Evaluation

Evaluation

The clarity you’ve been looking for.

Three colored dots.

Do you or your child struggle with any of the following…

  • Becoming easily stressed, anxious, or angry or having difficulty calming down

  • Problem solving, learning from mistakes, or thinking flexibly

  • Building or maintaining healthy relationships

  • Controlling impulses, taking accountability for actions, or being truthful

  • Starting or finishing tasks, transitioning from one activity to another, or perfectionism

  • Remembering information, needing lots of repetition to learn, or only learning under very specific circumstances

  • Having consideration for other’s emotions and perspectives or showing empathy towards others

  • Following rules around safety, health, community, and shared family values

Do you think there might be a bigger explanation than ‘not trying hard enough’? 

This is your place to start.

Psychological Evaluation in Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, and Plymouth Michigan - Mala Child & Family Institute - student wearing jean jacket and holding books

Meet our Director of Assessment

I am delighted to welcome you as you consider entrusting your care to our dedicated team. At Mala, we understand that seeking support for mental health is a courageous and essential step towards well-being, and we are here to support you on this journey.

I believe every individual deserves personalized care. Our promise is to provide individualized attention, professional expertise, a non-judgmental atmosphere, collaborative approach, and a holistic understanding that goes beyond surface symptoms to provide a comprehensive understanding of your mental health.

Psychological Assessment director at Mala Child & Family Institute - Katie Sawchuk

Katie Sawchuk PsyD, LP

Director of Assessment

Evaluations don’t always end in a diagnosis. 

Sometimes, an individual has a lack of executive functioning skills, or developmental issues that could be resolved without a diagnosis. Evaluation helps us determine that and gives you the peace of mind that you know exactly what is going on and how to best care for yourself or your child.

Serving children (5+), teens, and adults

    • ADHD

    • Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)

    • Twice Exceptionality (2E)

    • Anxiety Disorders (i.e. OCS and GAD)

    • Depressive Disorders (i.e. MDD)

    • Trauma

    • Parent-Child Attachment

    • Personality Disorders

    • Cognitive strengths and difficulties (intelligence/IQ)

    • Academic skills and learning

    • Executive functioning (memory, attention, organization, etc.)

    • Social-emotional skills and behavioral concerns

    • Adaptive and functional skills

    • Fine motor abilities

    • School placement

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder

    • Adult Forensic Evaluations

    • Government Job Evaluations

    • Traumatic Brain Injury

    • Comprehensive Neurological Exams

    • Dementia

    • Custody Evaluations

What to expect from the evaluation process:

Step 1: Intake

Intake is a 1-2 hour appointment to get background information. If you are getting an evaluation for your child, this will often include you both. We schedule this a few weeks in advance, since sometimes, during the intake, we find that evaluation is not needed. 

Dots aligned on a vertical line to illustrate a timeline of the psychological evaluation process at Mala Child & Family Institute in Detroit, MI.

Step 2: In-Person Evaluation

All evaluations are 4-6 hours long and must be done in person. We will give breaks throughout the day, so it is important for you or your child to come well rested and to bring water, lunch, and snacks.

Step 3: Forms for In-depth Data Collection

The person being evaluated, parents, and sometimes a teacher (in the case of school-age children) fill out self-report forms for data collection. We may also observe the person being evaluated at school, if applicable. 

Step 4: Integrate Data and Report Writing

We will compile our data, test results, and professional conclusions into a report. This process can take about 1 month.  

Step 5: Feedback Session

In this 1-1.5 hour session, your clinician will go over any findings and diagnosis, along with their recommendations for how to move forward. 

Get an Evaluation at Mala.

Review next steps and complete a New Client Intake form by tapping the button below. 

Why Choose Mala for an Evaluation?

  • Your well-being is our top priority. Our clinicians take the time to understand your unique circumstances, concerns, and goals to tailor the evaluation to your specific needs.

  • Our team comprises highly trained and experienced professionals with a deep understanding of mental health. We bring a wealth of knowledge to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of your evaluation.

  • We foster a non-judgmental and welcoming space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Your experiences are met with empathy, respect, and a commitment to your privacy.

  • Your input is invaluable. We believe in a collaborative approach, involving you in the evaluation process and ensuring that you feel informed and engaged every step of the way.

  • Our evaluations go beyond surface symptoms, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of your mental health. This approach allows us to develop comprehensive recommendations for your care.

Cost & Insurance

During your intake session, we will discuss the specific tests you or your child needs and the overall cost to perform those tests. You can also call ahead to get an estimate. For private-pay clients, evaluations typically range between $2000-$4000.

Mala is an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield for psychological evaluation. If you use a different insurance provider, we will provide you with a statement of services for reimbursement. It’s important to understand your insurance coverage before we start the evaluation process. Contacting your insurance provider to learn what your benefits cover is the best way to begin.