Developmental, Psychological & Neuropsychological Evaluations

The key difference lies in education, qualifications, and scope of practice. A psychologist is uniquely qualified to perform comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, which involve in-depth assessments and testing of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. The word "psychological" is legally protected, meaning only licensed psychologists can use this term in conducting evaluations and writing reports. We often see quick "assessments" by others that only focus on one problem and fall short of ruling out other possible diagnoses. This often won't meet the criteria for their physician to prescribe or to qualify for some therapies based on insurance requirements. We specialize in providing thorough evaluations, delivering accurate diagnoses, understanding personal strengths, and giving specific recommendations based on scientific evidence.

Developmental evaluations focus on assessing a child's developmental milestones, functional abilities, and social abilities including early identification of autism. Psychological evaluations assess emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns, often diagnosing conditions of autism, anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, and personality disorders. Neuropsychological evaluations delve deeper into brain function, examining cognitive abilities like memory, attention, and problem-solving, often used for diagnosing conditions like ADHD or dementia.

At Psychology Specialists of Oklahoma, evaluations are often covered under most insurance plans; however, coverage is typically subject to copay and deductible expenses based on your specific insurance policy. Some insurance plans may require pre-authorization prior to conducting psychological or neuropsychological testing. We recommend contacting your insurance company, but our administrative team will help verify your benefits and also help you understand any potential out-of-pocket costs. Our goal is to provide clear guidance and personalized care throughout the evaluation process.