Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I expect when I call to inquire about therapy?
Within one business day, a Washington Psychology Associates therapist will schedule a telephone consultation with you. During the initial phone call, we will discuss why therapy is of interest for you or your child and address general questions. Based on our discussion, we can then decide to meet in person to speak further about your therapeutic needs. During our first few sessions, we will take time to get to know one another and determine the best course of treatment. In the event that Washington Psychology Associates is not the best fit for you, we are happy to provide you with alternate referrals in the community.
Q: What is the testing process like?
We are happy to schedule a complimentary telephone or in-person consultation to discuss what you hope to gain from an evaluation, what type of testing may be necessary, and what will be involved in the process. Once we have a better understanding of your needs, Washington Psychology Associates evaluators can create an individualized evaluation plan and select the appropriate measures to address the question at hand. A full battery of tests typically requires several hours to complete and we emphasize the client’s needs and comfort in establishing a schedule for evaluation, so testing may be split up into multiple shorter sessions if indicated. The testing process is a dynamic one, and as information is collected, an evaluator may consult with you to adjust your individualized evaluation plan to perhaps abbreviate or supplement it. Once the proper information has been obtained through clinical evaluation, interview, and consultation, evaluators score, analyze, and interpret data which is then compiled in a formal written report. We customize the report based on its intended audience and include thorough, targeted recommendations. We schedule a follow-up appointment to share the report with you, review the findings, discuss any questions and concerns, and assist you in contemplating next steps.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
While Washington Psychology Associates does not directly accept insurance, we are often considered an “out of network” provider, which means you may get reimbursed a percentage of our fees by your insurance company. We will be happy to assist you by providing the documentation you need to submit to your insurance to request reimbursement.
Q: Do insurance companies cover testing?
The answer to this question depends on your individual plan and insurer, as well as the type of testing being done. Typically, insurance companies tend not to cover Educational and Admissions testing, but may cover a percentage of Emotional or Neuropsychological testing. (Often times, insurers base their coverage approval on a diagnosis, which cannot be determined until after the testing is complete).
Play therapy is frequently the treatment of choice for addressing social-emotional concerns with children ages 3 to 12. It is a method of applying theoretical concepts and clinical interventions in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner and meeting children’s needs in a relatable, recognizable way. Through play, children learn about themselves, improve communication with others, identify and express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, cope with trauma and loss, and build self-esteem and self-efficacy. Play therapy allows a safe psychological distance from their problems and fosters expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their developmental level. It differs from play in the home or at school because it is actively interpreted, guided, and utilized toward resolution of internal conflict, behavioral problems, interpersonal issues, and other target areas. For children, the use of toys, art supplies, and games is often their primary method of expression as they are working to develop more complex language required to communicate thoughts and feelings.
Q: How do ADHD and Learning Disorders get assessed?
There is no one single test that can determine whether an individual has ADHD or a Learning Disorder. The process of assessing and diagnosing ADHD and LD’s is an extensive and intricate process that, like a puzzle, involves putting pieces of information together from various sources. Washington Psychology Associates utilizes a comprehensive process and works with individuals and families to gather the information necessary to make a reliable and informative diagnostic assessment. Initially, we conduct an in-depth clinical interview to get a strong understanding of the nature of the question at hand. Based on our conversation (and often times information gathered from collateral sources such as family members and teachers), we choose an individualized battery of tests that will best address the issues to be evaluated.
Q: Can you help me communicate therapeutic needs or testing results to others?
Washington Psychology Associates practitioners are legally and ethically bound to maintain your confidentiality and we uphold this responsibility with the utmost care. It is only with your written consent that we can consult with others about you or your child. We recognize that you may need help interfacing with other interested parties such as a psychiatrist, a child’s educational team, or an attorney. With your permission, and in accordance with American Psychological Association (APA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements, we are available to provide consultation services.