Psychological Testing in Raleigh, NC

TESTING & ASSESSMENTS IN RALEIGH, DURHAM, APEX, HOLLY SPRINGS, AND NORTH RALEIGH, NC.

Birch Therapy PLLC Offers Psychological Testing!

Psychological testing in Raleigh, NC is offered to children and adolescents ages 7-17 years old. Psychological Evaluations can play a pivotal role in supporting parents and educators in better understanding the unique strengths and needs of each child. For older children, a better understanding of how their brain works can help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety that often co-occur with AD/HD and Learning Disorders, especially when these conditions are unidentified. Our Psychologist, Kate Bridgers, has provided psychological testing and assessment in both private practice settings and for charter schools. 

Psychoeducational Assessments for Children

Psychoeducational assessments in Raleigh, NC help identify a child’s strengths, challenges, and learning needs by evaluating cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning. These assessments are essential for understanding how a child learns and for providing targeted support to help them succeed academically and emotionally, and help in:

1. Identifying Learning Differences and Disabilities

  • Helps diagnose conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, or processing disorders.

  • Provides insight into a child’s cognitive abilities, working memory, and processing speed.

  • Allows for early intervention, which improves learning outcomes.

2. Understanding Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

  • Assesses for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional concerns that may affect learning.

  • Helps determine if behavioral concerns are due to an underlying learning issue or a mental health condition.

  • Guides recommendations for counseling, behavioral therapy, or social-emotional support.

3. Tailoring Educational Plans and Accommodations

  • Supports the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans in schools.

  • Helps educators and parents modify instruction, classroom environment, and testing conditions.

  • Recommends strategies such as extra time on tests, sensory breaks, or specialized learning approaches.

4. Enhancing Self-Awareness and Confidence

  • Helps kids understand their own learning style and strengths.

  • Reduces frustration by providing strategies to overcome learning barriers.

  • Boosts self-esteem by validating their struggles and reinforcing their abilities.

5. Supporting Advocacy for Services

  • Provides documented evidence to support requests for school-based services, tutoring, or therapy.

  • Helps families navigate special education laws and resources.

  • Ensures children receive appropriate interventions, avoiding mislabeling or underestimating their potential.

When Should a Child Get a Psychoeducational Assessment?

Consider an assessment if a child is:
✔ Struggling with reading, writing, math, or comprehension.
✔ Experiencing attention, focus, or memory difficulties.
✔ Displaying signs of anxiety, frustration, or school-related stress.
✔ Frequently avoiding schoolwork or showing a lack of motivation despite effort.
✔ Having difficulty with organization, following instructions, or problem-solving.

Psychoeducational assessments are powerful tools that provide clarity, guidance, and solutions for children facing learning or emotional challenges. Early identification and support can make a significant difference in a child’s academic success, emotional well-being, and overall confidence.

Types of Diagnostic Assessments

Diagnostic assessments are used to identify specific learning, cognitive, emotional, or developmental challenges in children. These assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s strengths and difficulties, helping to determine the root causes of academic, behavioral, or emotional struggles. Birch Therapy can provide diagnostic assessments related to:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Emotional Disorders (Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, PTSD)

  • Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB)

Why Are Diagnostic Assessments Helpful for Kids?

1. Identifies Underlying Causes of Challenges

  • Helps differentiate between learning disabilities, attention difficulties, and emotional concerns.

  • Prevents misdiagnosis and ensures children receive the appropriate support.

  • Identifies both strengths and areas that need improvement.

2. Supports Early Intervention and Treatment

  • The earlier challenges are identified, the sooner interventions can be implemented.

  • Helps prevent children from falling behind academically or socially.

  • Leads to targeted therapies, tutoring, or behavioral support to address specific needs.

3. Guides Personalized Learning and Support Plans

  • Provides data to help develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans.

  • Recommends classroom accommodations (e.g., extra time on tests, assistive technology, small group instruction).

  • Helps parents and teachers understand a child's unique learning style.

4. Improves Emotional Well-Being and Confidence

  • Helps children understand that their struggles are not their fault and gives them tools to succeed.

  • Reduces frustration and anxiety related to academic or social difficulties.

  • Encourages self-advocacy as children learn about their strengths and needs.

5. Supports Parental and Teacher Decision-Making

  • Equips parents and educators with knowledge to provide the best support.

  • Helps in advocating for necessary school services, therapy, or specialized instruction.

  • Can inform decisions about school placement, teaching methods, or additional resources.

When Should a Child Get a Diagnostic Assessment?

Consider an assessment if a child is:
✔ Struggling in reading, writing, math, or comprehension despite effort.
✔ Having difficulty focusing, following instructions, or staying organized.
✔ Showing signs of anxiety, depression, or emotional distress.
✔ Displaying frequent frustration, meltdowns, or behavioral issues at school/home.
✔ Struggling with social interactions or communication.
✔ Performing well below or above grade-level expectations.

Diagnostic assessments provide clarity, direction, and solutions for children facing academic, emotional, or developmental challenges. By identifying the “why” behind a child’s struggles, they help create a roadmap for personalized support, intervention, and success.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What Is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world. It is characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behavior patterns. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning individuals experience it in unique ways—some may need significant support, while others are highly independent.

Common traits of autism include:

  • Differences in Social Interaction – Challenges with understanding social cues, making eye contact, or engaging in typical conversations.

  • Communication Variations – Some autistic individuals may have delayed speech, use alternative forms of communication, or have highly advanced vocabulary and language skills.

  • Repetitive Behaviors and Special Interests – Engaging in routines, repetitive movements (stimming), or deep focus on specific topics of interest.

  • Sensory Sensitivities – Heightened or diminished responses to sound, light, textures, or other sensory input.

Why Is It Important to Get Tested for Autism?

  1. Self-Understanding and Validation

    • An autism diagnosis can help individuals (or parents of children) better understand unique strengths and challenges.

    • It provides clarity on why certain social situations, sensory experiences, or communication styles feel different.

  2. Access to Support and Accommodations

    • A diagnosis can unlock access to educational resources, therapy, and workplace accommodations.

    • Early intervention can be particularly beneficial for children in developing coping strategies and social skills.

  3. Mental Health and Well-Being

    • Many autistic individuals experience anxiety, depression, or burnout due to masking (hiding autistic traits to fit in).

    • Understanding one’s neurodivergence can lead to self-acceptance and reduced stress.

  4. Stronger Relationships and Communication

    • Knowing about autism can improve communication in relationships by helping others understand and respect different interaction styles.

    • Parents, teachers, and partners can offer more effective support when they recognize autistic traits.

  5. Advocacy and Self-Empowerment

    • An autism diagnosis allows individuals to advocate for themselves in school, work, and social settings.

    • It helps create a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, where differences are seen as strengths rather than deficits.

Should You Get Tested?

If you or someone you know experiences challenges with social communication, sensory processing, or daily life that align with autism traits, seeking an evaluation from a qualified professional (such as a psychologist or developmental specialist) can provide helpful insights.

Getting tested isn’t about labeling—it’s about understanding, support, and empowerment. Knowing more about your neurotype can help you build a life that works with your strengths rather than against them.

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's ability to regulate attention, impulses, and activity levels. It is often misunderstood as simply being “hyper” or “easily distracted,” but ADHD is much more complex and impacts daily life in significant ways.

ADHD presents in three primary types:

  • Inattentive Type – Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, trouble following through on tasks, easily distracted.

  • Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty sitting still, excessive talking or interrupting.

  • Combined Type – A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits.

Why Is It Important to Get Tested for ADHD?

  1. Self-Understanding and Validation

    • Many people with ADHD struggle with feeling “lazy” or “scattered” without realizing their brain simply processes information differently.

    • A diagnosis provides clarity on why certain tasks, relationships, or environments may feel more challenging.

  2. Access to Proper Support and Treatment

    • Diagnosis can open doors to therapy, coaching, medication, and workplace or school accommodations.

    • With the right strategies, people with ADHD can improve focus, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.

  3. Improved Mental Health

    • Undiagnosed ADHD is often linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to years of struggling without understanding why.

    • Recognizing ADHD allows for self-compassion and better coping mechanisms.

  4. Better Relationships and Communication

    • ADHD affects how people listen, remember details, and regulate emotions, which can create misunderstandings in relationships.

    • A diagnosis helps both individuals and their loved ones develop better communication strategies and support systems.

  5. Success in School

    • ADHD can make traditional learning and workplace environments challenging, but with accommodations like extra time, structured routines, or focus aids, individuals can thrive.

    • Recognizing ADHD can help redirect energy into strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking.

Should One Get Tested?

If you have a child that struggles with chronic distractibility, impulsivity, restlessness, or difficulty managing daily tasks, an evaluation can provide valuable insight.

Getting tested for ADHD isn’t just about a label—it’s about understanding your brain, accessing support, and unlocking your full potential.

Psychological Testing for Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD

Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are mental health conditions that can significantly affect a person's emotional well-being and daily functioning. Understanding these conditions and why it's important to get tested or assessed can help individuals seek appropriate treatment and support.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, but for some individuals, anxiety becomes overwhelming and disproportionate, impacting their ability to function in everyday life. Symptoms of anxiety can include excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating.

Why Testing is Important: Testing and assessment help to:

  • Differentiate between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders.

  • Identify triggers and the severity of symptoms.

  • Guide effective treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medications like SSRIs.

Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It's a persistent and overwhelming feeling of sadness or loss of interest that affects a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, and suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

Why Testing is Important: Testing helps to:

  • Identify the root causes, whether it's biological, environmental, or a combination of factors.

  • Assess the severity of symptoms to guide treatment (e.g., therapy, medication, lifestyle changes).

  • Rule out other medical conditions that may mimic depressive symptoms (e.g., thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, intrusive memories, avoidance of trauma-related reminders, and emotional numbness.

Why Testing is Important: Testing and assessment provide clarity on:

  • The extent of trauma exposure and the associated symptoms.

  • Developing a treatment plan that may include trauma-focused therapy like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or CBT.

  • Identifying if co-occurring issues, such as depression or anxiety, are present.

Why It’s Important to Get Tested for These Conditions:

  1. Accurate Diagnosis: Testing helps ensure that the correct diagnosis is made. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and prolonged distress.

  2. Tailored Treatment Plans: Understanding the specific nature and severity of symptoms helps to create a more effective and personalized treatment approach.

  3. Reducing Stigma: Mental health testing can help normalize the experience of mental health struggles, reducing shame or stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help.

  4. Preventing Long-Term Impact: Untreated anxiety, depression, or PTSD can lead to chronic conditions, social or occupational impairment, substance abuse, and even physical health problems.

  5. Improved Quality of Life: When tested and treated, individuals can experience relief from symptoms, improve coping skills, and enhance their overall well-being.

If someone you know is struggling with these issues, it’s important to consult a mental health professional for assessment and intervention. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in recovery and quality of life.

Understanding Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB)

Problematic Sexual Behavior Assessments for Youth are comprehensive, evidence-based assessments for children and adolescents who have engaged in Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB). These assessments may be court-ordered or requested by a family to initiate treatment for a child or adolescent with PSB. Assessing problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) in youth requires a careful, developmentally informed, and trauma-sensitive approach.

FAQ’s About Psychological Testing and Assessments for Children in Raleigh, NC!

  • The assessment begins with a 2-Hour clinical interview with the psychologist. This initial appointment is typically for parents/caregivers, but may also be attended by adolescents. Our psychologist will collect a thorough developmental history and explore the questions you hope will be answered by the psychological assessment. The psychologist will make recommendations about additional face-to-face interviews/observations and psychological tests needed to answer the referral questions. 

    Most assessments will involve face-to-face testing utilizing standardized assessment tools, in additional to collection of collateral information from parents/caregivers, teachers, and others knowledgeable about the child’s needs and struggles. Testing sessions will be structured for the needs of the child. Typically testing sessions last about 2 hours with time for breaks as needed. Children will require up to three face-to-face testing appointments depending on the referral questions. 

    After all of the background information and test data is collected, the psychologist will score all of the measures and prepare a case conceptualization to be shared with parents/caregivers in a 50-minute Feedback Session. In many cases it is also helpful and appropriate for a child or adolescent to attend a separate feedback session where they can receive developmentally appropriate feedback about the findings of their assessment. Our psychologist will prepare a comprehensive assessment report with recommendations tailored to your child. Parallel reports or letters intended to be shared with school staff can be completed upon request.

  • In order to find out additional information, please send us an email on our contact form and someone from our intake team will reach out to you. Or, you can call us directly here: (984) 664-0891

  • Get started working with a psychologist in Raleigh, NC who specializes in psychological testing and assessments for children by sending us a message on our contact form, or by booking an consultation with us here.

Other Services Offered at Birch Therapy in North Carolina

At Birch Therapy in Raleigh, NC, we offer many types of therapy for you and your family. Services include play therapy for children, counseling for teens, trauma therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Parent Coaching, and parent groups/classes. Our services also include neurodivergent affirming therapy, a social skills group for kids, the Girl C.O.D.E program for girls in grades 3-5, community workshops, clinical supervision, the Circle of Security® Classroom, and evidence-based therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR. At Birch Therapy, we are committed to supporting children, teens, and parents with a variety of therapeutic options tailored to their needs. We hope to come alongside you and your family, providing the support you need every step of the way. If you’re looking for in-person therapy in North Carolina, check out our other therapy offices: Holly Springs, North Raleigh, Raleigh, Apex, and Durham.