When people are struggling with their emotions and behaviors, they want to understand what is happening and what will help them. Typically they are already utilizing outpatient and/or inpatient mental health professionals and yet there is still some uncertainty around diagnosis or the best course of treatment. Patients or providers may feel stuck, unsure of how to make progress. A battery of psychological test provides a comprehensive look at this one individual in comparison to established databases and profiles. This approach yields greater depth and clarity of understanding about their particular complex of symptoms, interpersonal dynamics, subconscious relational patterns, defense mechanisms and how it all comes together in this particular life. In the context of evidence-based practice, this information provides valuable direction for providers to most effectively serve the patient.
Dr. Rivas leads the assessment team at FLCC and has personally provided hundreds of comprehensive psychological assessments for adolescents and adults. She has served adolescent and adult clients in all levels of care with a wide variety of presenting concerns and supervises doctoral level students in developing excellent psychological assessment skills. Dr. Rivas also provides pre-adoption psychological evaluations for prospective adoptive parents when this is required.
Cost & Insurance
Typical diagnostic batteries require at least 10 hours of professional time, billed at $200 per hour, but may vary somewhat depending on the nature of the specific referral question. Clients who are paying out of pocket, or who have a copay, can use a health savings / flexible spending / credit card or check to pay. Reports are not released until payment has been received. Many insurances will have some provision of benefits for psychological testing. If the patient has this benefit and wishes to use it, the provider may have to submit clinical rationale for testing and await a reply. Insurance may approve all, some, or none of the testing cost. We are happy to provide a feedback session to review the report with the patient, providers, and/or family as requested. This is a separate charge from the assessment itself at $175 per hour, and again, may be covered by insurance.
How to Schedule
The first appointment for testing is always a free, 30 minute intake with the Director of Assessment, Dr. Kathleen Hayden. Click the Appointment Request button below, choose Kathleen Hayden, and Brief Testing Intake at a time that is convenient for you. These appointments are typically virtual since they are only 30 minutes but you are welcome to come into the office if you prefer.
