Psychological, Neuropsychological, and Educational Assessments in Los Angeles

COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHODIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION

Our comprehensive psychodiagnostic evaluation services provide children, adolescents, and adults with a deeper understanding of their strengths, mental health, and, when appropriate, specific diagnoses. Jacobs Psychological Services proudly serves individuals and families throughout Los Angeles, with a focus on Miracle Mile, Mid-Wilshire, and nearby communities including Beverly Grove, Fairfax, Hancock Park, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Culver City, and West LA. Our evaluations identify psychiatric diagnoses such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders while providing personalized treatment recommendations.

Our evaluation process consists of the following components:

In-Depth Semi-Structured Clinical Interview: We conduct a detailed and structured interview to gain profound insight into your individual circumstances.
Systematic Diagnostic Assessment: We employ a structured approach to identify potential psychological disorders.
Objective Standardized Testing: Objective data is collected through the administration, scoring, and interpretation of standardized tests.
Collateral Information Collection: We gather additional information from relevant sources to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

You will receive:

Personalized Verbal Feedback: We will provide individualized feedback, discussing the key findings of the evaluation.
Comprehensive Written Report: You will receive a detailed report, encompassing:
- Interpretation of test results.
- Diagnoses, if applicable, with specific names of psychiatric disorders.
- A personalized summary and tailored treatment recommendations.

COMPREHENSIVE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATION

Our comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluations provide thorough assessments and diagnostic insights for individuals of all ages. These evaluations typically involve several hours of in-person testing conducted over multiple days, followed by a feedback session to review results, diagnoses, and personalized treatment recommendations. We proudly serve families throughout Los Angeles, including Miracle Mile, Mid-Wilshire, and surrounding neighborhoods such as Beverly Grove, Fairfax, Hancock Park, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Culver City, and West LA, offering comprehensive psychological testing tailored to each individual's unique needs.

We offer comprehensive psychological testing for children in the following categories, tailored to the specific disorder(s) or issue(s) suspected or discovered:

a. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Evaluation: For individuals suspected of ASD, our assessments adhere to the Gold Standard established by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). We evaluate social communication impairments, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors through the following:

Social Communication Measures: Assessment of social communication, play, unusual behaviors and interests, and developmental milestones across the lifespan using play, observation, or interviews.
Developmental History: A comprehensive evaluation of social, communication, play, unusual behaviors, and developmental milestones across the lifespan.
Neurocognitive Testing: Assessment of intelligence/IQ, language, and other cognitive abilities in both verbal and nonverbal domains.
Current Adaptive Functioning: Evaluation of independent living skills relevant to daily life, including communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills.

b. Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations for General, Intellectual, and/or Language Delays: We conduct assessments that meet or exceed the standards set by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) to evaluate delays in cognition, language, and independence. These include:

Neurocognitive Testing: Assessment of intelligence/IQ, language, and other cognitive abilities specific to identify delays in verbal and nonverbal skills.
Current Adaptive Functioning: Evaluation of current independent living skills relevant to daily life, such as communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills.

c. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Evaluation: Our ADHD evaluations are thorough and accurate, aligned with the current DSM-5 criteria. We assess symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity through a combination of assessments:

Neurocognitive Testing: Assessment of intelligence/IQ, language, information processing, attention, and executive functioning.
Psychiatric Interview: Standardized DSM-5 interviews with the client and other informants to identify ADHD and related psychological disorders.
Social/Emotional Measures: Evaluation of underlying social and emotional issues using behavior checklists, questionnaires, and projective tests.
Other Information: Utilization of observations, records, and information from teachers and other relevant providers when applicable.

d. Miscellaneous Child, Adolescent, and Adult Evaluations: Our services extend to addressing various needs, including:

Determining School Placement or Readiness: We assess whether the current or desired academic program is suitable for the individual, addressing questions such as readiness for kindergarten, grade retention, accelerated programs, and appropriate school settings.
Giftedness Testing: Evaluation of whether a child qualifies for enrollment in a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program or a private school tailored for gifted students.
Accommodations for Testing: We assist individuals with developmental or psychological disorders in obtaining special accommodations for standardized tests (e.g., SAT, MCAT, GRE) by leveraging the protections set forth by the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Common accommodations include extended test-taking time.

Our comprehensive psychological testing services are conducted with precision and follow established clinical standards to provide accurate diagnoses and individualized recommendations. Whether you're seeking an evaluation for autism, ADHD, learning differences, intellectual functioning, emotional concerns, or academic accommodations, Dr. Joseph Jacobs is committed to helping individuals and families find clear answers and practical next steps. We proudly serve clients throughout Los Angeles, including Miracle Mile, Mid-Wilshire, and the surrounding communities.

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