What to Expect During a Psychological Evaluation at Balanced Minds
- Dr. Patty Russo
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re wondering whether your child, or maybe even yourself, could benefit from a psychological evaluation. Maybe your child is struggling in school, seems constantly distracted or overwhelmed, or isn’t connecting with peers the way you'd expect. Maybe you’re an adult who’s always suspected you might have ADHD or autism and you’re finally ready to explore it. Either way, we’re really glad you’re here.
At Balanced Minds Psychology & Wellness, we specialize in comprehensive, compassionate evaluations for kids, teens, and adults. We know the decision to pursue testing can feel overwhelming, so we’ve made the process as approachable, collaborative, and personalized as possible.
Let’s walk through what that looks like.
Who We Typically See for Testing
We work with individuals across the lifespan, starting as young as age 3 for autism evaluations, and 6+ for most other testing needs. We see children, adolescents, college students, and adults for a variety of concerns.
Some of the most common reasons families or individuals come to us include:
Concerns about ADHD or focus challenges
Possible autism spectrum traits (for kids, teens, and adults)
Learning difficulties or academic struggles
Giftedness and advanced learning profiles
Anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation issues
Recently, we’ve seen a significant increase in adults seeking answers, particularly around ADHD and autism. If you’ve ever felt like you spent years feeling “different” but never received a clear diagnosis or like you’ve been “masking” for years, you’re not alone. Many adults come to us later in life ready to understand themselves more fully, and we’re here for that journey and we’re here to support you, too.
What Makes Balanced Minds Different?
We know there are a lot of options out there for psychological evaluations. So what sets us apart?
No waitlist and fast turnaround – We understand that when you're looking for answers, you don’t want to wait months (or a year). We do not have long waitlists and most of our evaluations are completed within two weeks of receiving all collateral questionnaires.
Strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach – We don't just look for "what's wrong”, we look beyond labels. Our focus is on supporting growth, resilience, and self-understanding.
Individualized recommendations – Every report includes personalized, actionable next steps, whether that’s school accommodations, referrals to speech/OT, or strategies to support mental health.
Convenience – We offer virtual intake and feedback sessions, making scheduling easier for busy families and professionals.
Biopsychosocial framework – We don’t just look at test scores, we consider your biological, psychological, social, and environmental context.
No insurance, no red tape – As a private pay practice, we’re able to focus on quality, not quotas. That means more time for you and your child, and more thorough support.
The Three-Part Evaluation Process
We break our evaluation process down into three parts:
The Intake Session (Virtual or In-Person)
This is our chance to learn more about what’s bringing you in. We’ll talk about developmental history, academic and social concerns, mental health, and any goals or questions you have. For child clients, we’ll often speak just with parents or caregivers first. You don’t need to prepare anything fancy, just come ready to talk about what you’ve noticed.
The Testing Appointment(s)
This is when we meet in person to complete the actual testing. For children, testing often feels like a mix of structured games, puzzles, and interactive tasks. We always take breaks, offer snacks, and do our best to make the experience low-stress and comfortable. Depending on the scope of the evaluation, testing may take one full day or be split into two shorter sessions. We’ll go over what to expect and how to prepare based on your child’s needs.
For adults, testing is paced thoughtfully, and we check in throughout to make sure you're comfortable. The goal is never to catch you off guard, it’s to understand how your brain works, what your strengths are, and where support may be needed. We’ll also send out questionnaires to gather input from people who know you well, like teachers, partners, or family members.
The Feedback Session (Virtual or In-Person)
Within about two weeks of completing the evaluation and receiving all questionnaires back from collateral contacts, we’ll meet again to go over your results, answer all your questions, and provide a detailed report you can take with you.
Our reports include diagnoses (if applicable), learning profiles, and tailored recommendations for home, school, or work. For families, we can also write school accommodations letters and consult with your child’s teacher or school team if needed.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
We don’t just hand you a report and send you on your way.
We take the time to walk through the “what now” and offer support in whatever form that looks like:
Referrals to therapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists
Writing school accommodations letters or 504/IEP support documentation
Guidance on how to talk to your child (or their school) about the results
Recommendations for parenting strategies, executive functioning tools, or sensory supports
Helping you find community support
We understand how important it is to feel supported and connected, not just diagnosed. Many clients leave our office feeling validated, relieved, and empowered for the first time, and we’re honored to be part of that process.
Why We’re Private Pay and Why That Matters
We understand: paying out of pocket for testing is a big investment. We also believe it should be worth every penny.
As a private-pay practice, we aren’t bound by insurance constraints, which means:
You don’t have to wait months for insurance approval or jump through hoops.
We can use the best assessment tools for your needs, not just the ones insurance covers.
We spend more time with clients, less time on paperwork.
We’re able to keep caseloads smaller so we can provide more attention, more care, and more thoughtful reports.
We know the cost of private testing can feel like a lot, and we don’t take that lightly. That’s why we’re committed to giving you clarity, a plan forward, and ongoing support that lasts long after the report is delivered.
We also provide superbills upon request, which may allow you to use HSA/FSA funds or pursue out-of-network reimbursement.
Why Families Trust Balanced Minds
Here’s what we often hear from the families and individuals we work with:
“I finally understand what’s been going on, and what I can do to help.”
“This was such a validating experience.”
“The recommendations were actually helpful, not just a list of referrals.”
Because we’re not bound by insurance constraints, we take our time. We offer comprehensive testing without cutting corners, and our reports reflect that.
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t need to “wait and see” anymore. Whether you’re trying to support your child or finally give yourself the validation you deserve, we’re here to help you figure it out, with care, intention, and clarity.
📍 Balanced Minds Psychology & Wellness
9887 4th St. N. Ste. 319 St. Petersburg, FL 33702
📞 Contact us for a free phone consult today! 727-300-1860
