What is Psychological Testing?
Psychological testing is a structured, comprehensive process that helps clinicians understand how someone thinks, learns, processes information, and manages emotions — and why. It goes beyond a questionnaire or a school screening. A thorough evaluation uncovers patterns, connects dots, and gives you answers you can actually use.
Evaluation services at WHCP provide information about cognitive strengths, areas of challenge, and practical strategies for school, work, and home — tailored to your or your child's specific profile.
What We Assess:
Cognitive Abilities (thinking, reasoning, problem-solving)
Attention & Executive Functioning (focus, organization, planning, self-regulation)
Academic Achievement (reading, writing, math)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Developmental Functioning
Social-Emotional and Behavioral Functioning
Differential Diagnosis
We work with children ages 3 and older, adolescents, and adults. For evaluations of children younger than 3, we can provide referrals to appropriate developmental specialists
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FAQs
Q. Why might my child or I need an evaluation?
Consider testing if: your child is working hard but still struggling academically; teachers have raised concerns about attention, learning, or behavior; you've suspected ADHD, a learning difference, or autism but never had a formal assessment; or you're an adult who has spent years wondering why certain things feel disproportionately hard.
A referral can come from a therapist, pediatrician, teacher, or school — or directly from you. You don't need a referral to reach out.
Q. Is Testing Confidential?
Yes. Results are protected under confidentiality laws and shared only with your permission (or as legally required).
Q. What does a comprehensive evaluation involve?
A clinical interview to review history and current concerns; standardized cognitive and achievement testing; behavior rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and/or the client; direct observation; and in some cases, play-based assessment. The process is tailored to the referral question and the person being evaluated.
Q. How Long Will It Take?
Testing sessions range from 1–6+ hours, sometimes split across multiple days. The full process — from initial parent meeting to final report and feedback session — typically takes 4–8 weeks for comprehensive evaluations, or 3–4 weeks for focused screenings.
Q: What do I get at the end?
A detailed written report with Dr. Garza's findings, impressions, and specific recommendations for home, school, and therapy. Then a dedicated feedback session to walk through everything together so nothing gets lost in translation.
Ready to Get Answers?
Dr. Garza offers a Parent Guidance Consultation ($400, 75 minutes) as a first step — ideal if you're not sure whether a full evaluation is needed. It includes a brief clinical interview, appropriate screening tools, and clear recommendations for next steps.
For those ready to move forward, evaluation appointments are available now.