Assessment Services
The Appalachian State University Psychology Clinic offers comprehensive psychological assessment services designed to clarify concerns, identify strengths, and provide meaningful recommendations for treatment, educational planning, and personal success. Our clinicians work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a wide range of psychological, cognitive, and academic concerns.
Areas of Assessment
We provide evaluations for:
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- Intellectual abilities
- Academic skills and achievement
- Cognitive impairment
- Personality functioning
- Psychosocial concerns
- Memory difficulties
- Psychoeducational needs
Assessment services are tailored to each individual’s referral concerns and may include clinical interviews, standardized testing, behavioral measures, questionnaires, and collateral information from family members, teachers, or other providers when appropriate.
While we can provide screenings, our Psychology Clinic is no longer able to offer full autism evaluations that can lead to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here is a list of mental health providers in the Watauga area that may include alternative options. The TEACCH® Autism Program also has sites across North Carolina and The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) offers comprehensive child and adult evaluations for autism.
What to Expect During an Evaluation
Psychological evaluations are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths, challenges, and needs. Evaluations are completed by graduate student clinicians under the supervision of a licensed psychologist who oversees the testing process, provides ongoing guidance, and reviews all reports before they are finalized.
During the evaluation, we will gather information about your/your child’s symptoms and history. If available, we will also review any previous evaluation reports, educational records, and accommodation plans. After a series of tests, results are scored, interpreted, and compiled into a comprehensive written report. Recommendations may be shared with schools, healthcare providers, or other professionals at the client’s request.
The length of the evaluation process varies based on the referral concern and complexity of the evaluation. Most evaluations require approximately 6 to 12 hours of assessment activities spread across multiple appointments. From intake to feedback, the process often takes about two months, although scheduling, University breaks, and other factors may affect timing.
How to Prepare
We ask that you/your child please arrive well-rested and prepared to participate fully in testing activities. Please make sure to bring:
- Photo ID
- Insurance card(s)
- Glasses or hearing aids, if needed
- Relevant medical, educational, or psychological records
- Previous evaluation reports or accommodation plans (IEPs or 504 Plans), if available
The Evaluation Process
- Initial Phone Screening – To begin services, call the Clinic at 828-262-6639 for a brief phone screening. This conversation helps us understand your concerns and determine whether our services are a good fit. For clients under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete the phone screening.
- Notification List – Because we are a training clinic with limited clinician availability, clients are often placed on a notification list until an appropriate opening becomes available.
- Intake Appointment – When a clinician becomes available, you will be scheduled for an intake interview, typically lasting one to two hours. During this interview, we will ask about your medical, academic, and psychological history.
- Testing Sessions – Subsequent assessment appointments will be scheduled for completing standardized testing and questionnaires. When appropriate, parents, teachers, or other individuals familiar with the client’s symptoms and behavior may also be asked to complete questionnaires. Evaluations typically occur over multiple days and range from one to three hours each, with most including approximately three to five appointments.
- Feedback and Recommendations – After testing is completed, your clinician will interpret the results and prepare a written report. Once the report is finalized, you will participate in a feedback session to review findings, discuss recommendations, and receive a copy of the report.
Get Started
To inquire about assessment services or begin the intake process, please call the Clinic.