Frequently
Asked Questions
Cheryl Chase-Carmichael, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
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How much does testing cost?
Since services are tailored to address the needs of each individual,
I do not have a standard, flat fee for assessments. In general,
the cost ranges from $500 to $2500, depending on how complex
the history is, if a written report is required, the age of
the individual, etc. At the initial, 50-minute consultation
session (fee = $150.00) I will gather more information and provide
you with a written estimate of the cost of the full evaluation,
including report-writing fees.
What is included?
Most evaluations include: a diagnostic interview and history-gathering
session; relevant testing/ assessment procedures (i.e., IQ testing,
achievement testing); and completion of various symptom inventories
by relevant parties including the examinee, parents, and/or
teachers. Additional, specialized testing may also be completed
as necessary (e.g., memory, attention, executive functioning,
personality assessment). After I have taken time to interpret
the scores and integrate the data with other sources of information
(e.g., prior testing records, recent literature), individuals
are invited in for a detailed, 90-minute, interactive feedback
session where we discuss the findings of the evaluation and
treatment considerations/recommendations. We will also discuss
whether or not a full report of the findings is needed.
In all cases, testing is performed by myself; students, trainees,
or psychometrists are not involved. For this reason, I maintain
a small caseload and give a significant amount of attention
to each individual with whom I work.
How long does the process take?
A thorough evaluation requires several appointments including,
but not limited to, the initial diagnostic interview, formal
testing (done all in one day or across several sessions depending
on the needs of the individual), and a detailed feedback session.
Only after all data is gathered, relevant records reviewed,
and feedback session held, is the final report written. Therefore,
the assessment should be expected to take six to eight weeks
from start to finish. If an individual needs an expedited evaluation
or report, this may be possible depending on my schedule, but
additional fees will apply.
Do you take insurance?
In order to offer the highest-quality, individualized care,
it is my policy to conduct psychological testing on a "fee-for-service"
basis. In other words, I do not bill health insurance companies
directly for these services. This does not preclude you from
taking advantage of any health insurance coverage when seeking
testing, however, since you can file a claim with your insurance
company on your own and possibly receive reimbursement for services.
Our practice will help you with this process by providing you
with the necessary paperwork to submit to your insurance company
at the end of the evaluation.
If you would like to inquire with your insurance company about
testing benefits before going ahead with testing, an initial
30 minute consultation session (fee = $100.00) can be scheduled
with me, at which time I can gather a brief history and give
you the information your insurance company will likely ask you
for such as the diagnoses being ruled out, number of testing
hours needed, and tests that will be administered. This appointment
is to be paid for at the time of the session.
What are my payment options?
It is my policy to have individuals put down a deposit of half
of the estimated total prior to the start of testing, with the
balance to be paid at the feedback session. If this presents
significant hardship, you may elect to participate in a payment
plan, which can be discussed further with Dr. Chase-Carmichael
and the Spectrum billing department.
Still not sure?
If you still have questions, you may request a no-charge, 15-minute
phone consultation with me prior to scheduling the first appointment.
If more time than that is needed, you are welcome to schedule
a "no obligation" appointment, however, this is a billable service.
A thirty-minute consultation is available for $100.00. A 50
minute consultation is available for $150.00.
More about Dr. Chase-Carmichael
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Spectrum
Psychological Associates
6700 Beta Drive, Suite 301
Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143
(440) 446-9696 Fax (440) 449-1435
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