500 Old Country Road, Suite 100, Garden City, NY 11530
516-240-8212
Frequently Asked Questions
Psychotherapy Services & Insurance
Do you accept insurance for psychotherapy?
Yes, for individual and family therapy, we are in-network with Headway. This allows our providers to bill your insurance directly, which simplifies the process for you. Dr. Erin, Dr. Megan, and Ms. Jennifer are all credentialed with Headway. You can view their profiles and book a session directly with them at the following links:
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How do I use my insurance for an evaluation?
For psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations, we are considered an out-of-network provider. However, many insurance plans will reimburse you for a portion of the cost. Our intake coordinator, Olivia, can give you the CPT codes you'll need to check with your insurance company to see if you have out-of-network benefits.
What is a superbill and how does it help me get reimbursed?
After your evaluation is complete, we will provide you with a superbill. This is a detailed receipt that includes all the necessary information, such as CPT codes and diagnostic codes, that your insurance company needs to process your claim for reimbursement. You will submit this superbill directly to your insurance provider. It's important to note that we cannot guarantee a specific amount of reimbursement, as that depends on your individual plan. We do not communicate with insurance companies directly on your behalf for these services.
Who should I contact about insurance questions?
Please direct all insurance-related questions to our intake coordinator, Olivia.
Scheduling & The Evaluation Process
What does scheduling look like?
Our office is typically open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with very limited Saturday availability. Scheduling is flexible and we do our best to accommodate the needs of every family. The specific schedule will depend on the type of testing required and the provider you are working with.
What does the testing process involve?
The testing process can vary depending on the type of evaluation. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation typically requires 6 to 8 hours of in-person testing.
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For children, we usually break the testing into several 2-hour appointments to make it more manageable.
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For teenagers or adults, sessions may be longer to reduce the number of appointments needed.
We will work with you to determine the best session length and frequency for you or your child. The entire evaluation process, from the first appointment to the feedback session with the doctor, typically takes about eight weeks. You will receive the comprehensive written report after the feedback session.
What is the cost of an evaluation?
The cost of an evaluation varies depending on the type of evaluation needed and the psychologist you work with. For specific pricing questions, please contact Olivia.
Understanding Our Evaluations
What is the difference between a neuropsychological and a psychoeducational evaluation?
The main differences are in the scope of the assessment and the training of the psychologist.
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A psychoeducational evaluation focuses on assessing cognitive abilities (IQ), academic skills, and a limited look at attention and executive functions. This type of evaluation is often sufficient for diagnosing a learning disability.
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A neuropsychological evaluation is more comprehensive. It includes all the components of a psychoeducational evaluation, but also provides a deeper look at other cognitive functions, such as memory, language, visual-spatial and motor skills, and social-emotional functioning. This more detailed assessment may be necessary to diagnose complex conditions like ADHD, autism, or other disorders that impact learning.
All of our neuropsychological evaluations are conducted or supervised by Dr. McDonough, who has extensive specialized training in this field.
How is a private evaluation different from one my child received at school?
Evaluations conducted by schools are often more limited in scope. They are designed to determine if a child qualifies for special education services, not necessarily to provide a specific diagnosis or a comprehensive understanding of their learning profile. School evaluations also typically do not include detailed, data-driven recommendations on how to improve areas of weakness.
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Our private evaluations are different because we focus on three key things:
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Diagnosis: Our evaluations aim to provide a clear diagnosis based on objective data.
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Understanding: We help you understand why you or your child may be struggling, going beyond just identifying a problem.
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Recommendations: We believe a good evaluation is pointless without a clear path forward. We provide tailored, research-backed recommendations to help improve outcomes at school and at home.
We pride ourselves on our independence and the integrity of our work, which is why our recommendations and diagnoses are trusted by school administrators and educators in the area.
How do I know if I or my child needs an evaluation?
It's very common to feel confused or unsure about whether an evaluation is the right step. We often hear from families who are concerned about a number of issues. A private evaluation may be beneficial if you or your child are experiencing ongoing struggles, despite interventions at school or home.
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Some common signs that may indicate a need for an evaluation include:
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Persistent academic struggles: Is your child working hard but still falling behind in reading, writing, or math? Are their grades inconsistent, or do they seem to understand concepts in class but struggle with homework?
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Difficulty with "executive functions": These are the skills that help us plan, organize, and manage our behavior. You might notice challenges with:
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Getting started on tasks.
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Following multi-step directions.
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Managing time and meeting deadlines.
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Staying organized (e.g., losing assignments, having a messy backpack/workspace).
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Controlling impulses or emotions.
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Social or behavioral concerns: Does your child struggle to make or keep friends? Are they often frustrated, anxious, or have emotional outbursts that seem out of proportion to the situation?
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A "nagging feeling": As a parent, you know your child best. If you have a persistent feeling that something is "off" or that they are not reaching their full potential, a comprehensive evaluation can provide clarity and answers.
What if we've already tried a lot of things?
An evaluation is often the next step when you have already implemented school-based interventions, tutoring, or other supports, but you are still not seeing significant progress. Our goal is to provide a deeper understanding of the root cause of these challenges and offer a new, more effective path forward.
What is the first step if I'm considering an evaluation?
The first step is a consultation. We encourage you to reach out to us to schedule a brief call. We can discuss your specific concerns, help you understand the different types of evaluations, and determine if our services are the right fit for your needs. We are committed to helping you find the right support, even if that means referring you to another professional.
Finding the Right Option
How do I know what type of evaluation is right for me or my family?
We know that this process can feel overwhelming, and we are here to help. We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions about our services, our expertise, and what type of evaluation might be the best fit for your needs. We believe in providing honest and transparent guidance. If we feel that we are not the right provider for you, we will let you know and can provide referrals to other trusted professionals.