Learn About Our Unique Approach
Collaborative Identification
Clients who come to us often feel confused about what aspects of themselves are natural expressions of who they are versus what represents a mental health condition. Our approach values your (or your child’s) history, insight, self-awareness, and lived experiences as equally important as our clinical expertise. Understanding yourself through this corrective and compassionate lens will empower you to embrace, affirm, and advocate for your needs. While the emphasis will be on identifying aspects of your neurotype (e.g., ADHD, autistic and/or gifted identity), our practice is affirming and supportive of all aspects of your identity.
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Psychological Assessment
We understand the importance of gaining diagnostic clarity regarding potential mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD) if you haven’t been progressing or feel stagnant in your work with your therapist or life in general. This is where our expertise offers an in-depth perspective. Our approach will not only provide diagnostic clarification, but will also offer psychoeducation about your condition, answer questions you have about specific symptoms, bring awareness of potential resources, and guide recommendations for treatment.
If this approach sounds like a good fit for you, keep reading to learn about what to expect during the process.
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Initiating Services
You can call us at 515.777.3388 to initiate contact with our office. Even though it is your responsibility to know your insurance benefits, as a courtesy, we do an initial insurance verification. From there, you will receive the necessary intake paperwork to complete through our secure ClientPortal. You will only be contacted regarding scheduling once you have completed all intake paperwork.
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Collaborative Interview
To us, the goal of the intake is to model what a supportive, affirming relationship with a healthcare provider should be. Other important steps will include collaboratively aligning on the goals for your (or your child’s) assessment; identifying others who we can consult with about your needs; and establishing a plan for the remainder of the process. If there are accommodation needs that would make the assessment more comfortable for you, those will be discussed at this time.
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Assessment Process
A value of our practice is ongoing professional development. As a result, we ensure that to the best of our ability, the measures we use are rooted in research and are the most current in the field. These in-office sessions will include a tailored collection of screeners, computer-based measures, and face-to-face activities aimed at answering your specific assessment questions. We take pride in making sure the data is meaningful and understandable to you.
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Final Feedback
This session is where clarity is provided regarding what are natural expressions of yourself (or your child) versus mental health concerns that need to be treated. We will highlight key points, suggest tailored accommodations and/or recommendations as part of a detailed final written report. You will have the opportunity to ask any new questions that arise as you receive feedback and hear about post-assessment steps.