Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Psychological Assessment Services

Why is testing beneficial?

Psychological tests provide a systematic and objective way to assess an individual's cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional functioning, and other psychological variables. They help psychologists and other mental health professionals diagnose mental disorders, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop appropriate treatment plans.

Should I wait to get testing completed?

No, you should not wait. Testing can help identify psychological issues at an early stage, even before noticeable symptoms or problems arise. Early detection allows for timely, effective intervention and treatment, potentially preventing further distress or worsening mental health conditions. Testing can help you avoid wasting time on ineffective interventions and provide a clear list of recommendations tailored to your family.

My child is getting ready for college; is it too late?

It is never too late to get an assessment completed. I specialize in assessment for ages 12 months to 18 years. I am happy to provide names of other providers for individuals outside of my age range if needed.

How long does testing take?

The entire process includes an intake, interviews, testing, scoring, interpretation, report writing, and feedback. In some instances, a school observation is conducted. Your clinician typically spends between 10-20 hours face-to-face and administratively on your assessment. In most cases, two appointments are needed in person and/or via telehealth when appropriate.

Should I make the financial investment in testing?

It depends! I am happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with you to discuss your present situation further and determine whether testing will benefit you and/or your child. Testing provides a 'fast track' of several months of therapy in just two to three appointments, allowing you to pinpoint specific treatment targets and help your current or future therapist jump-start your treatment.

Is educational testing covered by insurance?

Educational testing is not typically covered by insurance because it's not considered "medically necessary." At Reflect to Connect Psychology, we offer this service as a separate fee. This type of testing focuses on academic performance, learning disabilities, or giftedness. Additionally, we provide school observations as part of our educational testing add-on option. These observations are essential for understanding your or your child's learning environment and needs.

Which insurers is Reflect to Connect in network with?

Reflect to Connect is in-network with the following insurers: CIGNA, Healthy Blue, HomeState Health, GEHA, some United Healthcare plans, and Missouri Medicaid (Mo HealthNet).

What are the benefits and limitations of using insurance?

Using insurance has both benefits and limitations. Insurers can limit the number of hours they will approve for testing, which can impact the amount of information we are able to gather. While using insurance can save some money, if you have a high deductible plan, you may end up spending more money than the out-of-pocket costs for assessment. Using insurance can also delay testing as we may need to wait for prior authorizations. It is always the client's responsibility to be aware of the details of their insurance plan.

What if Reflect to Connect is out of network with my insurance?

While Reflect to Connect Psychology may not be in-network with your insurance provider, many plans still offer coverage for out-of-network services. This means you can access our services and potentially receive reimbursement directly from your insurer. Don't let network restrictions hold you back from the support you deserve. Contact us today to explore how we can help you maximize your insurance benefits and prioritize your mental health journey.