+ What kinds of evaluations do you offer?

We offer a wide variety of types of evaluations. Most of our clients are interested in receiving a valid diagnosis for their child or for themselves, and we can do diagnostic evaluations to rule out disorders of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. For example, we are generally able to conclude through our evaluations whether a person meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourette's Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and many other conditions which affect adjustment, functioning, and daily living. We provide extensive recommendations in the form of a preliminary treatment plan, so we go far beyond establishing a diagnosis in our written report. With our focus on gathering as much information as possible about each client's learning style, we are able to pinpoint areas of strength that can be used to help overcome any areas of weakness or deficit. We also have expertise in determining the functional emotional development status of children and adolescents and in using that information to develop therapeutic support plans. Speech/language and communication assessments are also completed in our Clinic by qualified, experienced personnel.

+ What will I receive from the evaluation?

Our written reports contain several sections that are useful to families in understanding the assessed person and helpful in determining specific targets for support. We provide a well-organized summary of developmental and historical factors to give background to the data and our conclusions. Detailed behavioral observations are then highlighted, with our clinicians making a point to comment on events that occurred in our Clinic that relate to the main questions being asked about the client. A family-friendly section explaining the test results follows, and every effort is made to help ensure that any reader can comprehend and relate to our score reporting and interpretation. We then provide a diagnosis with a detailed explanation regarding how and why we have reached our conclusions and highlighting the supporting data. Lastly, we provide a uniquely organized set of practical recommendations for ongoing support and treatment across settings (e.g., home, school, therapy). These recommendations are detailed under recommended objectives for learning, change, or other self-enhancements by the client; these objectives help the client and others to track progress and keep support mechanisms focused on the client’s pivotal needs.

+ How much does an evaluation cost?

We work hard to keep your evaluation costs down. At the same time, we also work to make sure that we fully answer your questions and do a thorough job of exploring all of the relevant factors that may be involved in each individual case. Please call 713-479-0800 to learn more about the estimated cost of your evaluation, which may depend largely on the kinds of questions you’d like to see answered. Typically, half of the full cost is due at the first appointment, and the remaining balance is due approximately 30-45 days later at the feedback meeting when we talk with you about our written report and findings.

+ Do you accept insurance?

Like many clinics, we operate on a fee-for-service basis as a way of keeping your bottom-line costs down. This eliminates the need for a paid Clinic employee whose role is focused solely on capturing insurance funds, and allows us to pass that savings along to our clients. To help you regain your costs, we will give you a coded invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you plan to file for reimbursement from your insurer, we strongly suggest that you contact your insurance company before your first appointment with us to find out what else they may need in order for you to get maximum reimbursement. Unfortunately, all insurance companies are different in terms of how they process and pay claims of this nature, and we cannot guarantee full reimbursement for you.

+ How do I schedule an assessment?

Simply call our Clinic at (713) 479-0800 during regular business hours. Our staff will guide you through the initial information-gathering process. We will stay in close communication with you throughout your involvement with us to be sure that you have the information you need in a timely manner.

+ How soon can you complete the evaluation?

We typically can see referred persons within one month of the initial call to us. This is a practice that many clinics cannot match. Depending on the needs of the person to be evaluated, you may then have 1-3 visits with us to collect the information we need to answer your questions. Usually we are able to collect most of the information needed in one visit. Within 45 days of our receipt of the last pieces of information needed for the evaluation, we will provide a written report to you and host a friendly, supportive meeting to explain the results and our recommendations to you using common terms and language to which any family can relate.

+ What age individuals do you see?

We see children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, from infancy and toddlerhood through school age and into adulthood.

+ Do you offer treatment after the evaluation?

For some persons we see, the therapy and services we offer are a match for identified needs. We do offer specialized therapeutic services to the community at large - you do not have to be a student of The Monarch School to receive therapy services from us. Our services include DIR® therapy, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, individual and family therapy, and educational consultations. If you are in doubt about whether we may offer a certain type of treatment or intervention, we encourage you to discuss your question with one of our Clinic faculty by calling (713) 479-0800.