Frequently asked questions.
At Huntington Psychological Services, we believe clarity is the first step toward progress. To help you understand our process and how we can support you, we have answered the most common questions from patients, parents, and referring professionals who entrust us with their care.
General assessment questions
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We specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological, psychological, and psychoeducational assessments for children and adults. Our goal is to provide clarity on a variety of questions, including ADHD, autism spectrum, learning differences/disorders, giftedness, and twice-exceptional (2e) profiles. We also offer focused IQ-only testing and substance use evaluations.
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We work with individuals across the lifespan, beginning with children as young as three. Our practice supports toddlers with developmental concerns, college students finding their way, working professionals navigating their careers, and adults facing challenges in later stages of life.
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Our approach is different because psychological and neuropsychological assessment is our primary passion and expertise—not just an add-on service. We go beyond simply providing a diagnostic label to offer a deeper understanding of the whole person. We achieve this through a process that is:
Comprehensive: Examining multiple areas of functioning, not just isolated symptoms.
Strengths-Based: Identifying capabilities to leverage, not just challenges to overcome.
Practical & Solution-Focused: Providing concrete, actionable recommendations.
Collaborative: Working as your partner throughout the entire process.
Evidence-Based: Using gold-standard measures informed by current research.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide the kind of clear, insightful, and supportive experience we would want for our own families.
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A comprehensive assessment, from the initial meeting to your final report, is typically completed in six to eight weeks. Here's what you can expect at each step:
Your Initial Interview (1 - 1.5 hours): We start by meeting with you to listen and thoroughly understand your history, concerns, and goals for the assessment.
The Testing Process (3-4 hours): This involves an in-office session, typically completed in one day. To make the best use of our time together, we ask that you first complete some questionnaires and tests from home via our secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
Our Expert Analysis (2 weeks): Our clinicians dedicate this time to carefully scoring, interpreting, and synthesizing all the information into a comprehensive set of findings.
Your Feedback Session (1 - 1.5 hours): We will meet to discuss the results and our recommendations in a clear, collaborative session. You will receive your final written report within two weeks following this meeting.
Please keep in mind that timelines for specialized assessments may vary, and we'll discuss that with you during your initial consultation.
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DescriptionIf you need to cancel or reschedule an intake appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, there will be a fee of $100.
If you need to cancel or reschedule a testing or feedback appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, there will be a fee of $500.
We schedule extensive time blocks for these sessions, making filling them on short notice challenging. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. text goes here
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No, we do not conduct child custody evaluations (730 evaluations) as our clinicians do not possess the specialized custody-related training mandated by the California Judicial Council. We suggest seeking the expertise of a forensic psychologist, who may be better equipped to assist you with these matters.
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Yes, we offer standalone IQ testing for a variety of specific purposes. The instruments we use are the gold-standard in the field and are accepted for admissions consideration by organizations such as Mensa International.
Common reasons for seeking an IQ test include:
Educational Placement: To meet requirements for gifted programs or specialized educational services.
Admissions & Employment: For applications to certain schools, organizations, or professions that require cognitive testing.
Personal Insight: To gain a deeper understanding of your cognitive profile and intellectual strengths.
While a comprehensive evaluation provides a more complete picture, standalone IQ testing can be the right choice depending on your goals. For pricing and to discuss if this is the right option for you, please contact our office at office@huntingtonpsych.com or (626) 209-9322.
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We select our assessment tools based on the highest standards of research and clinical utility. Our test library is:
Comprehensive & Current: We maintain an extensive collection of the most widely used (WISC-V, WIAT-4, ADOS-2, Conners CPT 3, BASC-3, BRIEF2, PAI) and newest (WAIS-5, D-KEFS Advanced) assessment measures.
Evidence-Based: Every instrument we use is supported by the latest research to ensure valid and reliable results.
Accepted for Accommodations: Our library includes the “gold-standard” instruments required by schools (for IEP and 504 plan consideration), colleges, and high-stakes testing boards (College Board, LSAC, etc.) to document the need for accommodations.
As we continuously update our collection, please contact us if you would like to confirm the availability of a specific test.
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Our tests come in different formats, and we tailor each test battery to suit the specific needs of every patient. While many of our standardized rating scale questionnaires and personality tests are sent via email for online completion, we also offer some in traditional paper-and-pencil form. Our in-person tests encompass a range of formats, including answering questions out loud, iPad, laptop computer, paper-and-pencil, blocks, drawing tests, pegs and board, cards, as well as paper and ink blotter. Assessments tailored for younger children may also incorporate a wide selection of toys, dolls, manipulative objects, storybooks, and cards.
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Our clients often wonder whether they need a psychological, neuropsychological, or psychoeducational assessment. Others wonder if an evaluation for ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, or another condition is appropriate. Our assessments are comprehensive and personalized to each individual. At the beginning of every assessment, we will conduct a broad screening and review of your history for various conditions to make sure we don’t miss anything. We then select tests based on your specific questions and our findings during the initial screening.
Payment & insurance questions
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Transparent Flat-Fee Pricing
We offer a transparent, all-inclusive flat fee for our assessments, so you know the exact cost upfront with no hidden charges. A comprehensive assessment is typically $4,500 to $5,500; the specific fee depends on the complexity of the evaluation and the clinician you work with. Your exact cost will be confirmed with you before the assessment process begins.
Payment Options & Financial Assistance
We are committed to making assessments accessible and offer flexible payment plans.
Using Out-of-Network Insurance
As an out-of-network provider, your insurance plan may reimburse you for a significant portion of the cost. Our billing team can help you verify your benefits beforehand, and we partner with Reimbursify to make submitting your claims simple.
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While our practice is an out-of-network provider with all insurance plans, we are dedicated to making it as easy as possible for you to use your benefits.
We choose to be out-of-network so we can provide the most personalized and comprehensive assessments possible, without the limitations often imposed by insurance carriers. Our focus is entirely on your care.
To support you in this process, we offer a unique, complimentary service: we will file all out-of-network claims on your behalf! Here’s how it works:
You pay for your services directly at our office.
We handle the paperwork (e.g., superbills) and submit the claim to your insurance provider for you.
Your insurance company sends any reimbursement directly to you.
This service saves you time and hassle, and we provide it completely free of charge—we never take a percentage of your reimbursement. In addition to this, some patients use HSA/FSA funds or take advantage of our interest-free payment plans. We are happy to walk you through all the options.
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Our goal is to make the payment process as clear and manageable as possible. Here is how it works:
Reserving Your Appointment: To schedule and hold your initial intake appointment, we ask for a $500 deposit. This is not an additional fee but is applied directly toward the total cost of your assessment.
Paying the Balance: For your convenience, the remaining balance is split into two equal payments during key phases of the assessment:
The first half is due at your testing appointment.
The final half is due at your feedback appointment, where we will discuss the results together.
For seamless billing, we ask that a credit card be kept securely on file throughout our work together.
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Yes. We understand that a comprehensive assessment is a significant investment. To make our services more accessible, we are happy to offer flexible, interest-free payment plans.
Our typical approach involves an initial payment before the assessment begins, with the remaining balance spread out over manageable monthly installments. We are committed to working with you to create a plan that fits your budget. Please feel free to discuss this option with us during your consultation.
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If you need to cancel or reschedule an intake appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, there will be a fee of $100.
If you need to cancel or reschedule a testing or feedback appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, there will be a fee of $500.
We schedule extensive time blocks for these sessions, making filling them on short notice challenging. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
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While school-based testing is a valuable resource for academic support, a private assessment offers a different level of depth and scope. Here are some key distinctions:
Clinical Diagnosis: Unlike schools, which identify students for educational services, our psychologists and psychological associates can provide a clinical diagnosis. This is often necessary for accessing medical treatments and therapies.
Comprehensive Scope: Our evaluations go beyond academics to create a complete picture of a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. We can assess for conditions like ADHD and autism, which are typically outside the scope of a school's evaluation.
"Real-World" Recommendations: School plans focus on classroom interventions. Our reports provide broader, more personalized recommendations for support at home, in the community, and with other healthcare providers.
Broader Utility: A private evaluation report can be used to access accommodations in a variety of settings beyond the K-12 school system, including on standardized tests (like the SAT/ACT), in college, and in the workplace.
For parents
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The best way to explain the assessment is to focus on how it helps us—the adults—learn to be better supporters. You can say something like, "We're going to meet with a psychologist (“learning specialist,” “brain helper,” etc.) who is an expert on how kids' brains work. You'll get to do some interesting activities and puzzles that will teach us how we can make things at home and school easier and more fun for you. This isn't a test you can pass or fail; the most important thing is just to try your best, because that gives us the best information to help." This approach places the responsibility for change on the adults and takes the pressure off your child.
For a more detailed guide on how to make this a positive and reassuring conversation, please see this blog post: Talking to Your Child About Their Upcoming Psychological Assessment: A Step-by-Step Guide.
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We understand this concern completely, and our entire approach is designed to be empowering and non-stigmatizing. We operate from a strengths-based perspective, emphasizing that every brain works differently. Our goal is to help your child understand their unique profile of strengths and challenges, framing these differences as the first step toward leveraging their capabilities for success.
Whether and how to share a diagnosis is a decision we make thoughtfully and collaboratively with you. For many children and teens, finally having a name for their struggles is a profound relief; it validates their experience and shows that their challenges aren't a reflection of their effort or intelligence. For others, it may be more helpful to discuss the findings without using a specific diagnostic label. This is a case-by-case conversation that you will have with your clinician during the feedback session to determine the most helpful and supportive path for your child.
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Yes, absolutely. We consider parents to be essential partners in the assessment process. Your involvement will include participating in a comprehensive initial interview to share your child's history, completing questionnaires based on your unique observations, and joining the final feedback session to discuss the results and next steps together.
For adults seeking assessment
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Yes, absolutely. It's never too late to find answers, and many adults find assessment to be a transformative experience. Understanding your unique cognitive and emotional profile can provide a new path forward by offering:
Clarity for lifelong patterns and struggles.
A foundation for self-understanding and self-compassion.
Access to accommodations in the workplace, college, or on standardized tests.
Targeted strategies that are tailored to the specific way your brain works.
A deeper understanding to help improve relationships and build connections.
Our adult patients often describe the experience as one of tremendous relief—finally having a framework to understand their past and navigate their future more effectively.
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Your assessment results are completely confidential and protected by law. We will never share your diagnosis or any other information with your employer without your explicit, written permission. The decision to disclose is entirely yours. Many adults use this information for their own understanding and choose to keep it private. Others decide to disclose their diagnosis to request workplace accommodations they are entitled to under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As part of your feedback session, we can help you understand your options, empowering you to make the best choice for your career.
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Yes, absolutely. Many successful adults seek an assessment because, despite their achievements, they've always felt a little different or that they have to try harder than others. An assessment can be incredibly validating. It can help you understand the "why" behind these feelings and can provide a name for lifelong experiences. The goal isn't to pathologize, but to empower you with self-knowledge. It can explain why certain tasks drain your energy, offer strategies that align with your natural strengths, and ultimately help you achieve your goals with less stress and more self-compassion.
For referring professionals
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Thank you for considering us for your client’s/patient's assessment needs. To help us build on your work and provide a comprehensive evaluation, it can helpful to include the following in your referral:
Primary assessment question(s) you are hoping to answer.
A summary of current symptoms or concerns.
Relevant history, including any previous evaluations or diagnoses.
A list of current medications and therapeutic interventions.
Any accommodations currently being used.
Special considerations for the patient during the assessment process.
Referrals can be made through our secure online form or by phone at (626) 209-9322. We look forward to collaborating with you.
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Yes, we have deep expertise in conducting specialized assessments for a range of specific needs. Our targeted evaluations include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Utilizing “gold-standard” tools like the ADOS-2 to provide a comprehensive and accurate diagnostic picture.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Incorporating objective measures such as continuous performance tests (CPTs) alongside clinical data for a comprehensive evaluation.
Specific Learning Disorders: Conducting in-depth academic testing to identify challenges in reading, writing, or math (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia).
Twice-Exceptional (2e) Profiles: A specialized approach for individuals who are both gifted and have a learning or developmental challenge.
All our assessments are conducted through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, focusing on a person's unique strengths and challenges.
Getting started
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Your first step is to book a 15-minute complimentary consultation call with a member of our care team.
➡️ You can schedule your call directly using this link.
During our conversation, we can book your intake appointment. You'll then receive an email confirmation with everything you need, including a link to complete your intake forms online prior to your visit.
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Documents to Provide 📂
To help our team prepare, we encourage you to email the following documents (if applicable) to our HIPAA-compliant email address: office@huntingtonpsych.com. You are also welcome to bring physical copies to your appointment.
Previous Evaluations: Copies of any past psychological, neuropsychological, or psychoeducational reports.
Relevant Medical Records: Any medical documents that may be pertinent to the evaluation.
School Documents: Your child's most recent IEP or 504 Plan.
Your Questions: A list of any specific questions you want to be sure we address.
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Our goal is to provide you with answers in a timely manner. We can typically schedule an initial intake appointment within a month, a significant advantage compared to the 6-12 month waitlists often found with insurance-based providers. Once the process begins, your entire assessment—from intake to final report—is generally completed within 6-8 weeks. If your situation is urgent, please ask to be added to our cancellation list, as we can occasionally accommodate patients sooner when appointments open up. Please note that our schedule is busiest during back-to-school periods, at the end of school semesters, and around holidays, so we highly encourage you to schedule in advance.
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Our Location 📍
Address:
3452 E Foothill Blvd, Suite 518
Pasadena, CA 91107Contact:
📞 Phone: (626) 209-9322
📧 Email: office@huntingtonpsych.com🚗 Parking:
Paid public parking is available in the building's lot. Free street parking can also be found on surrounding streets.
Your next step starts here.
Book a free 15-minute consultation call to discover our services and get your questions answered. It's a simple, no-pressure way to learn more and determine the best path forward.
Or send us a message using our contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly.