Summer often brings a shift in pace. School routines pause, schedules become more flexible, and many families finally have the time and space to focus on concerns that may have been building throughout the year. That’s why summer can be one of the best times to focus on your mental health. This could be starting therapy or pursuing comprehensive psychological testing for ADHD, autism, learning differences, executive functioning concerns, anxiety, and more.
At reNEW YOU Counseling and Wellness, comprehensive psychological assessments are offered by Dr. Rachael Keyser and neuropsychological evaluations are offered by Dr. Sara Fried to help provide clarity, direction, and meaningful support for children, teens, and adults. These evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists with specialized training in diagnostic testing and include ADHD and autism assessments, as well as more in-depth neuropsychological evaluations when a broader understanding of cognitive functioning is needed.
ADHD and autism testing focuses more specifically on attention, executive functioning, social communication, and neurodevelopmental patterns. Neuropsychological testing expands further into areas such as memory, problem-solving, language, and overall cognitive functioning. This type of evaluation is often recommended when concerns are more complex or when there is a need to understand how different areas of the brain are working together. It can be especially valuable for individuals who have received multiple diagnoses over the years and are seeking greater clarity about what may be contributing to their challenges. Neuropsychological evaluations can also help differentiate between symptoms related to medical conditions and those stemming from mental health concerns, providing a more comprehensive understanding of a person’s functioning and helping guide more accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Even better — there is currently immediate availability for all our testing services with no waitlist.
Why Summer Is the Ideal Time for Testing
1. Less Stress, Better Accuracy
During the school year, students are often balancing academic demands, extracurricular activities, and social pressures. Adults may also be managing busy work schedules and competing responsibilities. Summer creates a calmer environment, which can lead to a more accurate and complete picture during the evaluation process.
2. Time to Put Supports in Place Before Fall
One of the biggest advantages of summer testing is preparation. Completing an evaluation now allows time to:
- Request school accommodations or updated IEP/504 plans
- Coordinate with teachers, colleges, or employers
- Explore therapy, coaching, or support services
- Discuss medication options with providers
- Build practical strategies for the school year ahead
Instead of reacting to challenges during the year, families can enter the fall with clarity and a plan.
3. More Than a Diagnosis
A comprehensive psychological assessment is not just about identifying ADHD or autism — it’s about understanding how a person thinks, learns, and functions.
Through in-depth interviews, standardized testing, and behavioral observations, Dr. Rachael Keyser and Dr. Sara Fried provide evaluations that highlight both strengths and challenges, offering clear, individualized recommendations that support real-life functioning. Neuropsychological evaluations can provide an even deeper understanding of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, particularly when symptoms are complex, longstanding, or influenced by both medical and mental health factors.
Q&A With Dr. Rachael Keyser
If you’ve been considering psychological testing, you likely have questions about the process, cost, and what makes comprehensive evaluations different from brief screenings. Below, Dr. Keyser answers some of the most common questions families and individuals ask when exploring ADHD and autism assessments.
Why should I pay for a comprehensive psychological assessment?
A comprehensive psychological assessment conducted by a doctoral-level psychologist provides a thorough evaluation, including standardized testing, clinical interviews, and collateral information. This ensures accurate diagnosis and tailored recommendations for treatment, medication, accommodations, and support.
Unlike brief evaluations that rely only on interviews, comprehensive assessments provide the depth needed for actionable interventions and formal documentation.
Why are some assessments cheaper than others?
Assessment costs vary based on scope and provider training. Lower-cost evaluations often involve only a clinical interview, typically conducted by a master’s-level clinician, without standardized testing or detailed diagnostic procedures.
In contrast, comprehensive evaluations involve significant clinician time and expertise, including approximately 10 hours of psychologist involvement and about 5 hours directly with the client.
How can testing help me or my child?
Testing can:
- Clarify diagnoses
- Guide treatment planning
- Identify strengths and challenges
- Support medication recommendations
- Provide documentation for school or workplace accommodations
- Improve self-understanding
How is testing beneficial for the future?
Results from psychological testing can be used long-term for school accommodations, workplace supports, college planning, and treatment guidance. Many individuals find the results become a lasting framework for understanding how they function and what supports help them succeed.
What is the cost-benefit of testing?
While testing is an upfront investment, it can prevent years of misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, and delayed support. The results provide long-term value through accurate diagnosis, targeted recommendations, and documentation that can be used for years.
Why don’t you take insurance, and how does that benefit clients?
Not accepting insurance allows for more individualized care and fewer administrative restrictions. This results in more thorough evaluations, greater clinician time per client, and faster turnaround for results without insurance-driven limitations.
Can families still get reimbursed?
Yes. Although the practice does not bill insurance directly for testing, families may be eligible for partial reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. After the evaluation, a detailed superbill is provided for insurance submission.
Why Choosing the Right Evaluation Matters
When seeking ADHD, autism, or cognitive testing, the type of evaluation and provider expertise matter significantly.
At reNEW YOU Counseling & Wellness, assessments are:
- Evidence-based
- Confidential
- Thorough and individualized
- Conducted by licensed psychologists
- Designed to provide clear, actionable recommendations
Whether the concern is attention, learning, social communication, or broader cognitive functioning, the goal is always the same: clarity, understanding, and a plan for moving forward.
Ready to Get Started?
Summer is an ideal time to take the next step toward answers and support — especially with immediate availability and no waitlist.
Learn more about our services:
To schedule or ask questions:
📞 (484) 205-9827
📧 info@renewyoucounseling.org