What does testing involve?

We begin with an intake assessment session in which we ask about the problems and concerns that bring you to our office, and learn about your or your child’s developmental, medical, social, and educational history. This initial session can be on a different day from testing but typically, it is held on the same day as testing.

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How can I prepare for the first session?

Please feel free to give us a call at (714) 696-1385 or email us at cabhc@ca-bhc.com to request a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation so that we can talk about what type of testing you seek and any questions you may have. Once you decide to make the appointment for testing, we will ask you to complete the intake paperwork and review the information in the forms. 

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One important step in preparing for the first session is to call your insurance and verify that we are in-network (Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Center, Tax ID 83-0576172). Sometimes your mental health insurance isn't the same as your medical insurance! For example, your health benefits may be through Anthem but your mental health benefits might be carved out to another insurer. So it makes sense to check that we really are in-network for you! It also makes sense to check that the procedures we typically bill for ("CPT codes ") are covered. CPT codes for testing are 90791, 96130, 96131 (these last two are very important for the rep to check), and 90847/90846. Also, please ask if they cover the codes for the type of testing you are requesting:

 

Diagnostic codes for ADHD are F90.2, F90.1, and F90.0
Codes for Learning Disorders are F81.0, F81.81, F81.2

Diagnostic codes for autism are F84.0, F84.9, and F80.82​​

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What are the fees for psychological testing? 

The CABHC doctors personally complete all assessments; we do not utilize undergraduate or graduate-level psychometrists or psychological assistants.  We provide a more personal service and tailored assessments.  When you compare our prices to other practices, you will likely discover that our services are more affordable. 

• Charges are based on age of the child and focus of the assessment.

• All psychoeducational, autism, and developmental delay assessments include:

  1.  an intake session with parents/guardians (approximately 1 hour)

  2.  all testing sessions necessary

  3.  a feedback session with parents/guardians to review written results and discuss recommendations (approximately 45 minutes)

• A superbill will be provided for clients’ submission to insurance companies for self-filing claims. 

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Please note that some insurance companies do not cover psychological testing for developmental delays or learning issues, as they deem these services "educational" rather than "medical," even if the provider is "in-network." Insurance companies only pay for things that are "medically necessary." This means that someone HAS to diagnose you with a mental health disorder AND prove that it is impacting your health on a day-to-day basis. Fortunately, many parents seek treatment before their child’s issue would meet criteria for diagnosis as a mental health disorder. Your insurance company will tell you, “A quote for benefits does not guarantee payment…” This means that you can be told over the phone that something is covered, be given an authorization number, and still be denied once they review the diagnosis.  Another issue is that we have learned over the years that preapprovals involve the staff of the insurance company "granting permission" for each and every individual test that we feel we need to administer, prior to our starting testing.  So it's very important for you to be as sure as you can that everything we do will be covered! We tailor our assessments to your child and the referral question, so we frequently change our test battery after we start working with and getting to know your child, rather than administering the same tests to each client. This individualized approach does not fit with the insurance preapproval process. Lastly, we are typically required to give a mental health diagnosis/code in order to receive reimbursement. 

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Please note that in the event that an insurance claim for testing is denied, you are responsible for paying the full private-pay fees, which are listed below. 

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Autism/Developmental Delays– $2,000

• Assessments typically include comprehensive intelligence testing, assessment of adaptive/daily living skills, behavioral/social skills assessment, evaluation of verbal and nonverbal communication skills, screening of motor skills, screening of academic/pre-academic skills, and play observation when appropriate

• Comprehensive written report (typically 15-25 pages) with suggested interventions

 

Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia/Dysgraphia/Dyscalculia) – $2,000

• comprehensive intelligence testing

• comprehensive memory testing

• comprehensive achievement testing in all academic areas

• behavior/emotional/social assessment as needed

• comprehensive testing of all neuropsychological processing areas appropriate, such as processing speed, visual-motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, auditory processing skills, phonological processing skills, attention/concentration skills, oral language, retrieval speed

• comprehensive written report (typically 15 -25 pages) with suggestions for intervention

 

 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment– $1,500

• comprehensive intelligence testing

• basic achievement screening

• behavior analysis/checklists

• computerized attention assessment

• memory and processing speed screening

• abbreviated written report (typically 8 – 12 pages) with suggestions for intervention

 

Complete psychoeducational assessment (ADHD + LD) – $2,500

• comprehensive intelligence testing

• comprehensive achievement testing in all academic areas

• computerized attention assessment

• behavior/emotional/social assessment

• comprehensive memory testing

• comprehensive testing of all neuropsychological processing areas appropriate, such as processing speed, visual-motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, auditory processing skills, phonological processing skills, attention/concentration skills, executive functioning skills, and oral language

• comprehensive report (typically 15-25 pages) with suggestions for intervention

 

Intellectual Assessment only- $600

• Comprehensive intelligence testing (depending on age: WWPSI, WISC, or WAIS) with a brief written report (includes a 40-60 minute feedback session)

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Academic Assessment only- $850

• Achievement testing in all academic areas (basic reading, reading comprehension, math reasoning, math calculation, written expression- WIAT) with a brief written report (includes a 40-60 minute feedback session)

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Consultation / classroom observation / IEP, 504, SST or other meeting attendance- $200 per hour, including travel time

• Our clinicians are available to meet with you to discuss behavioral, learning, and developmental issues.  We are happy to attend meetings at your child’s school (for example, IEP or 504) or complete behavioral observations in locations outside the office.  

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Why doesn’t CABHC take all insurance companies?

Working with insurance companies is very complicated, and it takes a lot of time away from providing high-quality services that are tailored to your needs. We would rather spend our time preparing for our sessions or working with you than sitting on hold, waiting for an insurance representative.

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What happens if I have to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

We understand that sometimes unforeseen events take place! However, testing requires that we reserve multiple hours in a day for you. We ask that you please cancel or reschedule appointments with at least 48 hours’ advance notice. You can cancel appointments by leaving a message at (714) 696-1385 or emailing the therapist with whom you made the appointment (Dr. Patricia Gisbert at pgisbert@ca-bhc.comor Dr. Iris Richardson at irichardson@ca-bhc.com. We will try to reschedule you as soon as possible, but you may have to wait to be seen. For testing, no-shows and late cancellations (with less than 24 hours’ notice) will result in a bill to you for $300. When a testing appointment is cancelled at the last minute, we are not able to offer that spot to another individual or family who wanted to come in.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE INTAKE PAPERWORK.