FAQs & FYIs
When should I consider a psychological evaluation?
You and/or other professionals would like clarity about a diagnosis.
There is uncertainty about why things are challenging in social, emotional, and/or academic realms.
You have tried services and/or intervention to address your concerns, but they have not helped as expected.
You want to advocate for additional support at school or work.
You would like tailored and specific recommendations for home, school, and treatment.
You would like a better understanding of strengths and areas for growth and support.
What question(s) can Dr. Lopach help answer?
While Dr. Lopach primarily works with children and teens, she provides autism, ADHD, learning, and cognitive evaluations for individuals across the lifespan.
Dr. Lopach is not the best fit for individuals with questions or concerns about bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, addiction, dementia, or traumatic brain injury.
How long will it take?
The initial (virtual) interview takes approximately 1 hour.
Approximately 1-2 weeks after the initial visit, the (in-person) testing visit occurs. Testing takes 2-5 hours and is usually completed in a single day. However, the appointment duration depends on many factors including how many breaks are needed, motivation and attention during testing, and case complexity.
Approximately 1-2 weeks after the testing visit, the (virtual) feedback session occurs and takes approximately 1 hour.
How do I explain this process to my child?
When introducing an assessment to your child, avoid the word “testing,” which can feel intimidating. Instead, explain that they're meeting someone to learn more about how they think, so you and their teachers can support them better. You might say, “We’ll work with someone who will help us better understand and support you at home and school. You’ll do activities to help us figure out how you think and learn. We will learn about all your strengths and help us understand why things are feeling tricky.” Reassure young children by explaining the psychologist is a “different kind of doctor” who helps understand their brain—no shots, nothing is wrong. For older kids, assure them it’s private and focused on solutions. Encourage them to ask questions about the process. Describing the assessment positively can make them feel respected, more willing to participate, and see it as a way to make school or home life feel easier.
This resource provides more tips and details: Preparing Your Child for Testing
What are possible evaluation outcomes?
Assignment of a medical diagnosis or diagnoses.
Determination that no diagnosis applies.
A need for further information for a conclusive diagnostic impression.
For those using insurance benefits, what is the process?
Dr. Lopach is in network with PacificSource, BCBS, and Medicaid, and accepts private pay.
A $40 administrative fee (which is not covered by or billed to insurance) is required to book the first appointment.
After the first visit, you'll receive an estimate for evaluation services based on your insurance coverage.
Half of the balance is due before the testing visit, and the rest is due before the feedback visit.
For those paying privately, what is the process?
For children 7 and younger, comprehensive evaluations have a flat fee of $1715*
For individuals 8 and older, comprehensive evaluations have a flat fee of $2350*
*The total cost may be higher for children with complex legal involvement or the addition of specific measures outside a typical comprehensive assessment battery
Each flat fee includes interviews, testing with the patient, time spent writing the report, and the feedback session.
Half of the balance is due before the testing visit, and the rest is due before the feedback visit.
You will receive a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement for out-of-network services.
What questions should I ask my insurance company in advance?
Do I need pre-authorization for mental health services and assessments/evaluations?
What is my deductible, out-of-pocket maximum and, if applicable, what is my out-of-network deductible for outpatient mental health visits and psychological assessments/evaluations?
How much of my deductible has been met this year?
How much of my out-of-pocket maximum has been met this year?
What is my out-of-network coinsurance for outpatient mental health services (i.e., percentage reimbursed)?
Do I need a referral from an in-network provider or primary care physician to see an in- or out-of-network specialist?
How do I submit claims for out-of-network reimbursement?
Is there a session limit for outpatient mental health visits?
*The following codes are most frequently billed by Dr. Lopach: 90791, 96136, 96137, 96130, 96131, 90846, 90847, and/or 90837.