Our practice offers Mental Health Evaluations, Psychological Testing, and Educational Assessments
Substance Abuse Evaluations
Substance Abuse Evaluations can be needed in a variety of circumstances such as child custody determinations, employment-related evaluations, impaired healthcare professionals needing treatment level assessments, criminal cases involving use of drugs or alcohol, and traffic offenses / drivers license reinstatement after DUI.
Dr. Gagnon is Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) and a Department of Transportation-approved Substance Abuse Provider (SAP) who can conduct DOT Substance Abuse Evaluations. She is also an approved provider for Florida IPN-PRN (Intervention Project for Nurse and Providers Resource Network for impaired healthcare professionals).
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Testing and Diagnosis
We offer ADD testing and ADHD testing for children, adolescents and adults. The type of ADD test typically depends on the reason for the test (for example, whether the test will be used for academic placement or to establish a mental health disability to receive academic accommodations).
Some ADD and ADHD evaluations are shorter, and some are longer and more in-depth. Please call our office to help determine which type of ADHD testing you or your child may need.
Dyslexia Screening Dyslexia Learning Disability and Diagnosis
Dyslexia, a common learning difference, impacts language processing, posing reading, writing, and spelling hurdles. Symptoms include word recognition struggles and slow reading. Despite this, dyslexic individuals like Richard Branson and Whoopi Goldberg highlight strengths through creativity. Dr. Sally Shaywitz at Yale's Dyslexia and Creativity Center emphasizes accurate diagnosis for personalized help. Effective strategies enable dyslexics to conquer challenges, fostering resilience and potential.
A school psychologist's vital role in helping children with dyslexia involves expert assessments to pinpoint challenges and strengths. Tailored intervention plans for reading, writing, and language are crafted based on these evaluations. Collaborating with educators and parents, psychologists implement strategies and accommodations, fostering academic excellence and boosting self-confidence in dyslexic students.
Gifted Testing Intelligence Testing -IQ Testing
Gifted testing, often in the form of IQ testing, holds immense significance for children and students. It serves as a crucial tool to identify exceptional abilities and talents that might otherwise remain unnoticed. Through accurate assessment, gifted testing helps to recognize individuals who possess advanced cognitive skills and potential for outstanding achievements.
This recognition allows educators and parents to provide appropriate and tailored educational experiences that can truly challenge and nurture these gifted learners. By understanding their unique strengths and areas of brilliance, we can ensure that these students receive the specialized attention they need to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Ultimately, gifted testing empowers educators and parents to create an environment where these exceptional individuals can thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.
Risk of Recidivism Evaluations (Criminal Offenses) Offender Risk
Offender Risk evaluations are done in criminal cases to help determine how likely it is that a defendant would re-offend. This type of mental health evaluation can be done in different types of cases and at different stages in the criminal justice process.
Examples are:
- To get a driver’s license back sooner after a DUI arrest or conviction;
- To help get a reduced sentence during plea negotiations or after a conviction;
- To help determine conditions or duration of probation;
- To help divert the case to treatment instead of going to trial;
- When requesting early release from incarceration.
The length, depth and details of the evaluation will depend on the details of the case and the history of the defendant.
Trauma Evaluations (Car Accident Injury Cases)
In personal injury cases such as motor vehicle accidents, psychological evaluations offer crucial insights. Often led by clinical psychologists or psychiatrists, these assessments delve into emotional aftermath, shedding light on hidden impacts. These evaluations uncover potential secret aspects, unveiling psychological trauma and effects not immediately apparent, aiding in presenting a complete depiction of psychological state, vital for legal proceedings.
By revealing psychological aspects, evaluations enhance understanding of injury's repercussions. Insights from licensed psychologists address evident physical harm and resulting emotional distress. With evaluation results, legal teams effectively demonstrate true damages, supporting compensation claims for tangible and intangible effects. Psychological evaluations ensure complexities of personal injury cases are acknowledged, strengthening justice pursuit for motor accident victims and ensuring comprehensive legal proceedings.
Immigration Evaluations
Psychological immigration evaluations are profoundly significant in immigration cases, offering invaluable insights that deeply impact an individual's path to residency or citizenship. These assessments provide a comprehensive grasp of psychological well-being during immigration, uncovering hidden details. By exploring emotional aspects, these evaluations aid decision-makers in understanding challenges and potential barriers to successful immigration. As experienced professionals, we acknowledge the pivotal role these evaluations play in supporting applicants and families, contributing to a more compassionate immigration process.
Psychological immigration evaluations hold profound significance within immigration cases, providing invaluable insights that can profoundly impact an individual's path to residency or citizenship. These evaluations offer a comprehensive understanding of an individual's psychological well-being in the context of their immigration journey, often revealing crucial details that may not be apparent on the surface. By delving into the emotional and psychological aspects of the case, these evaluations help decision-makers grasp the unique challenges and hardships faced by the individual, shedding light on potential barriers to successful immigration. As experienced professionals in the field, we recognize the pivotal role that psychological immigration evaluations play in supporting applicants and their families, contributing to a more informed and compassionate immigration process.
Types of Immigration Evaluations We Offer:
- 601 Extreme Hardship Waiver: Evaluates the psychological impact of potential family separation and hardships on qualifying relatives.
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act): Assesses the psychological effects of domestic violence or abuse on individuals seeking protection.
- U-Visa: Examines the psychological trauma resulting from crimes committed against immigrant victims.
- T-Visa: Evaluates the psychological impact of human trafficking experiences on applicants.
- Asylum: Assesses the psychological aftermath of persecution or trauma that might qualify for asylum protection.
- Waiver or Accommodation for Citizenship Test: Evaluates cognitive or psychological factors that may warrant accommodations for the citizenship test, ensuring fairness for all applicants.
Psycho-educational Evaluations
A psychoeducational evaluation is an invaluable process conducted by a team of caring experts, including experienced school psychologists and clinical psychologists, to comprehensively assess a child's learning profile and needs. This expertly administered evaluation involves a full-battery of assessments that meticulously examines cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional factors.
The results of this evaluation provide essential documentation, offering a clear diagnosis of any learning challenges and shaping a personalized learning support plan tailored to the child's unique strengths and needs. At Plantation Counseling & Wellness, we recognize the importance of affordable and accessible psychoeducational evaluations.
These evaluations instill confidence, helping parents and educators gain a deeper understanding of a child's learning style, ultimately fostering a positive and thriving educational journey.
Advantages of Having a Psychoeducational Evaluation for Your Child:
- Comprehensive Understanding: Gain insights into your child's cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional strengths and challenges.
- Informed Decision-Making: Make well-informed educational decisions based on expert evaluations and recommendations.
- Personalized Support: Receive a tailored learning support plan that maximizes your child's strengths and addresses their needs.
- Advocacy: Equip yourself with documentation that facilitates advocating for appropriate educational services.
- Positive Educational Journey: Build a foundation for success with a comprehensive understanding of your child's learning profile.
Dementia, Cognition & Memory Testing
Cognitive testing serves as a crucial diagnostic tool in evaluating dementia and memory problems. Through a series of structured assessments, cognitive testing measures various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving abilities. These tests provide valuable insights into an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, aiding clinicians in accurately diagnosing cognitive impairments and tracking their progression over time. By identifying patterns of decline or specific areas of difficulty, cognitive testing assists in developing tailored interventions and care plans that enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia and memory-related challenges.
Learning Disability testing
Learning disability testing is a crucial process that involves thorough assessments to identify specific challenges affecting an individual's ability to acquire and process information. This evaluation aims to uncover learning differences, enabling tailored interventions and support strategies that address the individual's unique needs.
Different Types of Learning Disabilities:
- Dyslexia: Affects reading and language processing, leading to difficulties in decoding words.
- Dysgraphia: Impairs writing skills, often resulting in illegible handwriting and trouble expressing thoughts in writing.
- Dyscalculia: Involves difficulties with mathematical concepts, number sense, and arithmetic skills.
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Characterized by attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Auditory Processing Disorder: Challenges in processing auditory information, leading to difficulties in understanding spoken language.
- Visual Processing Disorder: Affects the ability to interpret and make sense of visual information.
- Language Processing Disorder: Impairs understanding and use of language, affecting communication and comprehension.
- Nonverbal Learning Disability: Involves difficulties with nonverbal cues, spatial reasoning, and social skills.
- Executive Functioning Disorder: Impacts organizational skills, time management, planning, and self-regulation.
- Sensory Processing Disorder: Involves challenges in processing sensory information, affecting how individuals respond to stimuli.
Autism Screening and Diagnosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) covers various neurodevelopmental conditions impacting social communication and behavior. ASD testing is vital for diagnosis and comprehension, involving observation of interactions, communication, and behaviors. Tools like ADOS and ADI-R aid clinicians in accurate assessments. Early detection and intervention enhance life quality for those on the spectrum.
Testing for autism involves a multidisciplinary approach by professionals like psychologists, speech therapists, and specialists. It starts with assessing behaviors and communication skills. Autism's uniqueness in each person leads to varied strengths and challenges. As awareness and research advance, improving ASD testing precision is pivotal for tailored support and interventions, promoting daily thriving.
Mental Health Evaluations
A mental health evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by qualified psychotherapists to gain insights into an individual's emotional, psychological, and behavioral well-being. This process involves exploring various facets of a person's life, including their thoughts, feelings, relationships, and coping mechanisms. During the evaluation, psychotherapists employ evidence-based techniques to understand symptoms related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and other mental health concerns.
These evaluations often incorporate structured interviews, standardized assessments, and personalized discussions tailored to the individual's needs. As individuals seek psychotherapists to address issues such as anxiety therapy, depression counseling, stress management, trauma healing, and overall emotional well-being, a thorough mental health evaluation forms the foundation for creating a customized treatment plan that aligns with their unique circumstances and goals.
Disability Evaluations
We offer two types of disability evaluations:
Long-Term or Permanent Disability Evaluations
A Long-Term Disability Evaluation is used when you will not be returning to work for years, or at all. This type of evaluation is often part of applying for Social Security Disability but can also be used with a private, or employer-based disability insurance policy.
Short-Term Disability Evaluations
Short-Term Disability Evaluations are done when you need to be out of work for a few weeks or a few months. This type of disability evaluation is usually combined with therapy. Disability insurance companies and employers want to see that you are receiving therapy to help you get better and return to work.
