Individuals who might benefit
from a PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Have many differing diagnoses
Are not making expected progress in therapy
Have atypical developmental patterns
Need assistance clarifying the appropriate services needed for school
Need academic or intellectual testing to qualify for a school or program

Psychological Assessment & Consultation

INTRODUCTION

As a psychologist in private practice in Sonoma County, Paula Solomon provides  clients with comprehensive psychological assessments of children, adolescents, and adults. She has over 30 years of experience in working with and performing psychological assessments for individuals with complex Emotional Disturbance, on the Autism Spectrum, Attention Deficit Disorders and Learning Disabilities. For 25 years Dr. Solomon was the Clinical Director of a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed and learning-disabled teens, with foster care and adoption programs. (TLC Child and Family Services).

 

Dr. Solomon has worked closely with educational personnel conducting evaluations of their students, including independent educational evaluations. Some of her referrals are directly from parents or attorneys who wish a private assessment of these students. She also conducts assessments for adults who are seeking to understand them selves better, are “stuck” in their therapy, or who feel they need accommodations for higher education settings.

“Four years ago you diagnosed me with a learning disability. This was a life changing experience for me. I went from a struggling student to achieving: nearly straight A’s during my undergraduate degree, scoring in the 99th percentile on the Dental Admissions Test, and have now matriculated into Dental School, my lifelong dream.”

—Austin Hartford

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Specialties & Services

Specialities

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Adoption Issues

Anxiety

Attachment Disorders

Attention Deficit Disorder

Gender Diversity

Mood Dysregulation

Neurodiversity

Psychosis

Trauma Survivors

Complex Disorders

SERVICES

Psychological Assessments

Autism Spectrum

Learning Disabilities

Intelligence Testing

Memory Testing

Executive Functioning

Personality Assessment

Mood Instability, Thinking Disorders

Emotional Disturbances

Classroom Observations and Consultation

Diagnostic Assessment for Treatment Planning

Diagnostic Assessment for Educational Planning

Independent Educational Evaluations

(Psychoeducational Assessments)

Expert Witness Testimony

Case Consultations

“Thank you so much for your assessment, it was a concise biography, although difficult to hear, it was clear to me, that part of your professionalism, is that you actually care, and I am so grateful that you see the D that I’ve always known, as a mom, and are able to explain this ‘new’ part of him without any judgement. It’s clear that you care and want the best for him.

 

It’s hard to put into words but thank you for ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’ both of us, and thank you for your calm, gentle presence – you have been so significantly kind and helpful.”

—Traci Southwell

Office Practices

Dr. Solomon offers a free brief consultation in order to understand your needs and to ensure that she is a good match for you. If you decide to proceed, she will ask for any previous relevant documentation. After the initial consultation and brief review of records, she will create an assessment plan which will outline the areas of assessment and the methodology for assessment, including a fee for the service.

Fees for assessments are based upon a calculation of the amount of time it will take to assess, score, attend meetings, consult with other  providers, observe, travel if needed, write a report, and give feedback. Understandably, more complex or thorough assessments will have larger fees.

The first half of the fee for a psychological assessment is due at the first assessment session; the second half is due at the time of the feedback session. Acceptable forms of payment include: VENMO and Zelle. There is a fee for using Square.

Psychological Assessments may or may not be reimbursable by insurance companies. Standard insurance claims forms will be provided if requested. Health Savings Accounts are also used to finance psychological assessments.

 

COVID Office Practices

With the presence of COVID, office practices have been modified. Initial interviews and much assessment work is taking place using the Zoom platform, with my professional suite. Sessions are not able to be taped, and require a password, so they remain confidential.Many self, teacher, and parent report forms can be sent online and accessed through a confidential web site. Some parts of the assessment may require in-person testing or an in-person proctor. The office is used minimally, with appropriate spacing of clients and cleaning of the office and the office building in between clients.

Office
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“P is doing remarkably well. I am so thrilled to see P happier, comfortable in his skin and taking advantages of his opportunities. Of course there is drama, but compared to a year ago, it is nothing. Thank you for your intelligence and experience, but especially your heart and compassion. You stood strong for us, when we needed it most!”

—xo Thomas