to be readily available to parents. The online scheduling system eliminates most calls about scheduling; however, clinical questions can still be addressed by e-mail or telephone. Dr. Pratt can be reached at brendan@prattcenter.com, and Dr. MurrayMetzger can be reached at rebecca@prattcenter.com. E-mail is the fastest and most reliable way to reach our evaluators. We try to create a calm and supportive atmosphere in our office, so our phones do not ring directly. This is particularly critical to avoid distracting children during the evaluation process.
What should I tell my child before a psychological evaluation?
Explanations will vary depending on the age and maturity of your child. The following statement can be modified for your child, "The doctor will ask you to do a lot of things just like school to find out what you are good at, what you are having a hard time with and how to help you." It is important to emphasize that many children have evaluations and that this does not mean that there is "something wrong" with them. Instead a psychological evaluation should be viewed as a way to learn more about children to help them to lead happier and more successful lives. It is best to avoid presenting an evaluation as "games" because children may be disappointed that many of the tasks are more like school.
What can my child expect during a psychological evaluation?
All sessions are conducted in a quiet, one-to-one setting with a licensed psychologist. Children are usually comfortable after a few minutes, and tasks often are similar to school work. A testing session generally lasts one to two hours, depending on the age and attention span of the child. There are generally three to four testing sessions; however, this will vary with the age and clinical needs of the child. Parents of younger children generally stay in the waiting room; however, parents are welcome to leave if the child is old enough to be comfortable independently. We ask parents to always leave a cell phone number if they are leaving.
What are the differences between a psychologist, social worker and psychiatrist?
A licensed psychologist can do psychotherapy as well as educational, psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. A licensed clinical social worker can do psychotherapy but not psychological evaluations. Neither a psychologist nor a social worker can prescribe medications. In contrast, psychiatrists have medical doctorates and specialize in mental health issues. They primarily treat problems through the use of medications; however, some of them do psychotherapy as well. Psychiatrists do not administer tests of intelligence, academic skills, attention or emotional functioning.
Does insurance pay for a psychological evaluation?
Insurance companies set the rules for payment. Many insurance companies pay for psychological or neuropsychological evaluations under certain conditions. They may have restrictions on who can provide the evaluation and what diagnosis the child must have to be covered. Educational evaluations are not paid for by insurance companies, but children are entitled to a free evaluation through the public school system. For more information, we recommend that families contact their insurance provider in advance of an evaluation.
At The Pratt Center, families pay us directly for all services, and we provide an itemized invoice. This invoice can be submitted to the insurance company with any other needed forms, and reimbursement may be paid directly to the family. Please see the evaluation fees link to the left for more detailed information.
Is my family's privacy protected?
Mental health providers cannot discuss anything about an evaluation without your prior permission in most cases. The parent or legal guardian decides who sees the report or receives any information. There are some exceptions to these confidentiality rules, such as suspected child abuse, suicidality or homicidality. At The Pratt Center, we will review these privacy rules with you and answer any questions. Please see the privacy and security link to the left for more information about these policies.
How do I find additional information?
We have tried to provide families with helpful information throughout this web site. If you need more information, please contact us by telephone at 650-949-2997 or by e-mail at brendan@prattcenter.com.