Psychological Assessments in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

Psychological Assessments in Michigan can help when you feel stuck, confused, or worried about your mental health, learning, or behavior. A psychological assessment is a set of interviews and tests that helps explain what is going on and what support may help. Many people seek an assessment after years of feeling “something is off,” but not knowing why. Our goal is to give you clear answers, a written report, and a plan you can use with your doctor, school, or workplace.

Signs You Might Benefit

You do not need to be in a crisis to get help. An assessment can be useful when symptoms affect school, work, relationships, or daily life.

• Hard time focusing: you get distracted easily, lose things often, or cannot finish tasks.
• Big mood changes: feeling very sad, irritable, or “up and down” more than others.
• Worry that feels too strong: racing thoughts, panic, tension, or fears that interfere with life.
• Sleep problems: insomnia, nightmares, or feeling tired even after sleep.
• School or learning concerns: reading, writing, math, memory, or test struggles.
• Behavior concerns in children/teens: frequent meltdowns, defiance, social struggles, or sensory issues.
• Trauma symptoms: flashbacks, avoidance, feeling on guard, or feeling numb.
• Autism or ADHD questions: wondering if a neurodevelopmental condition explains lifelong patterns.
• Thought or perception changes: confusion, unusual beliefs, or hearing/seeing things others do not.
• Clear diagnosis needed: when treatment has not worked and you want better direction.

Benefits of a psychological assessment may include a clearer diagnosis, better treatment matching, school or workplace recommendations, and relief that there is a name and plan for what you are experiencing.

Evidence-Based Approach

We use a careful, step-by-step process based on research and clinical best practices. The American Psychological Association (APA) supports psychological testing and assessment as a way to better understand mental health, learning, and behavior, and to guide treatment planning. We also follow guidance from scientific health sources like the NIH and related institutes, which highlight that accurate evaluation helps match people to the right care.

Tools we may use

Your exact testing plan depends on your needs and age. We choose tools that are well-studied and appropriate for your situation.

• Clinical interview: a structured conversation about symptoms, history, and goals.
• Behavior and symptom rating scales: questionnaires for you and sometimes family/teachers.
• Cognitive testing: thinking skills like attention, memory, and problem solving.
• Academic testing: reading, writing, and math skills when learning concerns are present.
• Personality and emotional functioning measures: patterns in mood, coping, and relationships.
• Autism/ADHD-focused frameworks: targeted measures when neurodevelopmental concerns are present.

How we make sense of results

Good assessment is more than a test score. We look at the whole picture:

• Multiple data points: interview + tests + rating scales + records when available.
• Developmental and medical context: sleep, medications, health issues, and life stress.
• Cultural and family factors: what is normal in your community and home environment.
• Strengths and supports: what is already working and how to build on it.

Michigan licensing standards and ethical care

In Michigan, psychological assessment should be provided by qualified professionals who follow state licensing rules and ethical standards. Our clinicians work within Michigan licensing requirements for psychologists and the appropriate scope of practice. We also use secure documentation, informed consent, and privacy practices consistent with HIPAA.

What to Expect

We try to make the process clear and low-stress. You will know what we are doing and why.

Step 1: Scheduling and intake

Before your first visit, we gather key information so we can plan the right evaluation.

• Brief phone or online screening to confirm the referral question (what you want to learn).
• Intake forms about symptoms, medical history, school/work history, and goals.
• Release forms if you want us to review records (school plans, prior testing, therapy notes).

Step 2: Clinical interview

The interview is a guided conversation. For children, this may include time with the parent/guardian and time with the child, depending on age. We ask about current concerns, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect daily life.

Step 3: Testing session(s)

Testing may take one long visit or multiple shorter visits. The exact length depends on the question (for example, ADHD vs. full learning evaluation). During testing, you will complete tasks and questions. Breaks are built in, and we keep the pace supportive.

Step 4: Scoring, integration, and report writing

After testing, we score measures and carefully compare results to research-based norms. Then we write a report that explains findings in plain language, including:

• Summary of your main concerns and history
• Test results and what they mean
• Diagnostic impressions when appropriate
• Strengths and protective factors
• Clear recommendations (therapy, skills, school supports, medical follow-up)

Step 5: Feedback session

You will meet with the clinician to review results and ask questions. We will go over the report step-by-step and make sure you understand the next steps. If you want, we can discuss how to share results with your primary care provider, psychiatrist, school team, or other professionals.

Insurance

Many insurance plans help cover psychological testing, but coverage varies by plan and by the reason for testing. We will help you understand common cost terms and what to ask your insurer.

Common costs and terms

• Copay: a set amount you may pay at visits.
• Deductible: the amount you pay before insurance starts paying more.
• Coinsurance: a percentage you may pay after the deductible is met.
• Prior authorization: some plans require approval before testing.

Mental health parity (important)

Federal and state rules often require that mental health benefits be covered in a way that is comparable to medical benefits (this is sometimes called “parity”). That said, plans can still have rules about medical necessity, documentation, and provider networks. We can provide the clinical details insurers commonly request.

What we recommend before you start

• Call your insurance and ask if psychological testing is covered and if authorization is needed.
• Ask what your deductible, copay, and coinsurance will be for testing.
• Confirm whether the clinician is in-network or out-of-network.
• If needed, ask your doctor for a referral that states the reason for testing.

If you are paying out-of-pocket, we can discuss expected fees based on the type of evaluation and the number of hours required for testing, scoring, report writing, and feedback.

FAQ

How long does a psychological assessment take?

It depends on the question and the depth of testing. Some assessments may be completed in one to two visits, while more detailed evaluations can take several sessions. We will give you a clear time estimate after the intake.

Will I get a diagnosis?

Sometimes, yes. If the results meet criteria and a diagnosis is appropriate, we will explain it in plain language. If a diagnosis is not clear, we will still provide a strong summary of what we found and what supports may help.

Can assessments be done for children, teens, and adults?

Yes. We adapt the interview style and test choices to the person’s age and needs. For children and teens, we often include caregiver input and, when helpful, school information.

What is the difference between therapy and assessment?

Therapy focuses on ongoing support and skill-building over time. An assessment focuses on understanding what is happening and why, using interviews and tests, and then providing a written report and recommendations. Many people use both: assessment for clarity, and therapy for change.