School-based evaluations vs. Private psychological evaluations
Many parents are curious about the difference between the types of evaluations that are provided through the school setting and those they may obtain for their child outside of the school setting. As a certified school psychologist and a Licensed Psychologist in Arizona, I have experience evaluating children in both settings. The following information is a summary of the key similarities and differences between these two types of evaluations.
What is a School-Based evaluation?
A school-based evaluation typically is an evaluation that is initiated to determine if a child is in need of special education services. A child does not have to have an existing diagnosis in order to be evaluated for special education services. The purpose of the evaluation is to help the team (Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team) in determining if the child meets the criteria for special education services. There are 13 categories of eligibility that may be considered for educational purposes. A request for an initial evaluation may be submitted in writing to the school by the child’s parents. Alternatively, the school team may refer the child for a special education evaluation. If the team is in agreement to collect additional information as part of a special education evaluation, the evaluation is conducted within 60-calendar days from a signed permission form. If a child is determined to be eligible by the team following the evaluation, an Individualized Education Program or IEP will be developed with a parent’s permission.
Additional details about timelines and special education evaluations in Arizona can be found here: Welcome to Exceptional Student Services | Arizona Department of Education
What is a private psychological evaluation?
A private psychological evaluation is an evaluation conducted by a qualified, licensed psychologist (or other similarly licensed professional) with the purpose of identifying any psychological or mental health diagnoses based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). There are no particular timelines for private evaluations. These evaluations may rule in or rule out formal mental health diagnoses. Private evaluations are typically self-pay or may be partially covered by insurance.
Additional Information
If a child is first evaluated through a private psychological evaluation, the report may be submitted to a school for consideration of a Section 504 Accommodation Plan or special education evaluation based on the child’s needs. A private psychological evaluation is not required prior to requesting a school-based evaluation; however, it is important to note that a school-based evaluation is conducted to determine educational needs only. Receiving a formal diagnosis through a private psychological evaluation can be beneficial especially if additional services are needed for the child outside of the school setting (e.g., Division of Developmental Disabilities or DDD services).
Information about the DDD and requirements of eligibility can be found here: https://des.az.gov/ddd
If you are looking for a psychological evaluation for your child here in Arizona, immediate openings are available. I provide these evaluations through Ridge Zeller Therapy. These evaluations are specific for concerns regarding Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Reach out today!
**This post is for educational and informational purposes only.