A psychoeducational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that examines how a person thinks, learns, and processes information. It typically includes:

• Cognitive/IQ testing – Measures intellectual abilities and reasoning skills
• Academic achievement testing – Assesses reading, writing, and math skills
• Processing assessments – Evaluates auditory, visual, and memory processing
• Social-emotional screening – Identifies anxiety, depression, or behavioral concerns

The results help identify learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and other factors affecting academic performance. The evaluation culminates in a detailed written report with specific recommendations for home, school, and any needed interventions.

The length varies depending on the type of evaluation and the individual’s needs:

• Focused ADHD or autism assessment: 3-6 hours of direct testing, typically over 1-2 sessions
• Comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation: 6-10+ hours of direct testing, typically over 2-3 sessions

I never rush the process. Breaks are encouraged, and I take as long as needed to ensure accurate, valid results. For children and adults with anxiety, ADHD, or autism, I also offer in-home assessments throughout the South Bay so they can be evaluated in familiar, comfortable surroundings.

After testing is complete, I spend additional time scoring, interpreting results, and writing your comprehensive report—typically 8-15+ hours depending on the evaluation type.

Unlike large psychology practices and hospital-based clinics with 4-6+ month waiting lists, I typically schedule new clients within 1-2 weeks. I start working on your assessment immediately and provide reports much faster than most providers—usually within 2-3 weeks of completing testing.

As a private practice, I offer concierge-style service with direct access to me throughout the process. No gatekeepers, no voicemail—just responsive, personalized care.

Both are qualified to conduct comprehensive psychological assessments, but they have different specializations:

Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP):

• Specializes in learning, academic achievement, and school-related concerns
• Expert in IEP eligibility, 504 Plans, and educational accommodations
• Deep knowledge of how schools work and what they need to provide services
• Typically costs $1,500-$3,500 for comprehensive evaluations

Neuropsychologist:

• Specializes in brain-behavior relationships
• Often works with brain injuries, neurological conditions, and complex medical cases
• May provide more detailed cognitive mapping
• Typically costs $4,000-$8,000+ for comprehensive evaluations

For most school-related concerns—learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, IEP eligibility, 504 accommodations—a Licensed Educational Psychologist provides the same quality assessment at a more accessible price point. Neuropsychological evaluation may be more appropriate when there’s a history of brain injury, seizures, or complex medical conditions affecting cognition.

Yes! I offer in-home evaluations throughout the South Bay, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Palos Verdes, and surrounding communities.

In-home assessments are especially helpful for:

• Children or adults with anxiety who perform better in familiar settings
• Individuals with ADHD who may be more regulated at home
• Those on the autism spectrum who benefit from predictable environments
• Families with scheduling challenges or multiple children

There’s no additional charge for in-home assessments within the South Bay area.

Yes. My reports are specifically designed to meet the requirements of South Bay school districts, including Manhattan Beach Unified, Redondo Beach Unified, Torrance Unified, El Segundo Unified, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified, and LAUSD.

I use current, validated assessment instruments that schools recognize and accept. My reports include all the data schools need to determine eligibility for an IEP or 504 Plan, along with clear, specific recommendations that translate directly into educational goals and accommodations.

I’m also available to attend IEP and 504 meetings to present findings and advocate for appropriate services.

Both provide support for students with disabilities, but they’re quite different:

IEP (Individualized Education Program):

• Falls under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
• Requires the student to have a qualifying disability that impacts educational performance
• Provides specialized instruction, related services, and measurable goals
• More comprehensive and legally binding
• Includes annual reviews and triennial re-evaluations

504 Plan:

• Falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Requires a disability that substantially limits a major life activity (including learning)
• Provides accommodations and modifications (not specialized instruction)
• Examples: extended time, preferential seating, reduced homework, breaks
• Simpler to obtain and modify

A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation can provide documentation for either type of plan, and I can help you understand which is most appropriate for your child’s needs.

Absolutely. Parents have the right to obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at any time. Here’s why many families choose private evaluations:

• Faster turnaround – School evaluations can take 60+ days; I typically complete evaluations within 2-4 weeks
• More comprehensive – Private evaluations often include more in-depth testing
• Your choice of evaluator – You select someone with expertise in your child’s specific concerns
• Dedicated attention – I work directly with your family, not juggling a caseload of 50+ students
• Advocacy support – I can attend IEP meetings and help you navigate the process

Schools are legally required to consider private evaluations when making eligibility decisions and developing IEPs or 504 Plans.

Yes! While 504 Plans are designed for K-12 students, the same type of comprehensive evaluation can document disabilities for workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you’re an adult with ADHD, a learning disability, autism, or another condition affecting your work performance, a psychoeducational or diagnostic evaluation provides the documentation employers and HR departments need to grant reasonable accommodations such as:

• Extended time on tasks or deadlines
• Written instructions instead of verbal
• Flexible scheduling or remote work options
• Noise-reducing headphones or quiet workspace
• Modified workspaces or ergonomic accommodations
• Regular check-ins or structured feedback

My evaluation reports are written to meet both educational and employment documentation standards.

ADHD can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 4, though it’s often identified when children enter school and academic/behavioral demands increase. Many individuals—especially girls and women—aren’t diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood because their symptoms present differently.

Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18-24 months by specialists, though many children are diagnosed between ages 2-5. Like ADHD, autism is often missed or diagnosed later in girls/women and individuals who “mask” their symptoms effectively.

It’s never too late to seek an evaluation. Many adults find that a diagnosis in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond provides valuable insight and access to support.

While teacher observations are valuable, a proper ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation—not just a checklist or brief screening. Many conditions can look like ADHD, including:

• Anxiety (can cause difficulty concentrating and restlessness)
• Depression (can affect focus, motivation, and energy)
• Learning disabilities (struggling academically can look like inattention)
• Sleep disorders (fatigue affects attention and behavior)
• Autism (can include attention differences)
• Giftedness (boredom can be mistaken for inattention)

A thorough evaluation rules out these other possibilities and ensures an accurate diagnosis—which is essential for effective treatment. Getting the wrong diagnosis (or missing a co-occurring condition) can lead to interventions that don’t work or even make things worse.

Masking (also called camouflaging) refers to consciously or unconsciously hiding autistic traits to fit in socially. This might include:

• Forcing eye contact even when uncomfortable
• Scripting conversations and rehearsing responses
• Mimicking others’ facial expressions and body language
• Suppressing stimming behaviors in public
• Exhausting themselves to appear “normal”

Girls and women are often socialized to mask more effectively, which is one reason autism is diagnosed in boys 4x more often—not because it’s actually less common in girls, but because it’s missed more often.

I use a neurodiversity-affirming approach and am trained to recognize autism presentations that don’t fit the stereotypical profile. My assessments look beyond surface behaviors to understand each individual’s internal experience.

Yes, absolutely. Research suggests that 50-70% of autistic individuals also have ADHD, and many people with ADHD have autistic traits. The two conditions share some overlapping features (like difficulty with executive function) but are distinct in other ways.

A comprehensive evaluation can identify whether one or both conditions are present, which is important because treatment approaches differ. Someone with both ADHD and autism may need a combination of strategies that address each condition’s unique challenges.

My evaluation fees vary based on the type and complexity of assessment needed:

• Social-Emotional Assessment: Starting at $1,000
• ADHD Evaluation: Starting at $1,200
• Adult ADHD Evaluation: Starting at $1,200
• Autism Spectrum Evaluation: Starting at $1,400
• Learning Disability Evaluation: $2,400 – $3,000
• Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluation: Starting at $3,500

I can also customize any package to include more or less testing based on your specific questions and budget—while still including all the necessary elements for accurate diagnosis. Visit my Fees & Pricing page for complete details.

I am an out-of-network provider, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. However, many PPO plans offer out-of-network benefits that may reimburse 50-80% of evaluation costs.

I provide a superbill (detailed receipt) with all the information you need to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. I recommend calling your insurance before scheduling to ask:

Yes! Psychological evaluations and therapy are typically eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). I accept HSA and FSA debit cards for payment.

Yes. For comprehensive evaluations, payment plans are available. A deposit is required to schedule your appointment, with the remaining balance due before the final report is released. I’m happy to discuss payment options during our initial consultation.

I provide evidence-based therapy for adolescents (ages 12+), adults, and couples, including:

• Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and neurodivergent experiences
• Couples therapy to improve communication and strengthen relationships
• Adolescent therapy for teens navigating academic stress, identity, and family dynamics
• Parent consultation to support parents of neurodivergent children or those navigating IEP processes

Sessions are available in-person at my Hermosa Beach office or via secure telehealth throughout California.

Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. As you progress, we may transition to biweekly or monthly sessions for maintenance.

I also offer monthly consultation packages for parents who need ongoing guidance without committing to weekly therapy—perfect for navigating IEP processes, school challenges, or supporting a neurodivergent child.

Consider an evaluation if your child is experiencing any of the following:

• Struggling academically despite effort and support
• Difficulty with reading, writing, or math that seems out of proportion to their intelligence
• Trouble paying attention, staying organized, or completing tasks
• Social difficulties or trouble making/keeping friends
• Anxiety, meltdowns, or emotional dysregulation
• Behavioral challenges at home or school
• Teachers expressing concerns about learning or attention
• Your gut feeling that something isn’t quite clicking

If you’re unsure whether an evaluation is needed, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and help you determine next steps.

For evaluations, it’s helpful to bring any relevant documents you have, such as:

• Previous evaluations or testing (school or private)
• Current IEP or 504 Plan
• Recent report cards and teacher comments
• Medical records related to developmental concerns
• Work samples showing areas of difficulty

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these—we’ll work with whatever information is available. I’ll also send you intake paperwork and rating scales to complete before our first meeting.

I provide in-person evaluations and therapy in Hermosa Beach and offer in-home assessments throughout the South Bay, including:

• Manhattan Beach
• Hermosa Beach
• Redondo Beach
• Torrance
• El Segundo
• Palos Verdes Peninsula
• Rancho Palos Verdes
• Rolling Hills

Telehealth therapy is available to clients throughout California.