Hermosa Beach
Psychological Evaluations and Testing
What is a Psychological Evaluation?
At The Wellness Collective, we offer comprehensive psychological evaluations designed to bring clarity when something feels off, whether that’s difficulty concentrating, emotional challenges that feel hard to explain, or a sense that you or your teen isn’t reaching their full potential.
Led by our on-site psychologist, Dr. Sophia Norman, each evaluation includes a thoughtful combination of clinical interviews, evidence-based standardized assessments, and observation to develop a nuanced understanding of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, academic, and neurodevelopmental functioning. Every evaluation is intentionally tailored to your unique concerns, it’s never a one-size-fits-all process.
You may consider an evaluation if you’re seeking insight around Autism (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), intellectual giftedness, learning differences, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or other concerns that haven’t been clearly defined. Many individuals and families come to this process after years of feeling misunderstood, and often find that a comprehensive, well-articulated report provides not only clarity, but also language for their experience and a meaningful path forward.
What You Can Expect:
Initial Consultation
A 60-minute, in-depth intake to understand your history, concerns, and goals
Exploration of developmental, emotional, academic, and relational patterns
Collaboration with caregivers, teachers, or partners, when helpful, to ensure a well-rounded perspective
Comprehensive Assessment (1-2 Days)
A thoughtfully curated testing process tailored to your unique presentation
May include cognitive (IQ) testing, attention and executive functioning measures, and academic assessment
When indicated, specialized tools for autism, social-emotional functioning, and adaptive skills
Conducted at a comfortable pace to support accuracy and ease throughout the process
Personalized Feedback & Consultation
A dedicated session to walk through your results with clarity and care
Collaborative discussion of diagnostic impressions, strengths, and areas of support
Thoughtful, individualized recommendations and next steps tailored to your life or your teen’s needs
Comprehensive Written Report
A detailed, well-integrated report (typically 10–25 pages)
Designed to provide both clinical clarity and practical guidance
Includes diagnostic conclusions, strengths-based insights, and targeted recommendations
Can be used for school, workplace, or accommodation planning (e.g., IEP/504)
A Quality Psychological Evaluation will Examine:
Psychological Evaluation Includes testing for:
Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and other Mood disturbances
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Personality disorders
Trauma and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Substance use disorders + More
ADHD, executive functioning, and neurodivergence
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intellectual testing / Giftedness or Twice Exceptionality or Intellectual disability
Personality testing
Psychodiagnostic testing
Psychoeducational testing
Understanding More on Evaluations & Testing
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You might consider an evaluation when something isn’t working as expected, academically, professionally, or emotionally, but the reason isn’t fully clear. This process helps answer questions around focus, learning, emotional patterns, or ongoing challenges that haven’t been fully understood.
A comprehensive evaluation looks at how you think, learn, and regulate emotions, offering a clear understanding of strengths, challenges, and underlying patterns. The goal is not just diagnosis, but meaningful clarity and tailored recommendations to help you move forward with the right support and direction.
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ADHD or autism testing focuses on answering a specific diagnostic question. A comprehensive psychological evaluation is recommended when the picture is more complex or when multiple factors may be contributing.
Rather than looking at one condition, we assess the full picture—cognitive, emotional, learning, and neurodevelopmental functioning—to understand how these areas interact.
In short:
ADHD evaluation: Focused on attention, executive functioning, and regulation
Comprehensive evaluation: Broader, integrative, and designed to provide a more complete understanding
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The right evaluation depends on what’s impacting performance. This may include attention, learning differences, emotional factors, or a combination of these.
ADHD testing focuses on attention and executive functioning
Psychoeducational testing focuses on learning and academic performance
Comprehensive evaluation is recommended when multiple areas may be involved
The goal is not only to identify a diagnosis, but to clearly document how challenges affect daily functioning so appropriate accommodations and supports can be recommended.
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Yes. A comprehensive private evaluation can be used as supporting documentation when requesting school-based accommodations or services.
School districts are required to review outside evaluations, and these assessments often provide a more in-depth understanding of a student’s needs. This can help strengthen requests for a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Please contact Dr. Sophia Norman to discuss fees and determine the most appropriate evaluation for your needs.
Assessments are individualized and billed at $350 per hour, with the average assessment totaling approximately 15 hours.
Payment can be made via credit card or check, and is divided into three installments: at the time of booking, after in-person testing, and upon completion of the final report.
Each evaluation is grounded in clinical expertise and current research, and is intentionally in-depth and individualized.
The focus extends beyond diagnosis, offering meaningful insights and tailored recommendations that support lasting, real-world change.
At The Wellness Collective,
We take a holistic, personalized approach to therapy, working collaboratively with you to explore deep-rooted emotional challenges, gain insight into current stressors, and develop practical strategies that foster clarity, resilience, and confidence.
When appropriate, we also offer support for couples and families to strengthen relationships and create healthy, lasting connections.
Following any assessments or evaluations, we provide personalized recommendations to support the findings. The Wellness Collective can assist with follow-up services and linkages to community resources as needed, ensuring ongoing support tailored to your unique needs.