Psychological Testing FAQ

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Psychological Testing Overview

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What is included in the psychological testing fee?

Fees and payment information

We attend school meetings


How do I schedule psychological testing with Dr. Pratt?

Dr. Pratt schedules all meetings through this website. To register and schedule testing, please click on the Book Now button below.

Book an appointment with The Pratt Center  A Professional Psychology Corp

Does my child need psychological testing?

There are a wide range of concerns that might warrant psychological testing including issues with learning, attention, depression and anxiety. Psychological testing is most helpful when there are specific questions, such as:
  • Is my child making adequate progress in school?

  • Does my child need special education services?

  • How can my child get the accommodations and services that they need?

  • Is my child in the correct grade?

  • Does my child need a tutor, therapist or medication?

  • Do I have all of the information I need to make informed decisions as a parent?

When do I sign a consent form?

Dr. Pratt needs a signed psychological testing consent form before the initial parent meeting. Please see the Download Forms page.


What records should I gather for psychological testing?

It is helpful to have all records at the beginning of psychological testing. Records might include report cards, standardized testing, previous evaluations, school plans, disciplinary records, incident reports, attendance records and emails to/from the school. For public schools, records can be obtained by requesting a copy of the student's cumulative record.


Will you give my child an IQ test?

Psychological testing almost always includes a test of intelligence; however, we do not do abbreviated testing with IQ tests only.


What should I tell my child before a psychological testing session?

Explanations will vary depending on the age and maturity of your child; however, here is a general explanation, "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 psychological testing 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 testing as "games" because children may be disappointed that many of the tasks are more like school.


What can my child expect during psychological testing?

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 psychological testing session generally lasts ninety minutes. There are generally six testing sessions; however, this will vary with the age and clinical needs of the child. Parents do not come into the testing room because most children find it distracting, and it interferes with standardized testing procedures.


Can I leave during my child's psychological testing sessions?

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 cannot supervise children during breaks because the evaluator needs time to prepare testing materials, so a parent should be present for younger children. We ask parents to always provide a cell phone number before leaving.


Is my family's privacy protected throughout the psychological assessment process?

Mental health providers cannot reveal 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, and we will review these privacy rules with you and answer any questions. For more information, please see psychological testing consent for treatment form on our Download Forms page.


How do I find additional information about psychological testing?

We have tried to provide families with helpful information throughout this website. If you need more information, please contact us at 650-949-2997 or info@prattcenter.com.