Therapy & Assessment Services

The intake session is not just an interview—it’s a therapeutic appointment where we begin working on understanding the problem and identifying solutions. It will likely involve:

• Discussion of concerns, including when they started, how they’ve changed over time, and what has helped or not helped so far.

• Exploration of possible contributing factors.

• Development of a working hypothesis about what’s going on.

• Discussion of strengths and interests so we can incorporate these into therapy.

• Introduction to strategies that can be helpful right away.

For families, this may include some time with the parent(s) and child together, and some time with the child alone. By the end of the session, you should:

• Feel comfortable, welcomed, and understood.

• Have a clearer picture of why the problem is happening.

• Have hope that things can improve.

• Know how we plan to help and what therapy will involve.

Therapy is built on trust and relationship. Research consistently shows that the most important factor in successful therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client—more so than any specific technique. We take this seriously. We often refer to our clients as our people or our families because we are truly invested in the work we do. We are authentic and transparent, which creates space for our clients to be as well. We are warm, sometimes funny (sometimes corny), sometimes silly—but at the same time, we know what we’re doing. And when we don’t know something, we will tell you that. We will also tell you how we can either find out what to do or help you find someone who does.

Therapy can be thought of in stages, though these are not rigid or linear. It is an iterative process, meaning we are constantly learning, adjusting, and adapting as we go.

Stage 1: Foundation & Early Work (4-8 weeks, typically weekly sessions)

This is where we dig in. The foundation of therapy is still being built, even while we begin working on solutions.

• We continue strengthening the therapeutic relationship while learning about all aspects of the child’s life—home, school, friendships, and anything else that plays a role.

• We observe behavior patterns, often using informal ABC chains (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) or other functional behavior assessments to understand what drives certain behaviors.

• We begin trying out different therapeutic techniques, both in-session and at home. Some will involve the child alone, while others will involve parents as well.

• We collaborate and check in on progress—what’s working, what’s not, and what needs adjusting.

• If improvement isn’t happening as expected, we take a problem-solving approach: Are we missing something? Are there skills that aren’t being practiced outside of session? Would psychological testing help clarify things?

At this stage, therapy is active—we’re not just talking, we’re trying things out and adjusting in real-time.

Stage 2: Growth & Skill Building (Biweekly sessions, timing varies)

As progress is made, sessions start to space out. The focus shifts to:

• Reinforcing skills and making sure they stick in real-world settings.

• Addressing any new challenges that arise.

• Ensuring sustainable change rather than just short-term improvements.

• Collaborating with parents, teachers, or other key people when needed.

We still meet regularly, but as skills become more solid, the child and family begin applying them more independently.

Stage 3: Maintenance & Long-Term Support (Timing varies; as-needed or ongoing check-ins)

This phase is different for everyone. Some families move to an as-needed basis, checking in only during big transitions or challenging times. Others choose to continue regular sessions for ongoing support. Therapy doesn’t always need to be about crisis or problem-solving—it can also be about growth, self-awareness, and personal development.

For some, the work will feel complete, and therapy may end. For others, there may be long periods between sessions, but the door remains open to return if needed.

That depends on the problem we’re addressing and the person we’re working with. We pull from multiple therapy approaches, including:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Learning to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills – Strengthening emotional regulation and distress tolerance.

• Collaborative Problem Solving & Solution-Focused Techniques– Helping families work through conflicts in a way that builds skills rather than just enforcing rules.

• Parent Coaching – Helping parents support their child’s progress at home.

• Family Therapy Approaches – Addressing relational patterns that contribute to challenges.

We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach—therapy is adapted to each client’s needs. 

Yes, but it’s not like school homework. Practicing skills between sessions is an essential part of therapy because real change happens outside of the therapy room. This may include:

• Trying out a coping strategy.

• Tracking emotions or behaviors.

• Practicing a conversation or social interaction.

• Making small adjustments to daily routines.

Therapy is only one hour a week. What happens outside of session matters just as much—if not more.

If things aren’t improving as expected, we don’t just keep doing the same thing. We problem-solve:

• Are we using the right approach?

• Are skills being practiced outside of sessions?

• Is there an underlying issue that hasn’t been fully addressed?

• Would additional assessments help us understand what’s going on?

If necessary, we adjust the plan or, in some cases, refer to a specialist who may be better suited to help.

Therapy typically comes to an end when:

• The original goals have been met.

• The child or family is managing challenges well on their own.

• There is no longer a need for regular support.

For some families, therapy ends and doesn’t resume. For others, therapy remains open-ended, with check-ins as needed. There is no “one right way” to transition out of therapy. 

You’re always welcome to return. Life changes, new challenges come up, and having a trusted therapist to come back to can be valuable. Many families check in occasionally even after the original concerns have been resolved.

A psychological evaluation is a structured series of interviews, standardized tests, and questionnaires designed to evaluate a person’s strengths and challenges across several domains. This process is tailored to examine not just the individual, but their broader context, such as their experiences at home, school, or in social settings.

Areas that may be assessed include:

• Intelligence: Understanding cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

• Academic Achievement: Identifying learning disabilities or skill gaps.

• Memory and Attention: Evaluating focus, executive functioning, and working memory.

• Emotional and Behavioral Functioning: Assessing mood, anxiety, and regulation.

• Social Development and Personality: Gaining insight into relationships, self-perception, and unique traits.

These domains are examined using a combination of interviews, direct testing, observations, and input from caregivers and educators to provide a holistic understanding of your child’s needs.

Psychological testing is a multi-step process designed to gather a full understanding of an individual’s strengths and challenges. Evaluations are customized to answer referral questions and provide clear recommendations that guide next steps at home, school, and in treatment.

Step 1: Clinical Intake and Prior Authorization

The process begins with a clinical intake session, where we discuss concerns, review developmental and family history, and begin forming hypotheses about what may be contributing to the challenges at hand. This session helps determine the most appropriate assessment tools and allows us to tailor the evaluation to the individual's specific needs. A plan is developed to ensure the testing process is both thorough and efficient. If testing will be billed through insurance, we submit a prior authorization request following the intake. Once insurance authorization is received, we can proceed with the next steps.

Step 2: Information Gathering

A comprehensive evaluation requires input from multiple sources. With consent, we review records that may provide additional insight, including previous psychological or educational evaluations, medical history, school records (IEPs, 504 plans, report cards, behavioral reports), and relevant therapy or intervention notes. We may also contact past providers, educators, or medical professionals to ensure we have a well-rounded understanding of the individual’s history and current functioning.

Step 3: Direct Testing

Testing sessions are structured to assess cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning in a way that is engaging and informative. The number of sessions needed depends on the referral question and the complexity of the evaluation. Sessions include a mix of standardized tests, interactive tasks, and observations designed to provide a deeper understanding of the individual's abilities, challenges, and unique way of thinking.

Step 4: Rating Scales and Collateral Information

Since behavior and emotions often present differently across settings, we use standardized rating scales to gather input from caregivers, teachers, and, when appropriate, the youth being assessed. These tools help quantify concerns, identify patterns, and compare functioning to developmental expectations. In some cases, structured interviews with parents or educators provide additional context, and school observations may be included if needed.

Step 5: Report and Feedback

Once all data has been collected and analyzed, findings are compiled into a detailed written report that outlines strengths, challenges, diagnostic impressions (if applicable), and tailored recommendations. The report is designed to be clear, useful, and actionable. A feedback session is scheduled to review results, answer questions, and discuss next steps. Families are encouraged to reach out with follow-up questions as they begin implementing recommendations, and support is available to help coordinate with schools or other providers as needed.

Psychological testing can be helpful when there are unanswered questions about a child’s development, learning, emotions, or behavior. A comprehensive evaluation provides a clearer picture of what may be contributing to challenges and offers concrete recommendations for support. Testing may be beneficial when:

• A child is struggling with learning, attention, or behavior, and caregivers or teachers are unsure why.

• Symptoms overlap with more than one diagnosis, making it difficult to determine the best course of action.

• Emotional or behavioral challenges—such as anxiety, depression, aggression, or extreme sensitivity—are interfering with daily life.

• A child’s social development seems different from peers, whether that means difficulty making friends, reading social cues, or managing interactions.

• Developmental milestones seem delayed, or there are concerns about speech, motor skills, or adaptive functioning.

• Signs of advanced abilities or giftedness are present, and families want to understand how to best support and challenge their child.

Psychological testing doesn’t just identify problems—it highlights strengths, provides a deeper understanding of how a child thinks and learns, and helps families make informed decisions about next steps. 

If your child is struggling with learning, behavior, attention, or emotions, and there are still unanswered questions after prior evaluations or therapy, psychological testing can provide deeper insight. Assessments help clarify diagnoses, identify strengths, and guide recommendations for school and home.

It’s helpful to explain that testing is a way to understand how their brain works so that we can help them learn and grow in the best way for them. The process is relaxed, with activities that feel like puzzles or games rather than a “test”. Many times the child will participate in their own feedback session to discuss the results in a way that is meaningful and understandable for them. 

The full process—including intake, insurance authorization, testing sessions, rating scales, collateral gathering, report writing, and feedback—typically takes 3–6 weeks depending on the complexity of the evaluation. 

Yes. Our reports can be used to support IEPs, 504 plans, and classroom accommodations. We can also provide guidance on how to communicate results to your child’s school. 

Coverage varies. Some parts of testing may be reimbursable through insurance, while others (including academic testing) are typically self-pay. We will discuss this with you at the time of the intake interview and/or in the process of obtaining insurance authorization. 

Depending on the questions to be answered in testing/referral concerns and insurance coverage, traditional testing timelines and steps may be approached differently. Therapeutic assessment is an approach to psychological testing as more than just a way to assign a diagnosis—it’s a collaborative process that helps individuals and families gain meaningful insight into their experiences. This approach, known as therapeutic assessment, ensures that the process itself is informative, validating, and even transformative.

Unlike traditional assessments, where results are simply delivered at the end, therapeutic assessment integrates feedback throughout the process, helping individuals and caregivers understand patterns as they emerge. This allows for real-time reflection and discussion, making the evaluation experience more engaging and empowering.

Key aspects of therapeutic assessment include:

• Active Collaboration: Parents, caregivers, and sometimes even the child are invited to reflect on testing observations and discuss emerging insights.

• Strength-Based Perspective: Instead of focusing only on challenges, we highlight strengths and how they can be leveraged for growth.

• Transparency in the Process: Families receive ongoing feedback instead of waiting until the final report. There are no surprises at the end—just a deeper, shared understanding.

• Guided Self-Discovery: In some cases, we involve children or adolescents in discussing their own patterns and problem-solving strategies, helping them make sense of their struggles in a safe and validating way.

This method ensures that the assessment process itself feels like a tool for growth and change, not just a means to a label. Whether a family is seeking clarity, validation, or direction, therapeutic assessment provides a meaningful way to explore challenges while empowering individuals with knowledge about themselves. Dr. Hill will discuss with you if this approach may be beneficial for your child and your family.