Psychological Testing Services

The Growth Center is a place to grow for the family, mind and spirit.

Psychological Evaluation

If you or a family member has been referred for psychological testing from one of our providers or an outside provider, you probably have some questions about what to expect. You may have heard about psychological testing and still be wondering if you or a family member should be tested. Psychologists administer tests and assessments for a wide variety of reasons depending on the referral reason.


Why should I (or my child) have it?

Psychological tests allow a psychologist to understand the nature of the problem, and to figure out the best way to go about addressing it. It can be used for clinical diagnosis, brain/cognitive functioning, and academic achievement. It can also give a baseline of current functioning to better monitor your progress over time. When you consider that all of your care can be done at The Growth Center from testing to medication management to counseling, the value in testing becomes readily apparent.


What will it be like?

Psychological testing is not a pass/fail test like we were given in school. A psychological assessment can include numerous components such as norm-referenced psychological tests, informal tests and surveys, interview information, school or medical records, medical evaluation, and behavior observation. Psychologists select a specific set of tests for each client based on the specific needs being addressed.


On the day of testing, you will work one-on-one with the psychologist for some parts of the evaluation. Other times you may be asked to complete forms on your own. The psychologist will explain testing procedures to you, but feel free to ask questions. Due to copyright laws and our administration methods, most tests must be taken in our office and cannot be taken home.


The evaluation is completed in 3 phases:

  1. Clinical Interview that lasts 60 to 90 minutes to review background information, history of symptoms, and other relevant information,
  2. Assessment battery that typically takes 2 to 3 hours where standardized and self- and other-report measures are utilized to assess specific strengths and limitations. It may take more than one assessment session depending on the complexity of the case, and
  3. Feedback Session that lasts 45 to 60 minutes to review results of the evaluation and discuss treatment recommendations.


We encourage clients to come to testing sessions well-rested and fed. You may have a drink in session, but refrain from eating in the testing room. You will be allowed to take breaks as necessary. Depending on the nature of the evaluation, testing can take 1 to 5 or more hours. Your psychologist will advise you on the approximate duration before your appointment. We will also work to convey who will need to be involved in each component. Often people report that they are mentally tired after taking these tests.


From Clinical Interview to the Feedback Session, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks. If you are using insurance, it may take longer depending on how long it takes for preauthorization for an evaluation. The Feedback Session is typically scheduled two to three weeks after the final assessment session.


Will my insurance cover the testing?

Many insurance plans cover psychological testing. Some require prior authorization, and our administrative team will make sure it is obtained before your appointment. Some issues, such as academic problems, are not covered by insurance companies. If those specific tests are needed, the out-of-pocket expense will be discussed with you beforehand and will be due on the day of testing.


​For more information on psychological testing and assessment, consult with the American Psychological Association’s Help Center (https://www.apa.org/topics/testing-assessment-measurement/understanding)


Other Information

  • Psychological evaluations are available for ages 5 and up.
  • We are unable to complete psychological evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • Please complete the Intake Packet and select “Psychological Evaluation” as the requested service. Be specific regarding the reason for seeking an evaluation. We may request more information regarding the referral question prior to scheduling the clinical interview. 

We can help you with...

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Couple/ Marital Therapy
  • Abuse and Trauma Recovery
  • Parenting Skills Development
  • Religious and Spiritual Concerns
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Child/ Adolescent Emotional and Behavioral Disorders



Psychiatric Services


Dr. Therese Keeling MD, is our Medical Director. She has over 15 years experience working in Pastoral Counseling Centers. Dr. Keeling, Megan Hoskins ARNP, Dean O'Brien ARNP and John Fyffe APRN provide wholistic psychiatric services to our clients here at The Growth Center. Whether you are coming in for an initial evaluation, referred from another provider, or are a discharge from an in-patient setting, our providers will work hard to ensure that your medication management needs are given expert attention in the hands of caring professionals. Our providers have a wide range of clinical experience in order to serve your specific needs well. Our psychiatric team strives to ensure that your medical treatment is an integrated part of your continuum of care.


Therapeutic Services


Charles Love LMHC, Connie Richter LCSW, Stephanie Gillis LMFT, and Sandy Jenkins LMHCA make up the team of professionals who offer pastoral counseling and mental health counseling services for The Growth Center. A number of treatment modalities are offered including individual, couple, family, and group counseling. Our therapists have advanced training in a variety of treatment perspectives and when combined with the extensive clinical experience each brings, we are sure that regardless of your presenting concern, any one of our therapists will be able to help you gain insight into your life. Numerous things can lead to the need for establishing a therapeutic relationship where one can freely and safely be heard by another caring and qualified person and our therapeutic staff have experience meeting the needs of adults, adolescents, and children who find themselves in need of this relationship. In addition, our therapeutic staff regularly consult with our psychiatric staff ensuring that you have a quality continuum of care.


Integrative Care


The Growth Center offers services that meet our clients needs on many levels. Research suggests the ideal treatment for our mental health includes the integrative combination of counseling services and medical treatment. It is most effective when the resources of a person's relationships, beliefs and values, physical health, and spiritual connections are addressed in an integrative environment for growth and healing. The concept of Victor Frankl that "between stimulus and response, there is space" informs the approach of our services. At The Growth Center, we consider this the sacred space for each person we serve. We welcome all who seek our services.