Why are your evaluations less expensive than many other evaluations in Minnesota??
My goal is to provide high-quality, clinically sound evaluations that are financially accessible to the people who need them. Many assessment practices operate within business models that require significant overhead, extensive testing batteries, lengthy reports, multiple staff members, or large administrative structures. These factors can contribute to higher costs.
My approach is different. I focus on gathering the information necessary to answer the referral question accurately and ethically while keeping the process as efficient as possible. My fees reflect the time, expertise, and clinical judgment required to provide a thorough evaluation, without adding unnecessary costs.
I believe formal assessments should be available to individuals who genuinely need them for diagnosis, accommodations, services, disability determination, or personal understanding, not just to those who can afford several thousand dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.
How Do I Know If I Need a Formal Evaluation?
A formal evaluation may be helpful if you need documentation for school accommodations, workplace accommodations, disability services, SSDI, vocational rehabilitation, or other situations that require a written report and diagnosis. Evaluations can also be valuable when the diagnosis is unclear or when several conditions may be contributing to your experiences.
However, not everyone who wonders about autism, ADHD, or another diagnosis needs a comprehensive evaluation. In many cases, individuals are primarily seeking self-understanding, support, and practical strategies. These questions can often be explored through therapy, consultation, and clinical discussion without the time and expense of a formal assessment.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, I am happy to discuss your goals and help determine whether a formal evaluation would be beneficial or whether another approach may better meet your needs.
Can Autism Be Diagnosed During Therapy?
Yes. In some cases, autism may become apparent through the course of an ongoing therapeutic relationship. As we work together, I may gather information about your developmental history, life experiences, sensory differences, social communication patterns, masking, burnout, and other characteristics that help clarify whether autism is an appropriate diagnosis.
Therapy is not intended to be a stand-alone autism evaluation service, and clients do not enter therapy solely for the purpose of obtaining a diagnosis. Instead, diagnosis may emerge naturally as part of understanding your experiences and supporting your therapeutic goals. When clinically appropriate, I can diagnose autism within the context of therapy; however, individuals who need formal documentation for accommodations, disability services, legal purposes, or other specific needs may require a separate comprehensive evaluation and written report.
do you accept insurance?
I currently accept a limited number of insurance plans for therapy services. However, formal psychological and autism assessments are provided on a private-pay basis and are not billed to insurance.
For therapy clients who are paying out of pocket, I strive to keep services affordable and will work with individuals to establish a private-pay rate that is manageable for their circumstances whenever possible.
My goal is to make mental health care and assessment services accessible while maintaining the time and attention needed to provide thoughtful, individualized care.
What makes your practice different than others?
I believe assessment and therapy should be accessible, practical, and focused on helping people understand themselves, not creating unnecessary barriers to care.
i have advanced training in both psychological assessment and counseling and bring together the perspectives of an evaluator and a therapist. This allows me to look beyond test scores and diagnostic labels to understand the whole person, your strengths, challenges, and goals.
My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and individualized. I recognize that autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence can present differently across individuals, especially in women, high-masking individuals, and adults who may have been overlooked earlier in life.
I also believe that not everyone needs an expensive, comprehensive evaluation to gain meaningful insight. When a formal assessment is necessary, I strive to provide high-quality evaluations at a reasonable cost. When therapy, consultation, or clinical discussion is a better fit, I will tell you that as well. My goal is not to recommend the most expensive service. it’s to help you find the support and answers that best meet your needs.