Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dr. Schiltz is not contracted with insurance companies. She can provide you with an itemized invoice of services for potential reimbursement from your insurance provider. Please check with your insurance provider for details about out-of-network benefits. 

  • Fees are billed hourly, and thus, the total cost of an evaluation will depend on the testing needs of each client. Testing needs are often related to the specific presenting concerns and complexity of the case. Dr. Schiltz works alongside her clients to select a battery of tools/measures that are specific to you/your child. Generally, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation to cost between approximately $3400 - $4600 and a targeted/focused evaluation to cost between approximately $1200 - $1800. Payment is due at the time of service and is billed electronically via credit card. The fee schedule is as follows:

    o   Intake session: $375

    o   Each testing session (including administration): $250/hour

    o   Feedback session (including session time, scoring, interpretation, record review, report writing): $250/hour

  • In addition to a feedback appointment that involves reviewing results and recommendations, ·       clients/families will receive a written report that includes diagnoses (if applicable), background information, testing results and interpretation, and detailed recommendations (e.g., different types of therapies, school-based supports such as an Individualized Education Plan, books, parent supports, community resources).

  • The number of appointments and length of appointments may vary based on the presenting concerns and complexity of the case. A comprehensive evaluation takes between 4 to 8 weeks from intake appointment to completion of the written report with feedback. A targeted/focused evaluation takes between 3 to 5 weeks from intake appointment to completion of the written report with feedback.

  • People feel different ways about receiving a diagnosis of any kind. At times, people find a diagnosis validating of their experience and, for some, it may even become part of their identity. Others are more hesitant about receiving a diagnosis and feel worried about things such as stigma and exclusion.

    Dr. Schiltz encourages her clients to remember that diagnoses can be helpful for:

    • communicating with others (e.g., therapists, teachers, friends, family)

    • guiding recommendations and opening access to appropriate services

    • connecting with other people who may have similar challenges/strengths.

  • Oftentimes, people seek evaluations because some kind of challenge (e.g., with social relationships, academics and learning, concentration, behavior) is impacting their life and they want to figure out why and what to do next. Dr. Schiltz is always happy to schedule a brief phone call to discuss your situation in more detail to determine if an evaluation (and what type) makes sense for you.

  • Yes! There are many terms that all broadly refer to similar comprehensive evaluations including psychological evaluation, psychoeducational evaluation, neurodevelopmental evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, or learning evaluation.

  • Before the visit, make sure they get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast or lunch beforehand.

    Talk to them about testing in an honest way and with language they will understand. For example, a parent may say:

    • I’ve noticed / I’ve heard you say [reading is feeling hard, it’s really hard to focus in class, you’ve been feeling extra worried lately, etc]__. 

    • I am working with someone who can help figure out how to best support you with that at home and at school. Her name is Dr. Hillary. 

    • Dr. Hillary is a different kind of doctor - she is a talking doctor. She doesn’t give shots.

    • Her job is to figure out how your brain works/the ways you learn best/what things are getting in the way for you. 

    • Dr. Hillary has activities planned for you and her to do together such as puzzles with pictures and words. She will also ask you questions. 

    • Some things will be easy for you and other things will feel challenging, and that’s okay. Just try your best!

    On the day of testing, bring snacks and water. We can take breaks during testing to eat, drink, move around, or anything they may need to be comfortable.

  • Dr. Schiltz believes it is important for her clients to know what to expect - both across the entirety of the evaluation and within each visit. As part of this aim, Dr. Schiltz provides overview documents at the start of her work with a new client clearly outlining their visit schedule and testing plan.

    Dr. Schiltz values collaboration with her clients. She frequently checks in with her clients to make sure they are spending their time together in a way that feels productive and meaningful.

    Dr. Schiltz respects her client’s time. She aims to promptly begin and end visits.

    Dr. Schiltz scores and interprets testing results the same day as administration. This allows her to ensure the testing plan is suitable or adjust the plan if needed (e.g., if a score shows elevated anxiety, she can gather more information in this domain).

    Dr. Schiltz provides a comprehensive written report shortly after feedback (typically same day). This written document is often needed to initiate/access needed services, which should not be delayed.