FAQS

I'm an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance companies directly. However, many clients are able to get some reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits. I provide detailed receipts (called superbills) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to pay for therapy or testing.

To learn more about the cost of therapy or psychological testing, please visit the Fees page.

It’s up to you! I see clients in person at my office in Reston, Virginia. I am also available for online sessions. 

Therapy: I offer in-person therapy at my Reston office and online therapy for clients throughout Virginia and most of the country. I hold Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission, which allows me to see therapy clients in any of the 40+ PSYPACT-participating states. To view the full list of participating states, visit the PSYPACT website.

Psychological testing: All testing sessions take place in person at my Reston office. The intake appointment and feedback session can be held in person or online, whichever works better for your schedule.

It's important to find a private space in your home so you won’t worry about being overheard. A reliable internet connection is also essential. I use SimplePractice, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, for online therapy sessions. Before each session, you'll receive an email with a unique link for your appointment. If you're using your computer, there's no need to download any app or program; simply click the link at your appointment time and access the session through your web browser. If you're using a phone or tablet, you'll need to download the "Telehealth by SimplePractice" app.

You don't have to figure this out on your own. Start with an intake session. 

This 90-minute conversation gives us time to talk through your questions and concerns in depth. I'll share my thoughts on what might be going on and whether I think testing would help. If testing does seem like the right next step, I'll recommend the evaluation that best fits your or your child’s needs. 

The intake session fee is $400. If you move forward with testing, that fee applies toward the cost of your evaluation.

It's completely normal not to know whether testing is needed or where to start. The intake session is designed to help you make an informed decision. There's no pressure to proceed if testing doesn't feel like the right step for you.

Yes. Psychological testing is the most thorough and accurate way to diagnose ADHD, learning disorders (like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia), and autism. I provide thorough evaluations that go beyond checklists or brief screenings. A psychological evaluation gives you a complete picture of what's going on and why.

A formal diagnosis from psychological testing can:

• Explain what's behind the struggles you've been seeing.

• Guide treatment decisions so you get the most effective support.

• Qualify you or your child for school accommodations and services.

• Provide documentation for medication management, if needed.

• Give you the clarity and validation that comes from finally having answers.

An evaluation can provide the documentation needed to request accommodations through a 504 plan or IEP, but the school makes the final decision about eligibility. My comprehensive reports include:

• Clear diagnostic information

• Specific recommendations for accommodations

• Documentation that meets school district requirements

I write reports using language that schools in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington, and other Northern Virginia districts recognize and accept. Many families have successfully used my evaluations to secure accommodations like extended time, breaks during tests, preferential seating, and assistive technology.

For teens and college students, my evaluations provide the necessary documentation for SAT/ACT accommodations, college disability services, and graduate school entrance exams.

Yes, it can. In many cases, a psychological evaluation is required for you to qualify for accommodations. My reports include the documentation you need to request accommodations in academic and professional settings, including documentation of your diagnosis, functional impact, and the specific accommodations you need.

College and university accommodations: If you're a college or graduate student, your school's disability services office likely requires formal documentation for you to qualify for accommodations. Common academic accommodations include:

• Extended time on exams

• A quiet, distraction-reduced testing environment

• Scheduled breaks during long tests

• Note-taking support

• Reduced course loads

• Priority registration

Standardized and licensing exams: Many testing organizations require a recent psychological evaluation in order to grant exam accommodations. Common exams that require documentation for accommodations include:

• Undergraduate admissions: SAT, ACT

• Graduate admissions: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT

• Professional licensing: Bar exam, EPPP, CPA exam, medical boards, nursing boards

• Professional certifications: Industry-specific exams

Many clients have successfully used my evaluations to get accommodations like extended time, additional breaks, or separate testing rooms. During your intake appointment, let me know which exam you're preparing for so I can ensure the evaluation meets those specific requirements.

Workplace accommodations: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with documented disabilities. A psychological evaluation can provide that documentation. Common workplace accommodations include:

• Flexible scheduling

• A private or quieter workspace

• Written instructions instead of verbal ones

• Extended deadlines for certain tasks

• Use of assistive technology

Your employer does not need to see your full report. In most cases, I can write a one-page summary that includes only the essential information.

Not at all! Many adults have spent years struggling without knowing why. When they finally have answers, the most common feeling is relief. Testing can help in several important ways.

• Understanding yourself and your needs. Testing gives you a clear picture of how your brain works, including your strengths and the reasons for your challenges. When you struggle without knowing why, it's easy to blame yourself. You might assume you're not smart enough or not trying hard enough. Learning that you have ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or another difference helps explain why certain things have always felt harder. With that understanding, you can stop blaming yourself, build strategies that actually work, and feel more confident in your abilities.

• Getting support that makes a real difference. A diagnosis points you toward the right kind of help. Adults with learning disorders can still benefit from targeted, evidence-based tutoring. Adults with ADHD often benefit from therapy, coaching, medication, or a combination of all three. 

• Qualifying for accommodations. If you plan to return to school or take a professional licensing exam, testing provides the documentation you need to request accommodations. Common accommodations include extended time, scheduled breaks, and a quiet testing environment. A diagnosis can also help you qualify for workplace accommodations, such as note-taking support or a modified schedule.

It's never too late to understand yourself better. If you've spent years wondering why certain things feel harder than they should, a psychological evaluation can give you real answers.

Frame it positively and emphasize the benefits. Start by explaining that everyone has unique strengths and areas where they need a little extra help. You can say something like, "Everyone has things they are really good at and things that are harder for them. Testing will help us understand all of your amazing skills and talents so we can focus on those. Testing will also help us (or your teachers, tutor, or therapist) find ways to make school less difficult and more fun for you." 

Acknowledge their feelings. If your child is already aware of some of their challenges, validate their experience. For instance, "I know reading can be tough for you, and that's okay. We're going to do some testing to understand why it's hard and find ways to make it easier." 

Prepare your child for what to expect. Explain when the sessions will take place and how long they will last. You can say, "You'll be meeting one-on-one with Dr. Howard, who is like a teacher. You'll be doing a lot of different activities—some will be fun and interesting, and others might be a bit challenging. That’s ok because each activity will only last a short time." Let your child know they can also talk about themselves, including their friends, feelings, likes, and dislikes. 

Encourage questions. Let your child know they can always come to you with concerns, and they can ask Dr. Howard anything during their testing sessions.

I work hard to make testing comfortable and low-pressure. Many children actually enjoy the one-on-one attention and the variety of activities. Here's how I help:

• I start each testing session by talking with your child about their interests or things they enjoy. Spending time getting to know each other before starting the tests helps kids feel more comfortable.
  

• I build in regular breaks and encourage your child to ask for breaks when needed. During breaks, I offer activities for your child to choose from, such as talking, playing with the toys in my office, playing catch, drawing, or simply sitting quietly to read.
  

• For children who need movement breaks, we can move around in my office or do a few laps up and down the halls. 

If your child tends to have test anxiety or feel nervous in new situations, let me know during the intake session. I’ll ask you questions to find out what helps your child feel most comfortable, and I’ll adjust my approach as needed. Most parents are pleasantly surprised by how much their children enjoy the testing sessions. 

The report belongs to you, and you decide who sees it. I cannot share the report without your written permission. During our feedback session, we will review everything together privately before you decide what to do next. You can share the report with everyone, no one, or select people. It's entirely up to you.

Common ways parents use the report:

• Share it with schools to request a 504 plan or IEP.

• Use it to request accommodations on standardized exams, such as the SAT and ACT.

• Provide it to therapists or psychiatrists to inform treatment.

• Give it to tutors to target specific skills.

• Keep it private and use the insights yourself.
  

Common ways adults use the report:

• Share it with universities or testing organizations to request accommodations for standardized exams like the GRE, SAT, MCAT, or LSAT.

• Provide it to therapists to inform treatment.

• Provide it to psychiatrists to help with medication management.

• Keep it private and use the insights yourself.

The first step is to contact me for a brief phone consultation. During this 15-minute call, we'll discuss your concerns and I'll answer any questions you have. This helps us both determine if I'm the right fit for your needs. 

• Call: 703-263-8339 

• Email: choward@evermaypsychology.com

• Or schedule your consultation through my client portal