Is your child or teen struggling in school? Does your student seem bored, unmotivated or do they spend hours and hours on homework? You might be thinking that they have some learning challenges.
We offer a range of assessments to determine a student’s strengths and weaknesses, and to identify interventions that will best remediate skill deficits. Assessment can provide a point of reference from which to measure future progress and help align families, teachers, and other providers with a common understanding of a child’s learning profile. Assessment can provide a point of reference for which to measure future progress and we provide comprehensive recommendations for accommodations, modifications, and remediation.
Our Psycheducational Assessment Includes:
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a detailed written report of the results, and we’ll discuss them together. This report can be used with your school district and other educational professionals to ensure that appropriate interventions and modifications are in place to support learning.
Areas we look at can include:
A diagnosis of ADHD does not automatically mean medication. We can assist your family in finding a solution that works for you AND your child. The impact of these symptoms will not disappear — certainly not without an understanding of the problem and that’s where we can help!
If you’re ready to evaluate your child’s symptoms and get some answers, contact us for a consultation.
Does your child become easily distracted or have impulse control issues? Have you wondered if the symptoms of ADD/ADHD might be holding them back? Has your pediatrician suggested follow-up for a more thorough evaluation? We understand that often ADHD is misdiagnosed by well-meaning educators, friends and family. Let’s get it right.
If your child is having behavioral difficulties in school or at home OR your family would like to gain more insights into your child’s behavior, we can help.
The first step is assessing your child to identify their strengths and challenges. Assessment helps us build a roadmap and treatment plan for behavioral modification and developmental growth.
We offer full behavioral assessments using a team approach with your child’s school to determine a student’s strengths and challenges and to identify strategies that might support positive behavioral change.
Admissions testing is available for children who are required to take an individually administered test as part of the application process at many independent schools in Northern VA and the Washington DC area.
The Wise Family provides pre-admission testing for independent schools and gifted-talented testing (WISC and WPPSI). Our assessments are tailored to understand the unique needs of your family.
To ensure optimal admissions test performance, we recommend that children be tested in the morning.
Dr. Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who works out of our Alexandria office providing psychoeducational assessments. She received her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, with a focus in Forensic Psychology, from George Washington University.
Dr. Kelly has extensive experience conducting psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults; as well as, appearing as an expert witness for legal and criminal matters. She also acts as a Parenting Coordinator, provides co-parenting counseling, and supervised visitation.
In her free time, Dr. Kelly enjoys spending time with her friends and family, being outdoors, traveling, and listening to music. Additionally. Dr. Kelly is a Professional Lecturer for the George Washington University Masters of Forensic Psychology program.
Works with: Families, Parents, Individuals
*Specializes in personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, as well as psychological and educational testing and forensic evaluations.
Dr. Richard Stiens is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 30+ years of experience working collaboratively with children, adolescents, adults and families. During this time, Dr. Stiens has worked in a variety of settings – including private practice, community mental health, inpatient hospital programs, elementary – collegiate environments, juvenile justice, department of defense and child protective services.
Dr. Stiens specializes in research-based, best practices assessments to facilitate planning positive and effective treatment interventions. These assessments include performance-based evaluations for Attention-Deficit Disorder, mood & behavioral difficulties, differential diagnoses of co-occurring psychiatric problems, intellectual giftedness and academic learning disabilities. The assessment test results are helpful in determining an individual’s current level of functioning – as well as helping to identify strategies which help stabilize performance and identifying strategies for effective school/occupational/psychiatric services and relevant accommodations.
Dr. Stiens recently moved to the DC area from St. Louis, Missouri. He is excited to join The Wise Family practice and support the welfare and success of the greater Virginia-DC community.
How do I tell my child about the test, so it doesn’t seem intimidating?
Tell your child that it is a chance to do some activities that will help us learn lots of things about his/her brain and help us to find the best teacher to teach them!
It isn’t a ‘playdate’ because no toys are available, but we do some word games and activities with blocks. No preparation is required, and in fact, is discouraged.
What kind of setting does the test take place in?
Your child and the evaluator will sit across from each other at a small table. The assessment will be directed by the evaluator in partnership with the child. There are word puzzles and questions, some picture matching and a block task.
“Amy talks about moving children from being externally-driven to internally-driven…and she helps you get there!”
— Parent of 15-year-old daughterShe has been a tremendous help with family issues and getting our children organized for success in life. Highly recommend her.
— Mom of three young adults ages 20 – 24“Amy brings together the best emotion-focused strategies with cutting-edge brain science to change the lives of children and families”
— Parent of adopted twin girls“Thank you so much for all you do and care for me. And all the work you do for my family. I {heart} you.”
— 10-year-old coaching client
