ADHD, Autism, and Diagnostic Clarification

Psychological Testing & Diagnostic Evaluations in Pasadena.

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Comprehensive psychological assessment for children, adolescents, and adults brings together clinical and developmental history, structured interview, standardized measures, and relevant records to clarify what may be contributing to current concerns. You do not need to know which diagnosis fits before seeking an evaluation. Findings are explained in clear language and connected to practical recommendations.

Request an assessment consultation

Assessment services are available in Pasadena. The consultation determines whether the referral question can be answered appropriately, which records and informants may be needed, and whether testing is the right next step.

Questions Assessment Can Address

Testing Should be Guided by the Question You Need Answered.

The evaluation is selected and interpreted as a whole rather than as a collection of isolated scores. Attention is given to the person’s developmental, educational, medical, cultural, and emotional context.

When attention or concentration is the concern, the assessment considers possible ADHD as part of a broader differential diagnosis. Similar difficulties may also be associated with learning disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disruption, medical conditions, medication effects, or other developmental factors.

  • Attention, concentration, and executive functioning concerns, including ADHD
  • Autism evaluations
  • Learning and cognitive strengths and difficulties
  • Mood, anxiety, trauma, personality, and emotional functioning
  • Diagnostic clarification when symptoms overlap
  • Documentation that may inform IEP, Section 504, or testing accommodation decisions
  • Medical readiness and selected specialty evaluations

ADHD Evaluations for Adults, Teens, and Children

A Careful Look at Attention and Daily Functioning.

ADHD testing considers attention, organization, impulsivity, and executive functioning alongside developmental history and functioning across settings. For adults, the evaluation also explores childhood symptoms and how concerns affect work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.

Testing is one part of the evaluation. Findings are integrated with interviews, relevant records, and other information to consider ADHD alongside anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, learning difficulties, and other possible explanations. An evaluation does not assume a particular diagnosis.

ADHD and Executive Function Support

Turn Recommendations into a Practical Homework Plan.

For families seeking practical support, a psychologist can observe your child working on homework and try evidence-based behavioral and organizational techniques for getting started, planning, time management, and monitoring progress. We develop an individualized written plan and work with parents to practice strategies in everyday routines, track progress, and make adjustments.

Support is tailored to each child's strengths, challenges, goals, and family routines. Insurance is accepted for eligible services; coverage and benefits are verified before scheduling. This is a separate service from diagnostic testing. Contact the practice to discuss your child's age, needs, service format, fees, and availability.

Explore executive function support

Autism Evaluations

Space to Explore Questions About Autism.

Autism evaluations bring together your questions, developmental history, clinical interviews, relevant records, and individualized assessment. The process is tailored to the referral question and considers your experiences, strengths, and support needs.

Contact the practice to discuss the age of the person seeking assessment, previous evaluations, and what you hope to understand. Findings and recommendations are explained during feedback; an evaluation does not assume a particular diagnosis.

Learning and Cognitive Evaluations

Understand Strengths, Challenges, and Support Needs.

Psychological testing can explore learning concerns, cognitive strengths and difficulties, and factors affecting school or daily functioning. The referral question guides which measures and records are needed.

Findings may inform recommendations for educational support and testing accommodations. When concerns fall outside the scope of the available evaluation, appropriate referral options can be discussed.

What to Expect

A Focused Process from Consultation to Feedback.

The process begins with a consultation to identify the referral question. A clinical interview and review of relevant developmental, medical, and educational history guide the measures selected for testing.

For children and adolescents, caregiver input, school records, and information from teachers may be included when appropriate. After testing is complete, results are integrated into a written report. Feedback focuses on what the findings mean, how they fit together, and what next steps may be useful.

  • Initial consultation
  • Clinical and developmental history
  • Caregiver and teacher input when appropriate
  • Individualized testing
  • Integrated findings and recommendations
  • Feedback and written documentation

Licensing and Professional Exam Accommodations

Evaluations for the NCLEX, Bar Exam, and Other Professional Exams.

Psychological evaluations may support requests for accommodations on nursing board exams, including the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, the California Bar Exam, and other professional licensing or certification exams. The evaluation considers how attention, learning, or mental health concerns affect functioning under standard testing conditions.

The process begins with a review of the testing organization's current documentation requirements, your history, and any prior evaluations or accommodations. Additional testing is recommended when needed to address the referral question. Documentation describes supported functional limitations and the rationale for any clinically appropriate recommendations.

Contact the practice early to discuss your exam, application deadline, required forms, fees, and whether the requested evaluation can be provided. An evaluation does not guarantee a diagnosis, extended time, or approval of accommodations. The relevant board or testing organization makes the final decision.

  • NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN accommodation evaluations
  • California Bar Exam accommodation evaluations
  • Other professional licensing and certification exams, subject to review of requirements
  • Review of relevant prior testing, records, and accommodation history

IEP and Section 504 Planning

Evaluation Findings Can Help Clarify School Support Needs.

An evaluation may identify attention, learning, executive functioning, or emotional factors affecting a student at school. The report can provide diagnostic clarification and recommendations that families may share with the school when requesting or reviewing support.

An independent psychological evaluation does not itself guarantee an IEP, Section 504 plan, or a particular accommodation. Eligibility and services are determined by the school team under the standards that apply to the student.

Coverage and Fees

Benefits Vary According to the Service and Plan.

Insurance coverage for psychological testing differs from coverage for psychotherapy. Benefits, authorization requirements, fees, and payment expectations should be reviewed before an evaluation is scheduled.

Review insurance information

Start a Conversation

Let’s Find the Right Next Step.

Contact the practice to discuss availability, location, insurance, fees, and whether this service fits what you are seeking.

Emailrishepsychologyinc@gmail.comPhone626-469-7574
Locations servedPasadena in person · California, Nevada, and participating PSYPACT states by telehealth

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