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ICF Psychological Services

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Athena Dacanay taking notes during an evaluation conversation in her Asheville office
In-Person Therapy in AshevilleOnline across North Carolina & PSYPACT states

Psychological Evaluations in Asheville

Every evaluation begins with your story—not just what is hard, but how it has felt, lived, and been carried. ICF Psychological Services offers evaluation pathways for ADHD, autism, OCD, and presurgical questions, with appointments available Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Psychological evaluations

A fuller picture can make the next step clearer.

Every evaluation begins with your story—not just what is hard, but how it has felt, lived, and carried. Whether you are seeking answers for yourself or someone you care about, the process is approached with curiosity, compassion, and respect for your unique context.

Psychological evaluations are not just for identifying what is wrong. They can illuminate cognitive strengths, emotional insight, adaptive skills, and the conditions that support growth—then translate that clarity into care that fits.

Bright surgical lights in a modern clinical setting

01 · Presurgical evaluations

Preparation and support before a procedure.

If you are preparing for bariatric surgery, a spinal cord stimulator, a cosmetic procedure, or another specialized intervention, you may be wondering why a psychological evaluation is part of the process. These are common and completely valid questions.

Presurgical psychological evaluations are not about gatekeeping. They are about support, preparation, and helping you achieve the best possible outcome. The conversation considers emotional, behavioral, and cognitive factors that could influence recovery, pain management, medical recommendations, or long-term satisfaction.

For some individuals, the evaluation may uncover concerns related to body image or symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. The purpose is not to deny treatment, but to make space for realistic expectations and a path that supports the life you want.

Read detailed evaluation questions

02 · ADHD evaluations

A fuller look at focus, energy, and daily life.

Impulsivity, restlessness, difficulty focusing, and feeling scattered can stem from many sources—anxiety, mood disorders, sleep issues, or a naturally energetic temperament.

Psychological testing helps clarify whether these challenges reflect a neurodevelopmental condition like ADHD or are better explained by emotional, behavioral, or systemic factors. A thorough evaluation offers insight, direction, and a path toward targeted support.

Read detailed evaluation questions
A tablet-based assessment in a calm setting
Colorful puzzle pieces representing the many parts of a person’s experience

03 · Autism evaluations

Clarity that makes room for your lived experience.

Many undiagnosed autistic individuals describe feeling like they are performing in social situations, constantly masking their true selves to fit in. They may feel out of step, exhausted by fitting in, or unsure why daily life feels harder than it seems for others.

Social awkwardness, sensory sensitivities, rigid routines, and difficulty with change are often associated with autism spectrum disorder. These experiences can also overlap with social anxiety, OCD, trauma, or giftedness.

Psychological testing can help clarify whether these experiences reflect a neurodevelopmental difference like autism or are better explained by other emotional, behavioral, or systemic factors. Understanding your neurotype is not about labeling—it is about liberation.

Read detailed evaluation questions
Evaluation questions · Asheville, NC

You may be carrying a question that deserves a fuller picture.

You may be carrying a question that deserves a fuller picture.
Therapy appointment
Psychological evaluations in Asheville, NC

An evaluation can turn a difficult question into useful next steps.

Why do I need a psychological evaluation before surgery?

If you are preparing for bariatric surgery, a spinal cord stimulator, a cosmetic procedure, or another specialized intervention, it is completely understandable to wonder why a psychological evaluation is part of the process. It is not about gatekeeping; it is about preparation and support for the best possible outcome.

A presurgical evaluation considers the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive factors that may affect recovery, pain management, medical recommendations, or long-term satisfaction. It also gives the treatment team a fuller view of your strengths, needs, and goals.
For some people, the conversation can identify body-image concerns or symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder that deserve care alongside the surgical plan. The goal is not to deny treatment—it is to support realistic expectations and make sure the procedure is likely to move you toward the life you want.
Read more evaluation questions

What is an autism evaluation?

An autism evaluation addresses a referral question about autism and related patterns in a person’s development, behavior, communication, or daily life. It can begin with a self-referral or a professional referral. The evaluation is tailored to the question rather than promised as one fixed battery or format.

Before scheduling, the practice can clarify what information is available, what the referral is asking, and whether an in-person Asheville evaluation is appropriate.
Evaluation scope, timing, fees, and insurance are reviewed before scheduling.

What is an OCD evaluation?

An OCD evaluation helps clarify whether obsessive-compulsive symptoms are part of the referral question and how they relate to a person’s concerns. It may be useful for someone seeking diagnostic clarity or for a professional referral. Assessment questions are discussed before scheduling and are separate from OCD therapy.

If you are also looking for treatment, learn about OCD therapy in Asheville. The evaluation process itself is shaped by the diagnostic question and available history.
Assessment scope, timing, fees, and insurance are reviewed before scheduling.

What is a BDD pre-surgical evaluation?

A BDD pre-surgical evaluation addresses a referral question about body dysmorphic disorder before a procedure. It may be requested by a surgeon or sought by a patient who has been told an evaluation is needed. The referral purpose is clarified with the patient and professional team before scheduling.

This is one of the pre-surgical evaluation pathways identified by Dr. Athena Dacanay. The practice will discuss the relevant history and referral question without publishing an assumed test battery or clearance standard.
Required records, timing, fees, and reporting expectations are reviewed before scheduling.

What is a bariatric surgery evaluation?

A bariatric surgery evaluation addresses the psychological referral question connected with bariatric surgery. It may be requested by a bariatric program, surgeon, or another professional, or begun by a patient who has been told clearance is needed. The exact scope is confirmed with the referring team before an appointment is set.

Professional referrers can share the purpose of the request, and patients can bring the instructions they received. Evaluation appointments are limited to Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Required forms, scope, timing, fees, and reporting expectations are reviewed before scheduling.

What is a spinal cord stimulator evaluation?

A spinal cord stimulator evaluation addresses the psychological referral question before a spinal cord stimulator procedure. It may be requested by a pain-management practice, surgeon, or other professional, or by a patient who has been told clearance is required. The purpose and documentation are clarified before scheduling.

Patients and professional referrers can contact the practice to discuss the request and whether the limited Asheville evaluation window fits the referral timeline.
Required records, scope, timing, fees, and reporting expectations are reviewed before scheduling.

How do evaluation referrals and scheduling work?

Self-referring patients and professional referrers can both begin by sharing the evaluation question and any instructions already received. Psychological evaluations are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, so timing and practical requirements should be discussed before a visit is arranged.

Scheduling, referral documents, reporting expectations, fees, and insurance are reviewed before scheduling.

For referring providers

Surgeons, bariatric programs, pain-management practices, and patients may contact ICF Psychological Services about BDD, bariatric surgery, and spinal cord stimulator evaluations. Referrals are reviewed around the stated question, available records, and scheduling window. Evaluations are held Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; report details and turnaround are reviewed before scheduling.

Reporting expectations, referral materials, fees, insurance, and any professional clearance language are reviewed before scheduling.

Open the professional referral desk

Direct referral contact: (828) 222-0710 · Use the secure contact form

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Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Dr. Athena Dacanay

Dr. Athena Dacanay headshot

Dr. Athena Dacanay

Licensed Psychologist

10+ years in practice

I aim to foster emotional and intellectual safety—where you feel seen, heard, and gently challenged. I’m collaborative, quietly Socratic, and adaptive, shifting my approach to meet your evolving needs. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating OCD and anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and questions that may call for psychological evaluation. Together, we consider the whole person—not only symptoms, but also the relationships, experiences, strengths, and settings that shape daily life.

I hold a PhD in Educational Psychology from Ball State University and a Master of Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. I am licensed as a psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois, with active PSYPACT APIT authorization. My clinical training includes ERP through the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), S.P.A.C.E. with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, and Gottman Method Level 3 training.

I offer in-person care in Asheville and telehealth across North Carolina and participating PSYPACT states.

  • PhD in Educational Psychology

    Ball State University

  • Master of Family Life and Child Development

    University of the Philippines, Diliman

  • ERP training through BTTI

  • S.P.A.C.E. trained by Dr. Eli Lebowitz

  • Gottman Method Level 3 Trained

  • Licensed Psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois

  • Active PSYPACT APIT authorization

  • Member: IOCDF, OCD North Carolina, WNCPA, and NCPA

  • OCD
  • Anxiety
  • Relationship Issues
  • Psychological Evaluations

Adults — often educated or working in professional settings, many with families — frequently seeking therapy during transitions such as new work, raising children, loss, or adjusting to new roles, or seeking to learn better ways to cope with difficult or even traumatic experiences. Couples and parents are welcome. You do not need a diagnosis or crisis to begin.

My therapeutic approach is grounded primarily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also incorporate Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet each client's unique needs.

In Person or Online

ICF Psychological Services office detail from Dr. Athena Dacanay’s supplied photo set
Dr. Athena Dacanay office interior with comfortable seating and soft lighting
Wide view of the Dr. Athena Dacanay therapy office with seating and natural light

Office Location

ICF Psychological Services 1095 Hendersonville Road, Suite A-4 Asheville, NC 28803

Our Asheville office is a thoughtfully designed space for focused conversation, reflection, and meaningful work. If you prefer to meet remotely, telehealth appointments are available through HIPAA-compliant video platforms, including Zoom and SimplePractice, allowing you to connect from wherever works best for you.

You don't have to choose alone.

Share the referral question, available records, and timing so the practice can discuss whether the evaluation pathway fits.

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