Question 1

What is the difference between therapy and assessment?

Accepted Answer

Therapy and assessment are both professional activities that psychologists do. The biggest differences are in the purpose of the service and length of time.Assessment is an information-gathering appointment. Psychologists use standardized tests, interviews, and questionnaires to gather information - across multiple sources - then see how that information aligns with a psychiatric diagnosis.  The results are shared in a written report and often include recommendations. These recommendations can be forwarded to guide the course of therapy, provide feedback and guidance, and to provide documentation needed for educational, testing, or occupational accommodations.Assessment occurs over a small, but intense time period (usually under six hours).  Though it might seem like 'all business,' good assessment breaks up this time and works hard to keep the client engaged and motivated, so we get valid results that can be used to help our clients.In most cases, therapy is a longer process designed to help clients better understand their struggles and work through them to improve their lives. Therapy often occurs on a regular basis and can go on for several months.  Assessment helps therapists with their case conceptualization and makes recommendations, so assessment + therapy helps your provider best identify a client's needs and tailor treatment to their strengths and areas of growth.

Question 2

Why do comprehensive assessments cost so much?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive psychological testing, like what is offered through Olive Tree, is the most thorough evaluation possible.  Testing appointments typically have between 4-7 hours of 1:1 testing with your clinician. After your clinician completes the testing, the processes of scoring, interpretation, and report writing occur. This requires an additional 15-25 hours of clinician time to compare results of the tests, factor in other process factors (like motivation, approach to the test, and what is observed in testing), and generate a high-quality psychological evaluation report that we review with you at the end of the session.

Question 3

You mention diagnoses on your website. How does a psychologist make a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists and mental health providers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition, Text Revised), or DSM-5-TR, to make diagnoses. The DSM-5-TR is a reference guide put out by the American Psychiatric Association and was last updated in 2022. It provides clinicians with diagnostic criteria, definitions, and examples of characteristic symptoms.  The DSM-5-TR gives clinicians the criteria, but understanding the nuances of different conditions takes experience and careful thought. Dr. Haas has been teaching psychodiagnosis for almost two decades (both child and adult). She and her staff have the expertise, and experience, to wade through the assessment information and use this data to make thoughtful diagnostic impressions.

Question 4

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, but we do not accept insurance at this time. We do offer an assessment superbill. This is a detailed receipt of the services rendered that you can submit to insurance if you have out-of-network benefits.

Question 5

Why do you ask for a deposit to secure my appointment? Is it refundable?

Accepted Answer

We ask for a deposit to secure your testing time slot. As a boutique practice, we take on a limited number of clients to assure the highest quality be given to your assessment and permit a quick turn-around of your testing results.Because of the way our practice is structured, we need to make sure that all clients seeking testing get the same access. Because of this, we do not waive deposits. .

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You must notify us at least 2 business days prior to your scheduled day of testing if you need to cancel your appointment. Cancellations or changes made with less than 2 business days’ notice will be charged for the time that would have been spent in the testing session (1 - 4 hours, depending upon the evaluation) and you will forfeit your deposit fee.   If we are not contacted prior to your scheduled appointment time, even if for emergency or medical reasons, you will be charged for the time we are waiting to hear from you. Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance will be refunded the deposit fee, if the appointment is not rescheduled.

Question 7

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not work with payment plan companies at this point.  Options for clients who may need payment flexibility include:booking your appointment at a later time paying by credit card (with an additional 1.5% surcharge to cover bank fees)Please note that we will not release the final report of the testing to you or other entities until payment is received in full.

Question 8

How much is the deposit for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Deposits to secure a time slot for testing are $75.00.  They can be paid via xx or xx using the secure link on the Bookings page.

Question 9

I see prices on your services. Are those the actual prices I will pay?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for ask Services will be billed at the rate of $350/hour and capped at no more than the amount listed on the Services page. This is:$850 for an Intellectual Assessment or a Screening Evaluation$5,000 for comprehensive assessment services for ADHD, Autism, Concussion, or psychodiagnostic services.
The hourly rate charged will include actual testing services, interpretation and report write-up, and a feedback session to discuss results.   The prices quoted on the Services section represent the upper limit of what you will pay for the testing listed under each service.  Sometimes testing results hint at a different problem than the testing you are seeking in the referral. For example, you may be seeking an IQ test for private school entry and testing results suggest your child may be a "twice exceptional" or 2-E child --- that is, they may be gifted but also struggle with ADHD. IQ testing does not cover ADHD, so that would be an additional service to make an ADHD diagnosis. If you need additional testing beyond what is typically provided for each service, Dr. Haas will let you know as soon as the concern emerges and you always have the option to decline other testing services.

Frequently asked questions