What is the assessment process?

Evaluations will require between 8-15 appointments to complete. The sessions will include clinical interviews, review of assessment measures, and collaboration on the report to ensure it accurately represents your experience. Sessions will also offer you therapeutic interventions such as training on coping skills, feedback, coaching, connection to resources, and/or referrals to other treatments or groups. You will be provided with a report at the end, detailing our findings. Your assessor will discuss in more detail what to expect in each session as well as an overview of their unique assessment process. 

How are these different from a neuropsychological evaluation? 

A neuropsychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in the relationship between the brain and behavior/cognitive skills. Neuropsychologists are trained to evaluate neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, ADHD, learning difference and traumatic brain injuries. They utilize numerous testing measures, assessments, and comprehensive interviews with the client, family and schools. For folks under 18, insurance often covers a neuropsychologist evaluation for Autism. For folks over 18, insurance is not likely to cover a neuropsychologist evaluation and neuropsychologist evaluations can be expensive. This is why it may be more financially feasible to receive a diagnosis from a master’s level clinician who is trained to provide autism assessments, as long as the accommodations you are seeking do not require a diagnosis from a neuropsychologist.

Who do you assess?

We provide assessments in-person in Cincinnati, Ohio and virtually in Ohio for anyone 18 years of age and older. 

How much does the assessment cost?

We will bill your insurance and you will be responsible for anything that your insurance requires you to pay (ie: copays, deductible); however, if you have any Medicaid plan, the cost to you is $0. The most common CPT codes that we will bill to your insurance are 90791 (intake), 90837 and 90834 (standard appointments), 90847 (family collaboration appointment). Unless you have Medicaid, there is a report writing fee of $200 at the end. 

Do you offer therapy once the assessment is completed?

Yes! We have many therapists who specialize in and/or have lived experience with neurodiversity. Check out our Therapists page to see who feels like a good fit. You can also email our Care Coordinator to get matched with a therapist who meets your unique needs. Please note that there is no guarantee that you can continue therapy with the therapist conducting your assessment.

What need will the diagnosis meet for you? 

• Work Accommodations- Per the ADA an employer cannot request you disclose your disability. You will need to describe the difficulties you experience and accommodations you are requesting. This letter can be written by: LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, NP, PhD, PsyD, MD.  This is a great resource for determining which supports may be helpful: https://askjan.org/  

• Academic Accommodations- Every higher education institution has a department for student disabilities. We recommend looking into the requirements needed in order to request accommodations. Most institutions will accept letters from a LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC. Some will only accept PhD, PsyD, MD.  Occasionally they request comprehensive details of the diagnosis and necessary accommodations.  K-12 for an IEP will only accept assessments from an PhD, PsyD. 

• Medication - Whether a psychiatrist will accept an assessment is provider specific. If you have a psychiatrist that you like, check with them about what type of assessment they would like to incorporate a new diagnosis. If you do not yet have a psychiatrist or are open to referrals then we are happy to provide a list of affirming doctors. 

• State Disability- Will not accept a diagnostic assessment from a master’s level therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC). If you are needing an assessment to apply, we recommend working with an psychologist (PhD or PsyD.)

It's normal to have concerns about getting an autism diagnosis and disclosing it. We recommend this TikTok by Riki Faith Quinn, which addresses common fears and misconceptions about autism diagnosis. Deciding to get diagnosed or disclose your diagnosis is a personal choice. We invite you to discuss your concerns with your assessor.

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