Many times the results of an evaluation remain a mystery to children. They spend hours completing testing and are not given any feedback from the doctor. Dr. O'Hara believes that it is important to offer children direct feedback about their testing results. Following a parent-only feedback session, children will meet with Dr. O'Hara for a child-friendly feedback session. Children will be educated on their many areas of strengths and vulnerabilities, to help them become empowered advocates for themselves.

All evaluations are conducted in-person. Parent intake and feedback appointments can be conducted in-person or virtually. While there are some psychological assessments that can be easily administered virtually, this is more challenging with neuropsychological assessment measures. These evaluations rely heavily on standardized administration procedures that require in-person contact. For example, these assessments require the manipulation of physical materials, standardized interactions between an assessor and child, and detailed clinical observations. Your child’s health and safety is a priority. If you are hesitant to pursue testing due to covid-related concerns, please contact Dr. O’Hara to discuss the procedures in place to keep your child safe.

An evaluation is typically requested when individuals are struggling to fulfill their potential due to medical, learning, processing, or social-emotional factors. Parents often have concerns that their child is struggling to meet age-appropriate demands at school or in the community. You might consider getting an evaluation if you need a thorough profile of your child's thinking skills and social-emotional development to pinpoint why a specific difficulty is happening and what to do next. Physicians may also request a neuropsychological evaluation to make or confirm a diagnosis. Parents can schedule a complimentary 10-15 minute consultation to determine if an evaluation is appropriate for your child.

A comprehensive evaluation of your child will be conducted across many domains of their cognitive development (e.g., learning, memory, language, visuospatial skills, attention, executive functions), as well as their social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Standardized testing procedures are utilized to assess your child’s skill development in comparison to same-aged peers. All assessments are individualized to the child’s needs and presenting concerns, but typically include the following: Parent Intake. 1-1.5 hour initial intake with parents (ideally without the child present). This will provide parents the opportunity to openly discuss their concerns and goals for the evaluation. Parents should anticipate being asked to answer a variety of guided questions about your child’s past and present functioning. Parents will also be asked to complete several forms and questionnaires prior to the first day of testing. Review of Records. Dr. O’Hara will complete a thorough review of your child’s record, including prior evaluations or IEP/ETRs. Parents should bring in any relevant information to their initial appointment. Testing. 6-8 hours of direct testing with your child. Direct testing is typically completed across 2-3 morning. Your child will be given brief breaks as needed. If you child is tested across one day, they will have a 1 hour lunch break. All administration, scoring, and interpretations of tests are completed directly by Dr. O’Hara. Collateral Information. It is important to understand your child’s functioning across different environments to gain a more robust picture of your child. Dr. O’Hara will reach out to your child’s teachers and therapists and any other important individuals who can provide valuable information of your child. Their teacher will also be asked to complete questionnaires.If necessary, a school observation can be conducted (at an additional cost) Feedback Meeting. 1-1.5 hour feedback session with parents. This will typically occur 3 weeks from the last day all testing is completed. At this time, parents will receive a comprehensive written report and Dr. O’Hara will discuss diagnostic information and recommendations for next steps. If appropriate, an additional feedback meeting with your child or teen can be scheduled. Dr. O'Hara believes evaluations should not only offer more information for parents and educators, but should also be a therapeutic experience for your child. A child feedback session to help them understand their unique set of strengths and vulnerabilities is recommended. Consultation with Schools. Dr. O’Hara will participate in one virtual meeting with the school to review the results of the evaluation. Additional meetings are an added cost.

Parents will meet individually with Dr. O'Hara prior to testing to share concerns, collect background information, and develop an individualized plan for testing. On testing day, Dr. O'Hara will meet directly with your child for testing. To avoid taking extra time off from work, parents have access to a work station and WiFi to work remotely on testing day. There are also several local coffee shops and restaurants if you prefer to step out of the office.

Absolutely! Standardized testing procedures are utilized to assess your child’s skill development in comparison to same-aged peers. However, all test batteries are tailored to your child’s individual needs. For example, if you have concerns regarding your child’s reading, a thorough assessment of your child’s reading skills and phonemic awareness will be conducted. If there is a question of an autism spectrum disorder, evaluations will further explore your child's social language and behavioral development. Dr. O’Hara will also want to gain a better understanding of why your child is struggling by doing an assessment in areas that can further explain for their difficulties, such as memory, visual processing, language development, and attention.

Dr. O'Hara conducts all of her own direct testing. She does not use any trainess or psychometricians for test administration. Behavioral observations are an important component to an evaluation, and Dr. O'Hara believes that it is critical to work directly with you child to gain a full understanding of their current functioning.

A comprehensive evaluation provides a thorough examination of someone’s thinking, behavior, and social-emotional functioning utilizing standardized, neuropsychological tests and procedures. This information is integrated together to determine a potential diagnosis and to formulate recommendations. Areas commonly assessed during an evaluation often include intelligence (“IQ”), academic skills, problem solving, executive functions (ie., planning/organization), learning and memory, attention, language skills, and visual-perception. Further examination may also be warranted regarding your child’s social and emotional development such as anxiety, depression, and social skills. Some children also benefit from in depth educational testing. Information is gathered directly working with your child. Testing days will feel a lot like school. Dr. O’Hara will be with your child throughout the entire testing process. They will be asked to complete problem-solving activities, answer many questions, and complete pencil-and-paper tasks. Following an evaluation you should have a better understanding of your child's unique set of strengths and vulnerabilities. Together we can begin to develop a "road map" for your child's future to support their educational, social, and emotional development. Helping your child understand their individual strengths and weakness is a therapeutic way is also an important component to every assessment.

Gifted testing is often sought out when parents or educators believe a child has exceptional skills in one or more areas. The 3-4 hour evaluation provides formal documentation of your child’s IQ and academic functioning. This information is typically requested for the purposes of admission into a gifted and talented program or to gain a better understanding of why your child is bored or frustrated in school.

There are many reasons a child who is "gifted" may be struggling. At times this is due to situational factors, such as an educational environment that isn't stimulating enough or assignments are not congruent with the child's level of functioning. There may also be social or emotional factors that are adversely impacting your child and individual treatment is warranted. Lastly, there are some children that have exceptional thinking and problem solving skills, but struggle in other areas of functioning. They are “gifted” but also face learning, emotional, or developmental challenges. These children are often referred to as “Twice Exceptional.” In these situations a comprehensive evaluation may be recommended to rule out additional diagnoses or disabilities and to assist with treatment planning. Contact Dr. O'Hara to discuss appropriate next steps for evaluation and/or treatment.

Dr. O’Hara is currently offering in-person and virtual therapy services. Dr. O’Hara draws upon her expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to provide individualized treatment to children, teens, and young adults (ages 5-22). She has a particular speciality in treatment with youth and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorder including Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and learning challenges. Her treatment approach is results-oriented and individualized to each patient. The primary goal for treatment is to help enhance you and your child’s emotional well-being by empowering you with psychoeducation and coping strategies.

Children (5+ years old) Teens Young Adults/College Aged Anxiety Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Social challenges School difficulties Adjustment to life stressors Coping with chronic health issues Autism Spectrum Disorder ADHD

Dr. O’Hara offers a wide range of group programming for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, mood disorders, and general stress management. No groups are currently being offered. If you would like to be contacted regarding future group offerings, please complete the contact form and you will be notified when enrollment opens.

Dr. O’Hara is an “out-of-network” provider. It is recommended that families reach out directly to their insurance carrier to review benefits. A “superbill” will be provided to clients to be reimbursed directly. Payment is due at the time that services are provided. A 24-hour notice is required for cancellation of all appointments. A fee may be charged in the event of a missed appointment or failure to cancel with 24-hour notice. Dr. O’Hara is committed to transparent billing. Please contact Dr. O’Hara to receive a quote for services.

If your child is currently sick, has been diagnosed with Covid in the past 10 days, or has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive within the past 10 days, your appointment will be rescheduled without an additional fee. Please contact Dr. O’Hara as soon as possible to discuss options for rescheduling. If you have more questions regarding Covid-related procedures, please contact Dr. O'Hara.