Substance Use Evaluations
Collaborative, family centered assessment services in-person and via telehealth throughout California.
A Substance Use Disorder occurs when a drug is taken in excess and results in activation of the brain reward system. When the brain reward system is activated, the brain begins to crave the substance, often in increasing amounts, which results in addiction. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to substance use because their brains are still developing. If left untreated, excessive substance use can result in permanent changes to their brain.
If you are concerned about your child’s substance use, psychological testing can provide you with answers. Common questions parents ask:
How severe is my child’s substance abuse?
How is substance abuse impacting my child’s daily life?
How is substance abuse impacting my child’s cognitive, academic, executive, and behavioral functioning?
What underlying factors are contributing to/exacerbating my child’s substance abuse?
What type of treatments, programs, and interventions will best help my child?
How can I help and support my child in their recovery?
It is time for an evaluation if your child is displaying one or more of the following changes:
Changes in social patterns: Suddenly shifting to a new peer group while withdrawing from long-term friends or family activities.
Academic decline: A noticeable drop in grades, frequent absences from school, or a loss of interest in previously enjoyed extracurricular activities.
Behavioral Shifts: Increased secrecy, uncharacteristic irritability, or the discovery or drug-related paraphernalia.
Physical Indicators: Unexplained changed in sleep patterns and/or appetite.
Fees: Testing is customized based on the questions you’d like answered by testing, therefore the testing fee will be determined once I understand your specific questions and concerns. I offer a sliding scale based on income, if needed. I do not take insurance, however I will provide a copy of your paid invoice for you to use to get reimbursement from your insurance company.
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate: You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059
Service Areas: San Francisco, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, San Rafael, Novato, San Leandro, Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg.
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If you have questions about psychological testing or want to schedule an appointment with me, please complete this form. I look forward to working with you!