Brandi J. Wells, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

The purpose of a psychological evaluation is to address the specific area(s) of concern. Therefore, there is not a standard battery of tests used for every evaluation given. Instead, the evaluation will be tailored to address the specific concerns. Based on the area of concern(s), a variety of assessment instruments may be used to measure your child’s general intelligence; cognitive processing skills; individual academic achievement; emotional, social and/or behavior functioning; and/or self-concept measures. Additional information might be gathered including, but may not be limited to, developmental history, adaptive functioning rating scales, interviews and/or specific behavioral observations. Generally, assessment sessions can take 1-3 sessions depending on how much testing is needed and the age of the child. Each session can typically last from 2.5 to 3 hours.

The evaluation process starts with an intake appointment, which is held with parents (or care providers) and/or with the individual being evaluated, if the student is 18 years or older. Sessions are approximately one hour (sometimes longer) in length where a detailed clinical interview is conducted to gain a thorough understanding of the child's current strengths and area(s) of concern. During this time, we will also discuss what the evaluation will entail, review policies and procedures, and answer your questions or address any concerns that you may have. In advance of your appointment, please email (drwells@drwellspsych.com) or mail a copy of your child's most recent evaluations (through the school or other agencies/doctors), IEP, 504, and/or grades prior to your appointment. You can also bring copies along with you to your initial intake appointment.

The next appointment involves testing. There can be 1-3 testing appointments depending on how much testing is required and the age of the child. Each testing session can last for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The sessions are typically conducted in the mornings. Parents and teachers are asked to complete rating scales to provide insightful about the child's behaviors. The final appointment is scheduled once testing has been completed and outstanding documents have been received. Dr. Wells will score, interpret data, and write a written report. A feedback appointment is scheduled with the parents and sometimes the student, when appropriate, to review the results of the evaluation. This is typically completed approximately within two weeks after testing. This feedback appointment usually takes about 1.5 hours (and sometimes longer) to provide a detailed understanding of the results, review the recommendations and answer any questions. You will receive a copy of comprehensive written report.

The testing appointments typically takes between 2.5-3 hours, depending on the amount of testing that needs to be completed and the age of your child. All testing is completed with Dr. Wells and your child. Parents will have access to a business lounge and internet if needed. In the office space, there is a small area where you are welcome to get water, warm drinks (e.g., coffee, tea, hot chocolate) for a fee, and a vending machine. There is also a cafe located in both buildings to make food purchases. Testing is typically scheduled across two sessions to allow your child the opportunity to perform at their optimal level with maximum effort, and have time for brain breaks to rest and relax between tasks. This ensures that we are achieving the best and most accurate results.

For younger children, let them know that they will be working with a "doctor for the brain" (not a medical doctor that gives shots). They will complete many activities/tasks to help understand how they learn the best. For older children, you can explain that they are working with a psychologist that helps children with school, friends, and feelings. She will be figuring out how they learn best and getting a better understanding of their everyday experiences (e.g., learning about friendships, interests, and even what may cause stress or worries). You may tailor this to your child's unique experiences. On the day of testing, try to make sure your child has had a good night's rest, healthy breakfast, and glasses (if needed), etc. If you child typically takes medication, make sure that they take their medication as prescribed prior to the appointment. Sometimes there are questions about certain medications that should or should not be taken prior to the evaluation, we can discuss those concerns on an individual basis.

The entire process from the initial intake appointment to receiving results and a written report typically takes around 4-6 weeks. In some cases, teachers or parents take longer than expected to complete rating scales or issues arise in scheduling the feedback appointment. In these cases, it may take longer for the evaluation to be completed. Expect around 2 weeks after all testing and rating scales are completed to receive a report.

Depending upon your child's circumstances, the psychological evaluation report can be useful in many ways. Generally, it is recommended that the results are shared with your child's school to request for educational support and additional accommodations that are offered through special education services (e.g., IEP), 504 accommodation plans or by serving as a guide to establish a learning plan (e.g., Response to Intervention, private school settings, tutoring, etc.). Others have shared the results with medical and/or mental health professionals to support treatment planning and/or medication decision making and management. The psychological evaluation report can also be used to help obtain accommodations for: college entrance exams (e.g., SAT or ACT), school-based standardized testing, and establishing college support through the Office of Students with Disability Services.

Usually, my wait time is about 2-3 months.

You may call Dr. Wells at 770-864-7644, email at drwells@drwellspsych.com, or submit your information by clicking on the Make an Appointment tab.

Yes, Dr. Wells is an in-network with Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield. The status of insurance participation may change periodically, please call contact Dr. Wells for the most current information. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company directly or plan administrator to inquire about your coverage including copays, co-insurance, deductibles, pre-authorizations or limits, or exclusions which may apply to mental health or behavioral health services. Please note that most insurance companies will not cover testing for educational testing that explores a specific learning disorder such as dyslexia. Insurance also does not cover the cost of school observations, phone interviews, or attendance at IEP meetings. If you do choose to use your insurance, please keep in mind that Dr. Wells must provide insurance with a diagnosis for your child. When calling your insurance provider regarding your benefits and coverage, you may want to ask the following questions: Do I have mental or behavioral health insurance benefits? Are those benefits with the main insurance (e.g., BCBS) or outsourced to another insurance provider? What is my deductible and has it been met? Does my insurance exclude specific types of testing (such as educational testing for learning disabilities) or diagnoses? If you are going out-of-network, Dr. Wells will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

If I am an Out-of-Network Provider, then that means I do not “accept your insurance.” In these cases, the services provided may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan as an Out-of-Network provider. You will receive a superbill which is a statement that you may use to file a claim with your insurance provider for a possible reimbursement. In some cases and if allowed by your plan administrator, you may be able to use funds from a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), or Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) to pay for services. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company or plan administrator to inquire about your coverage.

Fees for services vary according to the type of service you are requesting. Service fees and payment options will be discussed and agreed upon prior to any service. Please contact Dr. Wells for an estimate for requested services.

You may pay by a major credit or debit card, or direct bill pay made payable to Wells Psychological and Education Services or Dr. Brandi Wells. In many cases, a HSA (Health Savings Accounts) and FSA (flexible spending accounts) cards may be used for payment.

The cost of the evaluation can be paid across two separate payments. The first payment is due before the parent intake appointment and the remaining cost before the feedback session.

Yes. If you have a pre-tax account set aside for healthcare expenses, you can use the debit card associated with that account.

Has your child been evaluated through your current school district? Was your child found ineligible for special education services, and you disagreed with those results? Or is your child on an IEP, but he or she is not making the progress you would expect, receiving failing grades, or receiving continued behavioral referrals or suspensions? If you find yourself answering yes to the questions above, you may be eligible for an IEE that is paid for by your child’s school district. An IEE is a private evaluation that provides a parent or guardian the opportunity to obtain their own evaluation of their child when they disagree with the school district’s results/recommended educational program. This is a right of all parents or guardians whose child has been tested through the schools and provided in IDEA (special education law).

If you would like to request an IEE, write a letter to your special education director indicating that you disagree with your child’s testing results and are requesting an IEE at public expense. If the school district denies a parent an IEE, then the district must initiate due process with the parent to defend why the school’s evaluation was appropriate.

If the IEE is approved by the school district, the school district will provide you with a list of qualified professionals in the area who complete IEEs. You do not have to choose someone from this list, you may choose any qualified professional. Due to my specialized and credentials in school psychology as well as my license to practice psychology independently, I am a qualified professional who can complete an IEE.

At WPES, IEEs can include some or all of the following components depending on your concerns and the school's concerns: A diagnostic interview with the parent or caregiver that includes developmental history and current concerns Testing of intelligence, academics, executive functioning, phonological processing, social perception, and/or language Social, emotional, and behavioral questionnaires completed by parents and caregivers, teachers and/or other service providers Interviews with teachers and other service providers School observation A comprehensive written report with results; summary; diagnostic impression; recommendations for eligibility for school services (IEP or 504 eligibility); recommendations to aid the IEP team in developing a plan Attendance at an IEP meeting to review the results and recommendations

If you have requested an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) through your school district, you must inform the school district that you have selected Dr. Brandi Wells as the evaluator. The district will then contact me to obtain information and send a purchase order for the evaluation.

For more information on IEEs, please visit: http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/iees-parents-have-the-right-to-select-an-evaluator-of-their-choice/

When we schedule an appointment, we have both reserved that time for the session. In the event that you are unable to keep an appointment, you must notify me at least 48 hours (business days) in advance of the scheduled appointment time. If such advance notice is not received, you will be assessed a missed appointment / late cancellation fee of $150 for appointments. Since testing appointments are typically booked in multi-hour sessions, the missed appointment/late cancellation for an assessment/testing appointment is $300. If you are late for your appointment you may be asked to reschedule and you will be assessed the late cancellation fee. Also, your appointment will still need to end on time. Please note that insurance companies do not reimburse for missed sessions or late cancellations. I reserve the right to discontinue services with you in the event of a missed appointment or late cancellation.

I provide services for the purposes of evaluating children and adolescents. I do not provide evaluations or services that are for legal purposes. This includes evaluations or services that are meant to be used as part of legal proceedings such as custody determinations. I recommend that you consult with a professional who offers this service if needed. In cases where the client is a minor in the child’s parents are separated or divorced or legal guardianship exists, you are required to furnish a copy of the complete Custody Order/Parenting Plan as it relates to the minor child. The Order/Plan must include the custody arrangement and healthcare responsibilities for each party. In some cases, it may be required for both parents to consent to the assessment. The adult who initiates the evaluation, brings the child to the evaluation appointment(s), and signs the consent and financial agreement forms is the “responsible party” unless a different adult agrees to be responsible. The responsible party agrees to be accountable for the payment of fees and charges.