Neuropsychology
This Is Our Mission
Child & Adolescent Psychological Testing
Usually, a psychological assessment begins with the psychologist conducting a comprehensive interview with both the parents and the child, and sometimes with the child’s teacher(s), and/or other significant people in the child’s life. This is done first in order to formulate hypotheses about the nature of the problem, and to determine the course of testing and evaluation.Once this information is gathered, a course of testing, as formulated by a psychologist, addressing these academic, psychological, and social areas of the child’s life will begin. This will consist of several hours over the course of two days, with the possibility of three days, if necessary.
Facts About ADHD and Learning Disabilities
- ADHD runs in families, as do Learning Disabilities
- ADHD is not as prevalent as commonly thought, with about 3-5% of school-aged children being diagnosed
- Learning disabilities often involve difficulty in reading and language problems
- Most children with ADHD experience symptoms when they become adults
- Learning disabilities and ADHD are often co-diagnosed
Questions & Answers
What can be assessed or tested?
Testing will be comprehensive and encompass many areas of the child’s functioning, including intellectual functioning; psychological functioning, academic achievement, attention skills, social skills, executive skills (organization, planning, inhibition, flexibility), auditory and visual processing, memory, learning style, fine motor functioning, visual-spatial abilities, language skills (understanding and expression), and behavior related to academic productivity. Other areas can be assessed as needed.
Testing will be comprehensive and encompass many areas of the child’s functioning, including intellectual functioning; psychological functioning, academic achievement, attention skills, social skills, executive skills (organization, planning, inhibition, flexibility), auditory and visual processing, memory, learning style, fine motor functioning, visual-spatial abilities, language skills (understanding and expression), and behavior related to academic productivity. Other areas can be assessed as needed.
Why are children referred for comprehensive psychological assessment?
Often, children are referred for testing by their pediatrician, teacher, school psychologist, or, most likely, their parent, for problems such as:
Often, children are referred for testing by their pediatrician, teacher, school psychologist, or, most likely, their parent, for problems such as:
- Low academic performance
- Avoiding academic tasks and assignments
- “Forgetting” or having difficulty remembering information or tasks
- Difficulty problem solving or approaching tasks
- Poor organizational skills
- Difficulty with socialization
- Poor emotional control
- Behavioral disturbances at home or school
As a parent, will my concerns be addressed?
Yes, of course. Many parents question if their child is “normal,” if they are to blame, should they worry, what is wrong, what is to blame, etc. Parents are encouraged to ask any question they may have about their child, and the psychologist is here to answer any and all of them!
Yes, of course. Many parents question if their child is “normal,” if they are to blame, should they worry, what is wrong, what is to blame, etc. Parents are encouraged to ask any question they may have about their child, and the psychologist is here to answer any and all of them!
Could my child have ADHD or a Learning Disability?
Comprehensive psychological testing at the Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. offices can answer that question. Often times, ADHD or a Learning Disability is assumed, but never confirmed or denied, so proper action is never taken and inevitably, never treated correctly. These issues are treatable in many ways, and often do not require medication.
Comprehensive psychological testing at the Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. offices can answer that question. Often times, ADHD or a Learning Disability is assumed, but never confirmed or denied, so proper action is never taken and inevitably, never treated correctly. These issues are treatable in many ways, and often do not require medication.
After my child completes comprehensive testing, what can I expect?
Once testing is completed, a comprehensive report is written within 2-3 weeks, and the psychologist will then meet with the parents (and the teacher/other significant person) and review all aspects of the report. Included in the report will be a series of specific recommendations for both home and school, and those will be addressed in the meeting, as well, by the psychologist who is specifically trained and skilled in this area. The parents will get a copy of the report for their own records, and for the child’s school, if desired.
Once testing is completed, a comprehensive report is written within 2-3 weeks, and the psychologist will then meet with the parents (and the teacher/other significant person) and review all aspects of the report. Included in the report will be a series of specific recommendations for both home and school, and those will be addressed in the meeting, as well, by the psychologist who is specifically trained and skilled in this area. The parents will get a copy of the report for their own records, and for the child’s school, if desired.
Are follow-up services from Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. available?
Yes! Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. offers a wide range of outpatient services that relate to any and all needs outlined through psychological assessment. Outpatient services include:
Yes! Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. offers a wide range of outpatient services that relate to any and all needs outlined through psychological assessment. Outpatient services include:
- Coaching for children and adolescents (and parents) regarding organization, time management, goal attainment, and ongoing support/follow-up visits and consultations
- School consultations and ongoing support as needed
- ADHD management and skills training
- Individualized programs to improve academic productivity
- Study skills training
- Psychotherapy with children and adolescents related to individual needs and concerns
- Marriage and family therapy related to marital issues, family issues, and parenting issues
How do I prepare my child for the assessment?
It is important to inform the child of the time-frame and nature of the testing. We recommend that you be positive and have them see this experience as a vehicle for positive growth. They can be told that they will be completing new and interesting tasks with a friendly person, and they should do the best they can.
Further, they can be told that the testing will help them with whatever it is they see themselves struggling with, such as “it can help you do better in school” or “it can help you manage your emotions,” as is fit with their situation.
In addition, it is recommended that your child have a restful night of sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather, and bring a snack and lunch.
If you would rather not wait in the waiting room, and are not from the Orland Park, IL area, you may be interested in some of the things you can do while your child is in testing:
Orland Square Mall – http://www.simon.com
Orland Park Crossing – http://www.orlandparkcrossing.com
Orland Park Public Library – http://www.orlandparklibrary.org
Pump It Up – http://www.pumpitupparty.com
Space Golf – http://www.space-golf.com
White Mountain Recreation Center – http://www.whitemountaingolfpark.com
Marcus Theatres – http://www.marcustheatres.com
You may also research other activities, shopping, and restaurants at http://www.metromix.com or http://www.citysearch.com to find additional information for the Orland Park, IL area.
It is important to inform the child of the time-frame and nature of the testing. We recommend that you be positive and have them see this experience as a vehicle for positive growth. They can be told that they will be completing new and interesting tasks with a friendly person, and they should do the best they can.
Further, they can be told that the testing will help them with whatever it is they see themselves struggling with, such as “it can help you do better in school” or “it can help you manage your emotions,” as is fit with their situation.
In addition, it is recommended that your child have a restful night of sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather, and bring a snack and lunch.
If you would rather not wait in the waiting room, and are not from the Orland Park, IL area, you may be interested in some of the things you can do while your child is in testing:
Orland Square Mall – http://www.simon.com
Orland Park Crossing – http://www.orlandparkcrossing.com
Orland Park Public Library – http://www.orlandparklibrary.org
Pump It Up – http://www.pumpitupparty.com
Space Golf – http://www.space-golf.com
White Mountain Recreation Center – http://www.whitemountaingolfpark.com
Marcus Theatres – http://www.marcustheatres.com
You may also research other activities, shopping, and restaurants at http://www.metromix.com or http://www.citysearch.com to find additional information for the Orland Park, IL area.
Who will be conducting my child's assessment?
Alexandra Laris, Psy.D. has over 15 years of experience in the mental health services field, with an extensive background in individual and group psychotherapy with adults and children, psychological and psycho-educational evaluations, mental health program development and implementation, clinical research, and journal and manual publications.
Dr. Laris completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Chicago Behavioral Health, which is a group practice in health psychology, mainly conducting group and individual therapy with people interested in working on health-related goals. Her particular charge was to spearhead and run a family program for children who have weight-management issues, as well as conduct in-home assessments and interventions with families who are struggling with parenting and wellness issues. Prior to that, at United Stand Family Center, her work included individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in-depth diagnostic testing, school staffing, and group therapy, mainly with children and adolescents, but also with adults and the elderly, from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances. At the UIC Disruptive Behavior Disorders Clinic, she gained experience in integrative services in a multidisciplinary team, including family therapy and psycho-educational and parenting groups, with parents and children and adolescents who had been struggling with many oppositional and anti-social disorders and the resulting school and home issues.
Additionally, Dr. Laris worked for six years with the National Research and Training Center on Psychiatric Disabilities in Project Management. Among a number of projects, she led the creation of a support group curriculum for women survivors of childhood abuse, and co-created psycho-educational booklets that were used to empower women with psychiatric disabilities. Additionally, she co-wrote a number of published journal articles and training manuals, and presented at conferences nationally.
Alexandra Laris, Psy.D. has over 15 years of experience in the mental health services field, with an extensive background in individual and group psychotherapy with adults and children, psychological and psycho-educational evaluations, mental health program development and implementation, clinical research, and journal and manual publications.
Dr. Laris completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Chicago Behavioral Health, which is a group practice in health psychology, mainly conducting group and individual therapy with people interested in working on health-related goals. Her particular charge was to spearhead and run a family program for children who have weight-management issues, as well as conduct in-home assessments and interventions with families who are struggling with parenting and wellness issues. Prior to that, at United Stand Family Center, her work included individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in-depth diagnostic testing, school staffing, and group therapy, mainly with children and adolescents, but also with adults and the elderly, from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances. At the UIC Disruptive Behavior Disorders Clinic, she gained experience in integrative services in a multidisciplinary team, including family therapy and psycho-educational and parenting groups, with parents and children and adolescents who had been struggling with many oppositional and anti-social disorders and the resulting school and home issues.
Additionally, Dr. Laris worked for six years with the National Research and Training Center on Psychiatric Disabilities in Project Management. Among a number of projects, she led the creation of a support group curriculum for women survivors of childhood abuse, and co-created psycho-educational booklets that were used to empower women with psychiatric disabilities. Additionally, she co-wrote a number of published journal articles and training manuals, and presented at conferences nationally.
How much will the assessment cost, as well as follow-up services?
How much will the assessment cost, as well as follow-up services? The Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. staff share the belief that our clients should always know upfront exactly what the expected costs are for our services. For psychological testing, there are two tiers of services, which are detailed below. The total fee for a particular client is discussed in advance of any testing and is a flat fee that covers all expected work. Flexible payment options are available.
Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. does not charge an hourly rate for psychological testing services. To best understand the strengths & challenges of the child, we want to allow every child to work at their own pace and value having the flexibility to add supplemental testing based on information learned through the process without a client incurring unexpected costs.
Premier Tier - $3,500
Initial Evaluation
Psychological Testing
1 follow-up visit with parent(s) and/or school
2 follow-up visits with client
2 sessions with a Marriage & Family Therapist
Paramount Tier - $4,500
Initial Evaluation
Psychological Testing
1 follow-up visit with parent(s) and/or school
7 follow-up visits with client
8 sessions with a Marriage & Family Therapist
How much will the assessment cost, as well as follow-up services? The Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. staff share the belief that our clients should always know upfront exactly what the expected costs are for our services. For psychological testing, there are two tiers of services, which are detailed below. The total fee for a particular client is discussed in advance of any testing and is a flat fee that covers all expected work. Flexible payment options are available.
Benchmark Psychiatric Services, LTD. does not charge an hourly rate for psychological testing services. To best understand the strengths & challenges of the child, we want to allow every child to work at their own pace and value having the flexibility to add supplemental testing based on information learned through the process without a client incurring unexpected costs.
Premier Tier - $3,500
Initial Evaluation
Psychological Testing
1 follow-up visit with parent(s) and/or school
2 follow-up visits with client
2 sessions with a Marriage & Family Therapist
Paramount Tier - $4,500
Initial Evaluation
Psychological Testing
1 follow-up visit with parent(s) and/or school
7 follow-up visits with client
8 sessions with a Marriage & Family Therapist
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