Learn what to expect from intake to results, written by licensed clinicians who understand the emotional weight of getting answers.
Quick Answers:
- What is a psychological evaluation? A structured assessment that helps identify emotional, cognitive, or behavioral challenges.
- How long does it take? Typically 1–3 weeks from intake to final report, depending on scheduling and the type of testing.
- What are the main steps? Intake interview, testing, scoring & interpretation, and a feedback session to review results.
- Who conducts it? Licensed psychologists or clinical professionals with specialized training in psychological evaluations.
- Is it stressful? At Open Minds Psychological, we work to make the process informative, collaborative, and as low-stress as possible, not intimidating.
If you’re looking for a shorter overview, read our guide on what to expect during a psychological evaluation, which breaks the process down step-by-step in an easy-to-skim format.
Open Minds Psychological is a trusted provider of comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults across Phoenixville, PA. Our clinicians bring decades of experience to every evaluation and are deeply committed to compassionate, evidence-based care—tailoring each step to fit your unique needs.
If you or your child has been referred for a psychological evaluation, you may be feeling a mix of uncertainty, stress, and hope. Maybe you’ve been struggling to find answers. Maybe you’ve tried therapy, medication, or school accommodations—and you’re still left wondering what’s really going on.
We see you. And we want to make sure you don’t walk into this process in the dark. In this guide, we’ll break down what a psychological evaluation actually involves—step by step—so you can feel more prepared, confident, and supported from the very beginning.
At Open Minds Psychological, we believe everyone deserves clarity—without judgment or delay. Our team includes parents, educators, and advocates who understand the emotional weight that evaluations can carry.
“Psychological evaluations help uncover the ‘why’ behind struggles at school, work, or home. It’s not about labels—it’s about clarity.” – Dr. Aimee Salas, LPC, NCC
Before Day One – How to Prepare
Preparation starts before you ever walk through the door—or log into your virtual appointment.
Here’s what to bring:
- Government-issued ID
- Any relevant medical, school, or past psychological records
- A list of symptoms, concerns, or goals for the evaluation
- Questions you want to ask your clinician
For parents: Bring notes from teachers or school staff, report cards, and any IEP/504 documentation, if available.
Open Minds Psychological provides clear prep guidance before your first session so you’re never left guessing.
For more details on preparing emotionally and practically, our mental health assessments guide offers additional insights into what testing looks like for different ages and concerns.
What happens during the intake interview?
Summary: The intake interview builds the foundation by exploring your history, symptoms, and goals to customize the evaluation.
What happens:
Your first session is a conversation—not a test. The intake interview allows the clinician to learn your story. They’ll ask about:
- Your personal or family history
- Current concerns and symptoms
- Previous treatments or diagnoses
- Goals for the evaluation
For families: Both parent and child may be interviewed; teens often meet individually as well.
Duration: 60–90 minutes
At Open Minds, we know that trust is built early. We take the time to listen and affirm your concerns without rushing.
Q: What is the intake interview for?
A: To gather your background, history, and current concerns so your clinician can personalize the evaluation process.
What Does Psychological Testing Involve?
Summary:
Testing includes a mix of activities designed to understand thinking, learning, emotions, and behavior in a structured, supportive setting.
What happens:
Psychological testing isn’t one long test — it’s a series of activities that help your clinician understand how you or your child thinks, processes information, and manages emotions. Depending on the referral question, testing may include:
- Cognitive assessments (problem-solving, reasoning, memory, and processing speed)
- Academic measures (reading, writing, math)
- Behavioral/emotional questionnaires completed by you, your child, or teachers
- Attention and executive functioning tasks
- Play-based or interactive activities for younger children
Your clinician will observe pace, effort, focus, frustration tolerance, and the strategies used — all of which provide important diagnostic information.
Environment:
Testing sessions are conducted one-on-one in a calm, supportive setting. Breaks are encouraged whenever needed.
Duration:
Most testing occurs over 2–4 hours, sometimes split into multiple sessions depending on age, stamina, and complexity.
How are results interpreted after testing?
Summary: Clinicians interpret test results alongside real-time observations to offer accurate, helpful insights.
Behind the scenes:
After testing is complete, your clinician will analyze the results. This includes:
- Comparing scores against age-based norms
- Looking for patterns across emotional, cognitive, and behavioral domains
- Integrating information from interviews and records
You’ll also have had a mental status exam, where the clinician observes mood, thinking, communication, and behavior during sessions.
We translate complex data into clear, compassionate guidance you can actually use.
“We don’t just deliver data—we interpret it in the context of your lived experience.” – Christina Slobodian, LPC, MA, Open Minds Psychologist
Q: What is the purpose of the mental status exam?
A: It helps clinicians evaluate mood, communication, and behavior in real time to support a well-rounded diagnosis.
What happens in the feedback session?
Summary: Your clinician presents clear results and recommendations designed to support real-life next steps.
What you’ll get:
This is where everything comes together. You’ll meet with your clinician (virtually or in person) to:
- Review test findings in plain language
- Discuss diagnoses, if applicable
- Talk through practical recommendations for school, work, or therapy
This isn’t just about labels—it’s about understanding yourself or your child better, and knowing what to do next.
At Open Minds, our reports are parent- and school-friendly, and our clinicians walk you through them so you’re not left with a stack of confusing papers.
You deserve more than a diagnosis—you deserve a plan.
Q: What should I expect from the feedback session?
A: A clear explanation of results, recommendations, and time to ask questions or express concerns.
Visual Summary: 4 Key Steps in the Process
- Intake Interview – Get to know you and your goals
- Testing & Assessments – In-depth understanding of how you think, feel, and learn
- Scoring & Interpretation – Making sense of results and observations
- Feedback Session – Clear explanations, next steps, and real-world support
What are the next steps after your evaluation?
Your evaluation report is more than a document—it’s a roadmap. After your feedback session, we:
- Provide a written report you can use for IEPs, 504 Plans, or workplace accommodations
- Offer referrals for therapy, psychiatry, or coaching, if needed
- Stay available for follow-up questions
Our team believes that evaluation should be the start of clarity—not the end.
If you ever feel stuck, we’re just a phone call away.
“We didn’t just get a diagnosis—we got direction, validation, and a plan. I finally felt seen as a parent.” – Open Minds client
About Open Minds Psychological
Open Minds Psychological is a trusted provider of comprehensive psychological and psycho-educational evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults across Phoenixville, PA. Our clinicians bring decades of combined experience in diagnostic assessment, mental health testing, and evidence-based care.
Our team specializes in:
- Psychological evaluations
- Psycho-educational assessments
- ADHD & learning differences evaluations
- Autism spectrum evaluations
- Behavioral & emotional assessments
- School-based and post-crisis evaluations
Why families trust us:
- Licensed clinical psychologists and trained practitioners
- Child- and family-centered approach
- Evidence-based testing tools and standardized protocols
- Clear, compassionate reporting and individualized recommendations
- Collaborative communication with families, schools, and healthcare providers
Open Minds Psychological is committed to making the evaluation process supportive, transparent, and accessible — so every family receives clarity, guidance, and a path forward.
Key Takeaways
- A psychological evaluation helps uncover the root causes of emotional, behavioral, or cognitive challenges.
- The process typically involves four stages: intake, testing, scoring & interpretation, and a feedback session.
- Each evaluation is customized based on your or your child’s unique concerns and goals.
- The process usually spans 1–3 weeks from start to report delivery.
- Clear, actionable recommendations are included to guide school, therapy, or next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychological Evaluations
1. How do I know if myself or my child needs a psychological evaluation?
Consider an evaluation if you’re noticing ongoing struggles with learning, attention, emotional regulation, behavior, or daily functioning — especially if these challenges are affecting school, work, or relationships.
2. What’s the difference between a psychological evaluation and a psycho-educational evaluation?
A psychological evaluation looks at emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning.
A psycho-educational evaluation focuses more on learning, academic skills, and school-related concerns.
Many people benefit from a combination of both depending on their goals.
3. Will I receive a diagnosis?
If the evaluation reveals patterns that meet criteria for a diagnosis, your clinician will discuss this during the feedback session and explain what it means for support and next steps.
If no diagnosis is present, you’ll still receive personalized recommendations.
4. How accurate are psychological tests?
Standardized assessments are evidence-based, highly researched tools used nationwide to measure thinking skills, learning differences, and emotional patterns.
Clinicians interpret results in context — combining scores with interviews, observations, and real-world information.
5. Does insurance cover psychological evaluations?
Coverage varies widely by plan. Some evaluations (such as ADHD or diagnostic assessments) may be partially covered.
School-related or psycho-educational evaluations are often considered “educational” and may not be covered.
Our team can help you understand your benefits.
6. Will the evaluation feel stressful for my child?
Most children actually enjoy the activities, which feel more like puzzles or games. Clinicians use a warm, supportive approach and offer breaks whenever needed.
7. How long is the final report?
Reports typically range from 10–25 pages depending on complexity.
You’ll receive a clear summary, test results, interpretations, and a detailed plan of next steps.
8. What if my child has already been evaluated elsewhere?
Previous evaluations are extremely helpful. Your clinician can compare old and new results to identify growth, changes, or emerging patterns.
9. Can psychological evaluations be done virtually?
Many parts of the evaluation (intake interview, questionnaires, feedback session) can be completed remotely.
Standardized testing still requires in-person sessions for accuracy.
10. What happens if the results don’t match what I expected?
Your clinician will explain the findings and answer all questions.
Evaluations are not about proving something “right or wrong” — they’re about understanding what supports will help you or your child thrive.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or just need answers—this process is here to help.
Book a consultation with Open Minds Psychological and let’s start your journey toward clarity, support, and next steps that actually make sense.
We’re not just here to assess—we’re here to walk beside you.
Author & Clinical Reviewer
Written by:
Brianna Matey, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Open Minds Psychological
Reviewed by:
Open Minds Psychological Clinical Team — a multidisciplinary group of licensed clinicians specializing in diagnostic evaluations, psycho-educational testing, and support for children, teens, and adults.
Last updated: January 2025
(Content is reviewed annually for clinical accuracy and relevance.)
• What to Expect During a Psychological Evaluation
• Guide to Mental Health Assessments
• School Psychological Evaluations After a Crisis