phone: (828) 222 - 0710 | fax: (828) 212 - 6211
Psychological Evaluations
Every evaluation begins with your story—not just what’s hard, but how it’s felt, lived, and carried. Whether you're seeking answers for yourself or someone you care about, we approach the process with curiosity, compassion, and deep respect for your unique context.
Evaluations offer clarity when life feels heavier than expected—when focus slips, emotions overwhelm, or relating to others feels awkward or effortful. Often, it’s the quiet realization that others don't seem to be struggling the same way.
We look at how cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors interact—not to reduce you to a label, but to illuminate the full picture. Evaluations are not just for identifying what’s wrong. They also highlight what’s going well: cognitive strengths, emotional insight, adaptive skills, and environmental factors that support growth.
From there, we offer thoughtful next steps. That might mean therapy to support emotional regulation, coaching to strengthen executive functioning, resources to deepen personal understanding, or advocacy tools to help navigate school or workplace accommodations. Whatever the path, our goal is the same: to translate clarity into care that fits.
Presurgical Evaluations
Why Do I Need a Psychological Evaluation Before Surgery?
If you're preparing for surgery, whether it's a bariatric procedure, spinal cord stimulator implantation, a cosmetic procedure, or another specialized intervention, you might be wondering:
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"Why the extra step?"
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"I'm ready for this. Why do I need to talk to a psychologist?"
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"How does this help with my actual surgery?"
These are common and completely valid questions.
Presurgical psychological evaluations aren't about gatekeeping. They're about support, preparation, and helping you achieve the best possible outcome. The evaluation helps identify emotional, behavioral, or cognitive factors that could influence your recovery, pain management, adherence to medical recommendations, or long-term satisfaction with the procedure. It also gives your treatment team a fuller picture of your strengths, needs, and goals.
For some individuals, the evaluation may uncover concerns related to body image or symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is a condition characterized by intense preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance that may be minor or not noticeable to others. Because surgery does not address the underlying anxiety and distress associated with BDD, identifying these concerns beforehand can help ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care and support. The goal is not to deny treatment, but to make sure expectations are realistic and that the procedure is likely to help you move toward the life you want.
Many patients say things like:
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"I've waited so long for this. What if I say the wrong thing?"
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"I just want to feel better. I didn't expect to talk about my mental health."
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"I'm worried this evaluation will keep me from having surgery."
The reality is that these evaluations are designed to help, not judge. They provide an opportunity to discuss concerns, identify potential challenges, and build on the strengths you've already developed as you prepare for surgery.
As a licensed psychologist, I strive to make this process collaborative, respectful, and empowering. Together, we'll explore your readiness, address any concerns, and ensure you're supported both mentally and emotionally as you move forward with your treatment journey.
A psychological evaluation isn't about proving you're ready. It's about making sure you have the support, insight, and resources needed for the best possible outcome.
ADHD Evaluations
Impulsivity, restlessness, difficulty focusing, and feeling scatterbrained can stem from many sources—anxiety, mood disorders, sleep issues, or even a naturally energetic temperament. Psychological testing helps clarify whether these challenges reflect a true neurodevelopmental condition like ADHD, or are better explained by other emotional, behavioral, or systemic factors. A thorough evaluation offers insight, direction, and a path toward targeted support.
Autism Evaluations
Many undiagnosed individuals with autism describe feeling like they’re "performing" in social situations, constantly masking their true selves to fit in. They often say things like:
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"I feel like I missed the manual for being human."
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"Small talk feels like a foreign language."
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"I’m exhausted from pretending to be ‘normal.’"
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"The world wasn’t built for how my brain works."
Social awkwardness, sensory sensitivities, rigid routines, and difficulty with change are often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But these traits can also stem from other conditions—like social anxiety, OCD, trauma, or even giftedness.
Psychological testing helps clarify whether these experiences reflect a neurodevelopmental difference like autism, or are better explained by other emotional, behavioral, or systemic factors.
A thoughtful evaluation can offer clarity, validation, and a roadmap for support—especially for those who’ve spent years adapting to a world designed for allistic norms. Understanding your neurotype isn’t about labeling—it’s about liberation.