FAQ
For many, the process of initiating a diagnostic evaluation is new and can be confusing. Here are some questions you might have and the answers to them.
Whom do you evaluate?
Dr. Krasa evaluates children age 6 and up, adolescents, college students, and adults.
What is the first step in getting an evaluation?
Email Dr. Krasa to discuss if an evaluation is appropriate (this website provides email access – see Contact). Maybe school personnel recommended an evaluation, or maybe you have been considering an evaluation on your own. Either way, a discussion will be helpful in understanding the process, what it entails, and what you can expect from it.
How long does the process take, from start to finish?
Typically, the process takes 3-4 weeks. For children and adolescents, there is a one-hour parent interview. The evaluation itself will take 3-6 hours, scheduled in such a way as to meet the child’s and family’s needs. Once the assessment is complete, Dr. Krasa will draft a report and meet with the child’s parents, or parents and adolescent, for an hour to review the findings and discuss the recommendations. When the report is finalized, it will be sent to the parents. For college students and adults, the whole process will involve only you and scheduled according to your needs; you will receive the final report.
How much time does my child spend in your office?
In-office time varies according to the clinical question being addressed, whether other questions come up, and the temperament and working style of the child. However, typically an evaluation will require 3 to 6 hours in the office. The length of the session(s) will depend on the child’s ability to remain engaged, as well as the child’s and family’s scheduling needs.
Does my child need to miss school?
Children are typically most alert in the mornings, so every effort will be made to see the child then. This may mean missing school, although appointments can also be scheduled on minor holidays, school breaks, or weekends. Schools are often accommodating when students miss class for an evaluation. If requested, Dr. Krasa can provide a note verifying why the child missed school. Dr. Krasa will make every effort to accommodate college students’ class schedules and adults’ work and family obligations.
What if someone is ill on the day of a session?
It is not possible to interpret the assessment results of someone who is not feeling fully well and alert during the evaluation. Dr. Krasa requests that she be contacted to reschedule the session.
Will my insurance company pay for this?
The amount of insurance reimbursement depends on a number of factors, most important of which is your particular plan. Plans vary widely regarding what services and diagnoses they will cover. To find out about insurance reimbursement, you should contact your insurance company. Importantly, Dr. Krasa is not under contract with any insurance carriers, so you will need to inquire about their out-of-network reimbursement rate. The procedure is “psychological testing and evaluation.” You will need to file the claim yourself.
Do you work with my child's school?
While the family is Dr. Krasa's direct client, she is more than happy to communicate with the school. With the family’s consent, Dr. Krasa typically requests that teachers who know the child well complete behavioral questionnaires as part of the evaluation. The evaluation report is comprehensive and includes recommendations relevant to IEP and 504 planning.
Is the evaluation confidential?
The evaluation and its results are fully confidential. While teacher observations of your child, as reported in a questionnaire, can be extremely useful, it is up to the family whether to seek out that information. Following the evaluation, the report will be sent directly to the family. You are then free to share it with the school or not. Dr. Krasa will not share the report with anyone outside the family, and she will not communicate directly with anyone outside the family without the family’s signed consent.