Child Psychological and Psychoeducational Evaluations Services in Naples
Psychological and psychoeducational assessment can be very helpful for understanding an individual's strengths and challenges; informing treatment plans; and for accessing school, medical, and community services. Early detection, accurate assessment by an expert evaluator, and appropriate treatment and intervention can lead to optimal outcomes for individuals with emotional, behavioral, social, and academic differences.
Individualized, Comprehensive Evaluations
Dr. Bhatia completes individualized, comprehensive evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults (e.g., college age). Most evaluations include the following components: a diagnostic history; parent interview (for children and adolescents); interview with the individual being tested; clinical observations; review of educational and medical records; consultation with treatment providers (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy), if applicable; and behavior rating scales. Depending on the reason for testing, evaluations may also include a developmental or cognitive assessment, adaptive behavior assessment, assessment of executive functioning, and assessment of social and emotional skills. Following the feedback meeting, you will receive a detailed written report that can be used as a road map for moving forward. The written report will include information about the individual's strengths and differences, a diagnostic summary, and recommendations for appropriate evidence-based tools and resources. You can share the written report with others (e.g., pediatrician, school, therapist, tutor) to support their understanding of and plan for working with your child or you.
Partial Assessment Batteries
Dr. Bhatia can do partial testing (e.g., just IQ testing for gifted evaluations). Please contact the office to learn more.
Autism Evaluations
Dr. Bhatia completes comprehensive autism evaluations for children and adolescents. Comprehensive autism evaluations assess a variety of domains and typically include a clinical interview, clinical observations, ADOS testing, developmental or cognitive assessment, adaptive behavior assessment, assessment of executive functioning, and assessment of social and emotional skills.
Please reach out if your child has already had ADOS testing and you are looking for a psychologist to complete the rest of the testing and make a diagnosis (if diagnostic criteria are met). Dr. Bhatia may be able to complete the rest of the evaluation if the ADOS is provided to her for review. In some cases, a repeated ADOS or other clinical observation measure may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychological or psychoeducational evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that helps understand a child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. A psychoeducational evaluation focuses on how your child learns, processes information, and performs academically. Together, these evaluations provide a clear picture of your child’s strengths and areas that may need support.
The written report you receive is more than a document, it is a roadmap designed to guide you, your child, and your child’s support team with actionable next steps. Many families find that the process not only clarifies current concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term success, improved confidence, and stronger family-school collaboration.
When should I consider an evaluation for my child?
Parents often seek an evaluation when their child struggles with attention, learning, behavior, anxiety, socialization, or school performance. If your child’s teacher or pediatrician has expressed concerns, or if you’ve noticed significant emotional or academic changes, an evaluation can help identify the root cause and guide appropriate interventions.
What conditions or concerns can be assessed?
Evaluations can assess a variety of concerns, including ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum traits, emotional regulation issues, giftedness, and anxiety-related difficulties. Each evaluation is tailored to the child’s age, developmental level, and presenting symptoms.
What is included in a comprehensive evaluation?
Our evaluations typically include:
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Clinical interviews with parents and the child
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Standardized testing of cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning
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Behavioral observations
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Teacher or school input when appropriate
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A detailed written report with results and personalized recommendations
How long does the evaluation process take?
The full evaluation process usually includes three to six sessions, depending on the child’s assessment needs. This process includes interviews, testing, scoring, report preparation, and a feedback session(s) where results and next steps are explained to parents and, in many cases, the child in detail.
Will my child’s school accept your evaluation results?
Yes. Our psychological and psychoeducational evaluations meet professional standards recognized by schools and educational institutions. Many families use the reports to request academic accommodations, 504 Plans, or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Can evaluations be done via telehealth?
Some parts of the evaluation such as interviews and feedback sessions can be conducted through telehealth, but formal testing generally requires in-person sessions in Naples, FL to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
How do I prepare my child for the evaluation?
It is best to be honest about the reason for testing. You may explain that the purpose of testing is to gain a better understanding of them and how they learn best. You can explain that the results may help to determine helpful strategies that can be utilized to support them at home/school. Encourage them to do their best, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast before testing.
Do you provide evaluations for older teens or college students?
Yes. We offer evaluations for high school and college students who may struggle with learning, attention, or anxiety issues that impact academic performance. The results can support accommodations for college testing or university disability services.
Why Choose Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy?
When seeking an evaluation for your child, the expertise and approach of the evaluator matter. At Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy, all assessments are personally conducted by Dr. Sonya Bhatia, a psychologist with extensive experience in pediatric assessment, mental health, behavioral challenges, and education. Dr. Bhatia’s background as both a school psychologist and former teacher provides her with a unique perspective. She understands not only the clinical aspects of testing, but also how results translate into meaningful support in the classroom and at home.
Unlike larger clinics where different portions of the evaluation may be completed by multiple providers, Dr. Bhatia personally administers and interprets every part of the assessment. This ensures consistency and accuracy throughout the process, deeper insight into your child’s performance across settings and tasks, and a personalized, cohesive evaluation rather than a piecemeal approach.
Families choose Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy for the combination of clinical expertise, educational experience, and timely and individualized attention. This integrated perspective helps ensure that your child’s strengths and needs are thoroughly understood and that you receive clear, actionable recommendations tailored to your family.
How do I schedule an evaluation?
You can request an appointment through our contact page or call our office directly. We’ll review your concerns, explain the evaluation process, and schedule testing sessions that work best for your family.