IMPACT PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL TESTING IN WESTCHESTER, NY
Comprehensive Psychoeducational Assessments to Unlock Learning Potential
When your child struggles academically despite their best efforts, it can be frustrating and confusing for the entire family.
You may notice gaps between their intelligence and their performance, difficulty with reading or math, or challenges with attention and focus. These struggles often stem from undiagnosed learning differences that can be identified and addressed through comprehensive educational testing.
At IMPACT Psychological Services, we provide thorough psychoeducational assessments that reveal the complete picture of your child's learning profile. Our licensed psychologists use evidence-based testing methods to identify specific learning disorders, ADHD, and other factors affecting academic performance. Located in the heart of Westchester County, we understand the high academic expectations in our local school districts and work closely with families to ensure children receive the support they need.
Our comprehensive approach goes beyond simple test scores – we provide detailed reports with specific recommendations for educational accommodations, therapeutic interventions, and strategies that can transform your child's academic experience and restore their confidence in learning.
Educational testing, also known as psychoeducational assessment, is a comprehensive evaluation process that examines cognitive abilities, academic skills, attention, and emotional factors that impact learning.
This thorough assessment helps identify learning disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other conditions that may be affecting academic performance.
The evaluation process begins with a detailed intake session where we gather information about your child's developmental history, academic concerns, and family observations.
Our licensed psychologists then conduct extensive testing sessions that may span 2-6 hours, depending on the scope of assessment needed. We use standardized, research-based instruments to evaluate cognitive functioning, academic achievement, attention, memory, and processing speed.
Following the testing sessions, our team spends considerable time scoring assessments, analyzing results, and developing a comprehensive understanding of your child's unique learning profile. This analysis informs a detailed written report that includes specific diagnoses when appropriate, clear explanations of findings, and practical recommendations for educational interventions and accommodations.
The process concludes with a feedback session where we review all findings with you and your child (when age-appropriate), discuss the implications for learning, and provide guidance on next steps. We also offer support in communicating results to schools and advocating for appropriate educational services within Westchester County school districts.
Explore Educational Assessments Today
KEY BENEFITS
Take the First Step Towards Healing
-
Our comprehensive educational testing process provides clarity about your child's unique learning profile through scientifically validated assessment tools. We evaluate multiple domains, including cognitive abilities, academic achievement, attention, memory, and processing speed, to create a complete picture of how your child learns best. This thorough approach is particularly valuable for Westchester County families navigating competitive academic environments where learning differences may be overlooked or misunderstood.
Our licensed psychologists have extensive training in identifying subtle learning disorders that might manifest as inconsistent academic performance, difficulty with specific subjects, or challenges with homework completion. We distinguish between learning disorders like dyslexia or dysgraphia and other factors such as anxiety, ADHD, or processing differences that may impact academic success. This precision is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies.
The detailed analysis we provide helps explain why a bright child might struggle with reading fluency, math concepts, or written expression despite strong verbal abilities. Parents often report feeling relief and validation when they finally understand the underlying reasons for their child's academic challenges, leading to more targeted support and improved family dynamics around homework and school expectations.
-
A comprehensive educational assessment from IMPACT Psychological Services opens doors to crucial academic supports within Westchester County schools and beyond. Our detailed reports meet the documentation requirements for 504 plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and college accommodations through disability services offices. We understand the specific criteria and processes used by local school districts, including Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, and White Plains.
Our reports include specific, actionable recommendations tailored to your child's identified needs and your local school environment. These might include extended time for tests, alternative testing formats, preferential seating, assistive technology, or specialized instruction methods. We also provide recommendations for therapeutic interventions such as reading remediation, executive functioning coaching, or social-emotional support.
Beyond school accommodations, our assessments can qualify students for extended time and other supports on standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, and AP exams – particularly important for college-bound students in our achievement-oriented community. We also provide guidance on selecting appropriate academic programs and can recommend local tutors, learning specialists, and therapeutic services that align with your child's specific profile and needs.
-
Educational testing often marks a turning point where struggling students finally understand that their academic challenges don't reflect their intelligence or effort – they simply learn differently. This understanding is transformative for children who may have internalized negative messages about their abilities or developed anxiety around academic tasks. Our compassionate approach helps families in Westchester County move from frustration to empowerment.
When children receive appropriate accommodations and interventions based on their assessment results, academic performance typically improves significantly. More importantly, students develop better self-understanding and advocacy skills that serve them throughout their educational journey. They learn to recognize their strengths, understand their challenges, and effectively communicate their needs to teachers and professors.
The ripple effects extend beyond academics – families report improved homework dynamics, reduced stress, and stronger parent-child relationships when everyone understands the child's learning profile. Students often show increased motivation to tackle challenging subjects and a greater willingness to seek help when needed. This foundation of self-awareness and effective support systems proves invaluable as students progress through high school and into college-level coursework.
-
At IMPACT Psychological Services, your child's educational assessment is conducted by doctoral-level clinical psychologists with specialized training in psychoeducational evaluation. Dr. Talya Cohen and Dr. Tracy Prout bring years of expertise in identifying learning differences and understanding how emotional, behavioral, and developmental factors impact academic performance. Their advanced training ensures accurate interpretation of complex test results and a nuanced understanding of how various factors interact to affect learning.
Our psychologists stay current with the latest research in learning disorders, assessment techniques, and evidence-based interventions. This expertise is particularly valuable when evaluating complex cases where multiple factors may be contributing to academic struggles, such as when anxiety and learning disorders co-occur, or when gifted children also have learning challenges (twice-exceptional students).
The depth of clinical training our team brings means we can identify not just what learning challenges exist, but also the underlying cognitive and emotional factors contributing to academic difficulties. This comprehensive perspective, combined with our understanding of the competitive academic culture in Westchester County, allows us to provide insights and recommendations that address the whole child rather than just test scores.
-
Understanding that comprehensive educational testing represents a significant investment, IMPACT Psychological Services works with families to make assessments accessible through various financial options. We've partnered with Mentaya to help clients maximize their out-of-network insurance benefits, potentially reducing the overall cost of evaluation services significantly. Our team can help you understand your insurance coverage and submit the necessary documentation for reimbursement.
Our transparent pricing structure ranges from $2,750-$7,500, depending on the scope and comprehensiveness of testing needed. We provide detailed estimates upfront so families can make informed decisions about their assessment options. Many families find that the long-term benefits of appropriate educational interventions and accommodations far outweigh the initial investment in comprehensive testing.
We also understand the urgency many families feel, especially when academic struggles are impacting a child's self-esteem or when accommodations are needed for upcoming standardized tests. Our flexible scheduling across three convenient Westchester and Hudson Valley locations helps ensure timely access to assessment services when families need them most.
-
Our commitment to your family extends well beyond the completion of testing and report delivery. We provide ongoing consultation to help you implement recommendations, communicate effectively with school personnel, and navigate the special education or 504 plan process within your local district. This support is invaluable for families new to advocating for educational accommodations or those facing resistance from school teams.
We offer guidance on selecting appropriate therapeutic services, educational specialists, and tutoring resources in the Westchester County area that align with your child's specific needs. Our local connections and familiarity with area providers help ensure continuity of care and effective implementation of our recommendations.
As your child progresses through different academic stages, we're available for consultation about evolving needs, transition planning, and updated accommodations. Many families return for brief re-evaluations or consultations as students move from elementary to middle school, high school to college, or when considering significant academic program changes. This ongoing relationship provides stability and expertise as your child's educational journey unfolds.
Service Catagories
Together, we navigate the journey toward healing, resilience, and positive change. See how we can help you.
Learning Disorder Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation for specific learning disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. This focused assessment includes detailed cognitive and academic testing to identify specific areas of difficulty and provide targeted recommendations for intervention. The process includes intake, testing sessions, scoring, comprehensive report writing, and feedback sessions. Particularly valuable for children showing significant gaps between ability and achievement in specific academic areas.
Therapeutic Assessment
Unique combination of assessment and brief therapeutic intervention that addresses specific questions about functioning while providing immediate support to the child and family. This collaborative approach involves family members in the assessment process and includes intervention sessions to address identified concerns. Particularly beneficial when children are experiencing significant emotional distress related to their learning challenges.
Adult Educational Assessment
Specialized evaluation for adults seeking to understand learning challenges that may have been undiagnosed in childhood or for those pursuing accommodations for professional examinations or graduate school. These assessments address the unique needs of adult learners and provide documentation for workplace or educational accommodations.
Targeted Assessment
Focused evaluation addressing specific diagnostic questions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, or other developmental concerns that impact learning. This streamlined approach concentrates on particular areas of functioning while maintaining thoroughness in the targeted domain. Ideal for families with specific concerns or when schools request evaluation of particular conditions. Includes comprehensive reporting and recommendations tailored to the identified areas of need.
Neuropsychological Assessment
Most comprehensive evaluation examining cognitive, academic, attention, developmental, social-emotional, and personality functioning. This thorough assessment is recommended for complex cases involving multiple areas of concern or when a detailed understanding of brain-behavior relationships is needed. Includes extensive testing, detailed analysis, and comprehensive recommendations across all areas of functioning.
Our Process
STEP ONE
Initial Consultation and Intake
Your assessment journey begins with a comprehensive one-hour intake session where we gather detailed information about your child's developmental history, academic concerns, and current challenges. We discuss your specific goals for the assessment and help determine the most appropriate evaluation approach for your child's needs. This collaborative planning ensures that our assessment addresses your most pressing questions and concerns while considering your child's comfort and attention span.
STEP TWO
Comprehensive Testing Sessions
Testing sessions are scheduled based on your child's individual needs and may range from 2-9 hours, depending on the scope of assessment. We break longer evaluations into multiple sessions to ensure accurate results and minimize fatigue. Our experienced psychologists create a comfortable, supportive environment where children can perform their best while using standardized, research-based instruments to evaluate cognitive abilities, academic skills, attention, and other relevant areas of functioning.
STEP THREE
Scoring, Analysis, and Case Conceptualization
Following testing completion, our clinical team spends 3-10 hours carefully scoring assessments, analyzing patterns of strengths and weaknesses, and developing a comprehensive understanding of your child's learning profile. This detailed analysis goes beyond simple test scores to examine the complex interactions between cognitive abilities, academic skills, emotional factors, and behavioral observations that impact learning and academic performance.
STEP FOUR
Comprehensive Report Preparation
We prepare a detailed written report that clearly explains all findings, provides specific diagnoses when appropriate, and includes practical, actionable recommendations tailored to your child's needs and local educational environment. Our reports meet professional standards for educational accommodation requests and provide clear guidance for parents, teachers, and other professionals working with your child.
STEP FIVE
Feedback Session and Follow-Up Planning
We conclude with a thorough feedback session where we review all findings, answer your questions, and discuss practical next steps for implementing recommendations. We provide guidance on communicating results to school personnel and offer ongoing consultation support as you navigate the accommodation process and implement suggested interventions.
Our Approach
At IMPACT Psychological Services, our approach to educational testing is rooted in the understanding that each child is unique, with individual strengths, challenges, and learning styles that require personalized assessment and intervention strategies.
We believe that comprehensive evaluation should illuminate not just what challenges exist, but why they occur and how they can be effectively addressed within the context of each child's family, school, and community environment.
Our integrative methodology combines standardized testing with clinical observation, family input, and consideration of environmental factors that impact learning. We recognize that academic performance is influenced by multiple factors, including cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, attention, motivation, and previous educational experiences. This holistic perspective ensures that our assessments capture the full complexity of each child's learning profile rather than reducing them to simple test scores or diagnostic labels.
We are particularly attuned to the unique educational landscape of Westchester County, where high-achieving communities often have elevated academic expectations that can mask or exacerbate learning differences. Our clinicians understand the pressure many local families face and work to provide assessment results that promote understanding and support rather than additional stress. We collaborate closely with local school districts, understanding their procedures and requirements for educational accommodations while advocating effectively for our clients' needs.
Our commitment to evidence-based practice means we utilize the most current and reliable assessment instruments while staying informed about advances in understanding learning disorders and educational interventions. This scientific foundation, combined with our clinical expertise and local knowledge, ensures that families receive the most accurate, helpful, and actionable assessment results possible to support their child's educational success and overall well-being.
FAQs
IMPACT Psychological Services has been providing comprehensive mental health and assessment services to Westchester County and Hudson Valley families for years. Founded by licensed clinical psychologists Dr. Talya Cohen and Dr. Tracy Prout, our practice specializes in evidence-based assessment and therapeutic interventions for individuals of all ages, with particular expertise in educational testing and learning disorders.
-
While school evaluations determine eligibility for special education services, comprehensive educational testing provides a more detailed analysis of learning strengths and challenges. Our assessments use additional specialized instruments, provide more detailed reporting, and offer specific recommendations for both school and home interventions. Private assessments can also identify issues that schools might miss and provide documentation for accommodations that schools cannot evaluate independently.
-
The complete process typically takes 3-6 weeks from initial consultation to final report delivery. This includes scheduling flexibility to accommodate your family's needs and your child's optimal testing conditions. Rush processing may be available for urgent situations such as upcoming standardized tests or school placement decisions, though we always prioritize thoroughness and accuracy in our evaluations.
-
Our comprehensive reports meet professional standards and are widely accepted by schools for 504 plans, IEP eligibility, and educational planning. We're familiar with local district requirements and can provide additional documentation or consultation as needed. We also offer support in presenting results to school teams and advocating for the appropriate implementation of our recommendations.
-
Consider assessment if you notice persistent struggles with academics despite adequate effort, significant gaps between ability and performance, difficulty with homework completion, or if teachers have expressed concerns about learning or attention. Children who are bright but struggling, those with previous diagnoses requiring updated documentation, or students needing accommodations for standardized tests are excellent candidates for comprehensive evaluation.
-
We recommend explaining testing as a way to understand how their brain learns best and to get the right kind of help for school. Emphasize that it's not about being smart or not smart, but about finding the best ways to help them succeed. Most children find the testing process interesting and feel relieved to finally understand their learning challenges. We provide age-appropriate explanations during the feedback process to help children understand and advocate for themselves.