Mind Matters

Our Psychoeducational Evaluations are led by Licensed Clinical or Educational Psychologists and are designed to help you better understand and support your child.

At Mind Matters in the San Francisco area, our comprehensive evaluations cover the range of areas and questions typically addressed with Neuropsychological Evaluations. However, because most of our evaluations also include an educational component, we refer to them as Psychoeducational Evaluations instead.

We are broadly trained to assess a wide variety of concerns

Our clinicians are experienced in assessing learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, and the educational impact of developmental challenges like speech and language, fine motor, and intellectual delays. We also work with many children who would be described as “Twice-Exceptional” (2E) who have exceptional abilities in some areas but struggle in others.

We are broadly trained to assess a wide variety of concerns

Our clinicians are experienced in assessing learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression and the educational impact of developmental challenges like speech and language, fine motor and intellectual delays. We also work with many children who would be described as “Twice-Exceptional” (2E) who have exceptional abilities in some areas, but struggle in others.

We are thorough

We interview key adults in your child’s life (e.g. teachers, tutors, therapists etc) to help us fully understand the questions at hand. In addition, we spend 8-10 hours individually assessing your child. We always evaluate cognitive abilities and academic skills, and screen for attentional, behavioral and social-emotional difficulties, so that we can delve more into these areas when appropriate.

We provide practical solutions

Our evaluations conclude with an in-person parent feedback meeting and a written report. This includes an analysis of strengths and challenges, clarification of any relevant diagnoses, and recommendations for home supports, school interventions or services, and therapies (as needed). If your child needs additional support, we will help you find the right provider. Your child is also invited to return for a brief feedback at a later date to learn more about their strengths and how they can help themselves grow as a learner.

We always remain a resource for your family

We are happy to meet with school staff to discuss the results and collaborate with them to develop a plan of support. Parents often return to us for consultation down the road, when making decisions about their child.

Steps in the evaluation process

Initial Parent Meeting

Our psychoeducational evaluations always begin with an initial interview and consultation. Ideally all parents/guardians attend so we can review previous testing and developmental history, discuss your questions or concerns, and suggest next steps. For young adults, we usually start by meeting with you and then ask to interview your parents separately later. But you are welcome to bring parents to this meeting if you prefer. (90 minutes)

School Observation

For elementary age children only, we observe your child at school before testing begins. This allows us to see your child’s classroom environment and connect with the teachers. Middle and high school students are not observed, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Instead teachers are interviewed by phone. (60 minutes)

Testing Sessions

For a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation, most children and adolescents need a total of 8 – 10 hours of testing. Typically, testing is scheduled across two, three or four sessions, depending on the needs of the child. Testing occurs in one of our three offices, located in Berkeley, Campbell or San Francisco.

Parent Feedback Meeting

The feedback meeting usually occurs at least three weeks after the final testing session. This is an opportunity for parents to better understand the testing results and discuss our recommendations. Only parents/guardians (or adult clients) should attend, so that you will feel comfortable discussing the findings openly with your clinician. A final version of the report is issued within one week of the feedback. (90 minutes)

Child/Adolescent Feedback Meeting

Our clinicians can also meet with your child to help them understand their learning style and how to access the supports they need. This meeting is optional, but encouraged. We present the information in a child-friendly way, with a goal of helping them better advocate for themselves. (20-30 minutes)

Follow-up Support

The evaluation fee includes support by phone and email to assist families in implementing the recommendations and finding well-matched treatment providers.

School Meetings and Additional Services

For an additional fee, our clinicians can attend follow-up meetings with school staff to discuss the results and collaborate on the development of an individualized learning plan for your child. Of course, prior clients are also welcome to schedule follow-up parent consultations in the future as additional needs arise. We value the opportunity to support students and families throughout their academic careers.

Fees

We charge a flat fee for our evaluations based on time spent in-person with you and your child, as well as time for scoring and report writing. Should additional testing sessions be required, the evaluation fee remains the same. An additional fee is charged for school meetings, as not all clients need this service.

Current fees are as follows:

Psychoeducational Evaluation with Dr. MurrayMetzger

(assisted by an Advanced Graduate Student)

Psychoeducational Evaluation with all other Mind Matters Clinicians