Psychological Evaluation & Diagnosing
Diagnostic Evaluation Process
The following steps are what you can expect from the
evaluation process at the Institute for Children and
Families. The steps may vary slightly in order and
specificity, depending on the individual needs of the
family.
In an effort to expedite the diagnostic process, any
previous medical, psychiatric, psychological records or
pertinent reports or information should be forwarded via fax
or mail to ICF for review at least one week prior to your
initial evaluation.
Part One
- Review of prior
evaluations (Medical, Psychiatric, Psychological,
including school evaluations) with Parents.
- Interview with Parent
without child. During the initial interview, ideally
both parents or the primary caregivers will be
interviewed, the family will meet with a therapist who
may be involved in your child's treatment. The initial
interview can last up to two hours and includes:
- Gather relevant
Information (i.e., History and background, School
Reports, Court Orders)
- Score and review
completed RADQ (Randolph Attachment Disorder
Questionnaire) and other appropriate diagnostic
instruments. The RADQ is a survey to be completed
by the parent and consists of 30 questions about the
child and his/her behavior.
- Give BASC to
family (Behavior Assessment System for Children) to
be completed by parent and school, and returned
during second part of the evaluation. This is a
survey completed separately by parents, children and
schools.
Part Two
This section of the Evaluation may last up to three hours
with both parent and child participating.
The BASC is collected.
- MIM (Mashack
Interaction Method). This is a videotaped (upon consent)
interaction between parent and child and is used as a
diagnostic tool by the therapists. The therapist will
review the results and these will be discussed with the
parent.
- Administer TSCC
(Trauma Symptoms Checklist for Children). This is a
written checklist completed by the therapist with the
child, along with the parent/caregiver, regarding
possible behaviors that your child may exhibit and could
be symptoms of trauma. This checklist is completed
on-site. Age and history will indicate need.
- TOVA (Test of
Variables of Attention). A computerized, objective,
standardized, well-normed and highly accurate continuous
performance test that is used to assess an individual's
attention abilities and performance. Its computerized
report gives highly useful information.
- Review MIM
observations with parent and review other interpreted
information from TOVA and TSCC.
- A feedback and
recommendation section is scheduled, to be held by phone
or in the office. Feedback and recommendations are
offered and a Primary
- Therapist is assigned
to work with you/your child and family.
Part Three
Feedback and recommendations: The time for feedback and
recommendation section is about 1/2 hour and included in
total diagnostic fee. After recommendations have been agreed
upon, the parent can call ICF to schedule first appointment.
To prepare for the first appointment, please read:
Your Appointment
A written report is not included in the cost of evaluation.
A client has the right to request a written report of
evaluation for an additional charge.
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