Psychological Testing & Evaluation
In-office testing for children and adolescents, conducted by a licensed neuropsychologist — helping families understand what's behind learning, attention, and mental health challenges.
When Testing Makes Sense
Many families come to us after noticing something that's hard to name. A child who works hard but can't seem to keep up. A teacher who's flagged attention concerns. Behavior that doesn't fit neatly into any explanation. A sense that something is getting in the way, but no one has been able to say what.
Psychological testing is one way to get a clearer picture. It won't answer every question, but it can identify patterns — in how a child thinks, learns, processes information, and manages emotions — that aren't visible through observation alone.
Dr. Rebecca Marshall, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist, conducts all testing at our Alpharetta office. She works with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Three Types of Testing
Targeted Screening
A screening is a more focused assessment, typically used when a specific concern has been raised but the full scope isn't yet clear. Screenings cover three areas:
- Mental health — looking at anxiety, depression, mood, and emotional regulation
- Learning — examining potential difficulties in reading, writing, math, and processing
- Attention — evaluating focus, impulse control, and activity levels across settings
A screening produces a written report with findings and recommendations. It's often a useful first step before deciding whether a more comprehensive evaluation is needed.
Comprehensive Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation is a multi-session process that looks more broadly at the factors shaping a child's experience. It may include assessment of:
- Cognitive and intellectual functioning (IQ)
- Academic achievement in reading, writing, and math
- Attention, executive function, and processing speed
- Memory and learning
- Social-emotional and behavioral functioning
- Language and visual-perceptual skills
The evaluation results in a detailed written report that explains findings in plain language, provides formal diagnoses where appropriate, and includes specific recommendations for school, home, and treatment. A feedback session with Dr. Marshall is included to walk through the report and answer questions.
A comprehensive evaluation is typically appropriate when a screening raises questions that need further exploration, when a child has a complex or overlapping presentation, when school accommodations or an IEP are being considered, or when prior evaluations have been inconclusive.
What We Assess
- ADHD — all presentations
- Learning disabilities: dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and mood concerns
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Intellectual and developmental concerns
- Giftedness
- Executive functioning difficulties
- Behavioral and emotional regulation challenges
- School-related stress and performance concerns
How the Process Works
Step 1 — Initial Consultation
Testing can begin with a referral from a pediatrician, neurologist, teacher, or school counselor, or by contacting us directly. We'll discuss your child's history and concerns and determine which type of assessment is most appropriate.
Step 2 — Testing Session(s)
Testing takes place at our Alpharetta office over one or more sessions, depending on the scope of the evaluation. Sessions are scheduled with your child's age and stamina in mind. Parents remain at the facility during testing but not in the room, as standardized testing requires independent administration.
Step 3 — Scoring & Interpretation
Dr. Marshall scores and interprets all testing materials herself. She reviews results alongside intake information, developmental history, and any prior records provided.
Step 4 — Report & Feedback
You receive a written report with test results, clinical impressions, diagnoses where applicable, and specific recommendations. A feedback session is scheduled to review findings and answer questions.
Step 5 — Next Steps
The report is written to be usable — by you, your child's school, their therapist, or their pediatrician. We can help you think through how to act on the findings as part of your child's ongoing care.
Why Testing Matters for Children
Children who struggle without explanation often internalize that struggle. Over time, many develop a belief — sometimes a very fixed one — that they are simply not smart, not capable, or not trying hard enough. That narrative can be more damaging than the underlying challenge itself.
A clear diagnosis doesn't solve everything, but it does change the frame. It gives children, parents, and teachers a more accurate understanding of what's actually happening. And it opens the door to supports and interventions that are matched to the real problem rather than a guess.
Psychological testing is not about labeling a child. It's about understanding one — specifically, accurately, and in a way that leads somewhere useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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