If you’re considering an evaluation for ADHD, autism, or a learning difference, cost is probably one of your first questions. Unfortunately, figuring out what you’ll pay isn’t always straightforward. Prices vary depending on the provider and type of testing, and not every practice publishes its fees.
At Upside Therapy and Evaluation Center, we do. If you’re looking for a psychological evaluation in Plano, our fee is $2,500 for ages 3 to 5 and $2,800 for ages 6 and older. This covers comprehensive testing, a written report, and a conversation about your results.
Below, we’ll explain what psychological evaluations typically cost, what our fees cover, and what to consider when comparing providers. We’ll also look at insurance coverage and options that may help with the expense.
Key Takeaways
- Psychological evaluation costs vary depending on the provider, type of assessment, and extent of testing. Comprehensive evaluations generally cost more than brief screenings.
- Our fee is $2,500 for ages 3 to 5 and $2,800 for ages 6 and older, regardless of evaluation type. A non-refundable $500 deposit goes toward the total.
- The fee covers intake, comprehensive testing, scoring, clinical review, a written report, and a results conversation. The reporting process generally takes around three to four weeks.
- Most of our services are self-pay, although select providers participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. We also provide documentation for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
- HSA or FSA funds, public school evaluations, and university training clinics may help you manage costs, depending on your needs.
How Much Does a Psychological Evaluation Cost?
Psychological evaluation costs depend on the type of assessment, the clinician’s qualifications, and how much testing is needed. A brief clinical assessment may involve interviews and screening questionnaires, while comprehensive psychological or neuropsychological testing can require several hours of assessment, interpretation, and report preparation.
At Upside Therapy, comprehensive evaluations cost $2,500 for ages 3 to 5 and $2,800 for ages 6 and older.
The differences between common evaluation approaches can help explain why providers quote different fees.
| Type of evaluation | Typical scope | What affects the cost |
| Basic clinical evaluation | Clinical interviews, history review, and screening measures | Appointment length and provider qualifications |
| Standard psychological testing | Interviews, selected standardized assessments, scoring, and interpretation | Number and complexity of assessments |
| Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment | Broader assessment of cognitive and related functioning, based on referral concerns | Testing hours, specialized measures, interpretation, and reporting |
These categories aren’t interchangeable, and providers may define their services differently. Two evaluations at similar prices can differ in the areas assessed, the amount of testing involved, and the report you receive afterward.
At Upside Therapy, our comprehensive evaluation fees are based on age rather than the type of assessment.
Psychological Evaluation Cost by Type of Evaluation
ADHD, autism, and learning disability assessments may involve different combinations of interviews, questionnaires, observations, and standardized tests. The clinician chooses the appropriate measures based on the concerns being evaluated.
Here’s what these evaluations commonly involve and how our pricing applies.
ADHD Testing for Children
A pediatric ADHD evaluation generally includes conversations with parents or caregivers, questionnaires about behavior in different settings, and a review of the child’s developmental and behavioral history. Depending on the child’s needs, additional testing may explore attention, learning, or cognitive functioning.
The CDC notes that anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain learning disabilities can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. A thorough evaluation helps clinicians consider these possibilities instead of looking at attention difficulties in isolation.
Testing costs vary depending on the assessments involved. A comprehensive evaluation generally requires more time and interpretation than a brief clinical screening.
Our comprehensive evaluation fee is $2,500 for children ages 3 to 5 and $2,800 for children ages 6 and older.
ADHD Testing for Adults
ADHD testing cost for adults depends on the provider and how extensive the assessment is.
Some adults seek an evaluation after years of struggling with attention, organization, or time management without fully understanding why. Others begin exploring ADHD after recognizing similar experiences in their children or learning more about how symptoms can appear in adulthood.
An evaluation can help clarify whether ADHD or another condition may be contributing to these challenges.
Documentation from an evaluation may also be useful when requesting workplace accommodations. The American Psychiatric Association explains that ADHD can affect occupational functioning, although eligibility for accommodations depends on individual circumstances.
Our comprehensive evaluation fee for adults is $2,800. You can learn more about the process in our guide to adult ADHD testing.
Autism Evaluations
Autism evaluation cost varies depending on the person’s age, the provider’s qualifications, and the assessments involved.
An autism evaluation may include interviews about developmental history, observations of communication and behavior, and standardized assessment tools. Some people also need additional testing to explore cognitive functioning, learning differences, or co-occurring conditions.
At Upside Therapy, we offer autism evaluations for children and adults, with services for younger children available based on their developmental needs.
Our Clinical Director, Dr. Charleen Wilder, has particular experience evaluating autism in girls and adults, whose characteristics may be overlooked or misunderstood, especially when masking is involved.
Our guide on what to expect in an autism evaluation explains the process in greater detail.
Psychoeducational Evaluations
Psychoeducational evaluations focus on understanding how someone learns and identifying difficulties that may affect academic performance. They can be particularly helpful when exploring conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other learning disabilities.
Psychoeducational evaluation cost depends on the assessment’s scope, which may include cognitive testing, academic achievement measures, and assessments of related learning processes.
These evaluations can help families understand what educational support may be appropriate. However, a private evaluation does not automatically qualify a student for school accommodations.
At Upside Therapy, psychoeducational evaluations fall under the same age-based fee structure. Our guide to psychoeducational evaluations explains what they measure and when they may be helpful.
What Is Included in the Fee?
When comparing psychological evaluation costs, it’s worth checking whether the quoted price includes testing, interpretation, a written report, and a follow-up discussion.
At Upside Therapy, these services are included in the evaluation fee, so you know what to expect before scheduling. The process outlined on our psychological evaluations page includes the following steps.
| Step | What it covers |
| Intake appointment | An initial conversation about your history, concerns, and what you hope to learn from the evaluation |
| Comprehensive testing | Assessments typically completed during a single testing day, depending on individual needs |
| Scoring and interpretation | Reviewing and interpreting test results alongside your history and other assessment findings |
| Clinical report review | Review of assessment findings and recommendations, with additional team input as appropriate |
| Written report | A detailed explanation of findings and recommendations, with the reporting process generally taking three to four weeks |
| Results and personalized roadmap | A follow-up conversation to explain the findings and discuss practical next steps |
A non-refundable $500 deposit is required when scheduling. This amount goes toward your total evaluation fee rather than being charged separately.
After the deposit, the remaining balance is $2,000 for ages 3 to 5 or $2,300 for ages 6 and older.
What Does a Full Psychological Evaluation Measure?
A comprehensive psychological evaluation brings together information about a person’s development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive abilities. Depending on the concerns being assessed, the process may include interviews, standardized tests, questionnaires, observations, and a review of relevant history.
The American Psychological Association explains that psychological testing is one component of a broader assessment.
Some of the areas an evaluation may explore include:
- Cognitive functioning and IQ: How someone reasons, solves problems, processes information, and understands language.
- Academic and learning skills: Abilities related to reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of academic performance.
- Emotional well-being: How experiences such as anxiety, sadness, or stress may affect daily functioning.
- Personality and coping styles: Patterns in how someone responds to challenges, manages emotions, and relates to others.
- Behavioral and social functioning: How someone navigates routines, relationships, communication, and environments such as school or work.
Not every evaluation includes all these areas. Your clinician selects assessments based on the questions you’re hoping to answer and what is appropriate for your situation.
The scope of testing also affects the amount of time required for scoring, interpretation, and report preparation, which helps explain why comprehensive evaluations generally cost more than brief assessments.
Why Is a Psychological Evaluation So Expensive?
Psychological evaluations can be expensive because the fee covers considerably more than the time spent completing tests.
Clinicians must gather background information, select appropriate assessments, interpret results, consider possible explanations for the findings, and prepare recommendations. A comprehensive evaluation may involve many hours of professional work, including tasks completed outside the appointment itself.
Several factors contribute to the overall cost.
Provider Credentials
The evaluator’s qualifications can affect pricing.
Licensed psychologists complete extensive education and training in psychological assessment, while other qualified professionals may provide certain types of evaluations within their scope of practice.
Before booking, check whether the evaluator’s credentials and report will meet your needs, particularly if you’re seeking documentation for school, workplace, or standardized testing accommodations.
Scope of Testing
An evaluation that explores several concerns may require more assessments than one focused on a narrower question.
For example, someone seeking an ADHD evaluation may also need assessment for learning difficulties or anxiety if their history suggests these could be contributing to their symptoms.
At practices that charge based on testing scope, additional assessments may increase the total fee.
Our comprehensive evaluation fees are set by age, although the measures included are still selected according to individual needs.
Age of the Person Being Tested
Testing approaches differ depending on age and developmental stage.
Evaluations for younger children may incorporate play-based activities, developmental observations, and information from parents or caregivers. Older children and adults may complete different standardized measures or participate in more detailed interviews.
At Upside Therapy, the published fees reflect two age groups: children ages 3 to 5 and individuals ages 6 and older.
Time Spent Testing and Scoring
The appointment itself accounts for only part of the evaluation.
Clinicians also spend time reviewing background information, scoring assessments, interpreting findings, and preparing recommendations. Much of this work happens after testing is complete.
The amount of time involved depends on the questions being investigated and the assessment tools used.
Depth of the Written Report
Some evaluations produce relatively brief summaries, while others result in detailed reports covering assessment findings, diagnostic impressions, and individualized recommendations.
Preparing a comprehensive report requires clinicians to connect findings from multiple sources and explain what they mean for the person being evaluated.
Our team also considers how recommendations may translate into practical support at home, school, work, or in therapy.
Does Insurance Cover Psychological Testing?
Is psychological testing covered by insurance? Sometimes, but coverage depends on your plan, the services involved, and whether your provider participates in your insurance network.
Some plans require prior authorization or documentation showing that testing is medically necessary. Others may limit coverage for certain evaluations, particularly when the primary purpose is educational rather than medical.
Most services at Upside Therapy are self-pay, although select providers participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for therapy and psychological testing. You can review available information in our in-network guide.
For out-of-network services, we can provide itemized receipts containing relevant billing information that you may submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Our out-of-network guide explains this process.
Working outside most insurance arrangements allows our clinicians greater flexibility in how care is structured, rather than relying entirely on insurer requirements. However, insurance participation and coverage can vary by provider and service.
Before scheduling, consider asking your insurer:
- What is my deductible, and how much have I already met?
- What coinsurance or copayment applies to psychological testing?
- Does the evaluation require prior authorization?
- Are the provider and specific testing services covered under my plan?
- If the provider is out of network, what documentation do I need to request reimbursement?
We cannot guarantee reimbursement or predict how much an insurer will pay. Confirming these details beforehand can help you make a more informed decision about your out-of-pocket expenses.
Ways to Lower the Cost
If the cost of a private psychological evaluation is difficult to manage, you may have other options.
Depending on your needs, health savings funds, public school evaluations, or university training clinics could help. Each option works differently, so consider what you hope to learn from the assessment before deciding.
HSA and FSA Funds
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) may allow you to use eligible pre-tax funds for diagnostic testing.
The IRS includes certain expenses related to diagnosing and treating medical conditions among qualified medical expenses in Publication 502.
However, eligibility depends on the nature of the service and your account rules. Check with your HSA or FSA administrator before assuming an evaluation will qualify.
Free School District Evaluations
If your child is struggling academically or showing signs of a disability that affects learning, you can request an evaluation through their public school district.
Public schools must provide evaluations for special education eligibility at no cost when an evaluation is warranted under applicable requirements. The Texas Education Agency explains the process in its overview of special education for parents.
However, school evaluations and private psychological evaluations serve different purposes.
A school evaluation primarily determines whether a student qualifies for educational services and what support they may need. A private clinical evaluation may explore broader diagnostic questions and provide recommendations extending beyond the classroom.
Schools may also consider clinical information as part of their evaluation process, but school eligibility decisions and clinical diagnoses are not interchangeable.
University Training Clinics
Some universities operate psychology training clinics where graduate students conduct evaluations under the supervision of licensed professionals.
These services may be offered at reduced fees compared with private practices, making them worth exploring if cost is your primary concern.
Availability varies, and some clinics have limited appointment schedules or longer waiting periods. It’s also important to confirm whether they assess your specific concerns and provide the documentation you need.
Is a Psychological Evaluation Worth the Cost?
Whether a psychological evaluation is worth the cost depends on what you’re hoping to learn and how you plan to use the results.
For someone who has spent years wondering about ADHD, autism, or a learning difference, an evaluation may offer useful clarity. For parents, it can help identify a child’s strengths, support needs, and possible next steps.
A comprehensive private evaluation may provide several benefits:
- A clearer understanding of your concerns: Testing can help identify patterns in thinking, learning, behavior, or emotional functioning.
- Information about strengths and challenges: Reports can highlight abilities and areas where additional support may be helpful.
- Individualized recommendations: Findings may inform therapy goals, learning strategies, or other appropriate interventions.
- Documentation for support requests: Evaluation reports may help with requests for school, workplace, or standardized testing accommodations, depending on the relevant eligibility requirements.
- A direction for next steps: Results can help you and your providers decide what support, if any, may be appropriate.
At Upside Therapy, comprehensive testing is typically completed in one day, with the reporting and feedback process generally taking around three to four weeks. The exact timeline may vary.
A private evaluation does not automatically lead to a diagnosis, school services, or accommodations.
Schools must consider relevant outside evaluations but are not required to accept every finding or recommendation. A private report can nevertheless provide useful information when families discuss their child’s educational needs.
How to Compare Evaluation Providers in the Plano Area
Before booking an evaluation, contact a few providers and ask what their fees include. Looking beyond the price can help you find an evaluator whose experience, assessment approach, and recommendations are suited to your needs.
These questions can help you compare your options:
- Is the evaluator a licensed psychologist? Ask about their credentials and experience with the type of assessment you need.
- Do they have experience with your specific concerns? This may be especially important for adult ADHD, autism in girls and women, or complex learning difficulties.
- What will the evaluation include? Find out whether the process involves interviews, standardized testing, questionnaires, and a written report.
- How soon will I receive the results? Ask about the expected timeline for testing, feedback, and the final report.
- What is the total fee? Confirm whether scoring, report preparation, and feedback appointments are included.
- What are the deposit and cancellation terms? Understand the practice’s policies before making a payment.
You should also feel comfortable asking how the evaluator will communicate findings and what support may be available afterward.
At Upside Therapy, our team takes a collaborative approach to psychological evaluations, with attention to both assessment findings and practical recommendations.
You can learn more about our clinicians and their credentials on our About Us page, or book your free consultation to discuss your questions directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prepare for a Psychological Evaluation?
Gather relevant school records, previous reports, and any information your evaluator requests. Bring glasses or hearing aids if needed, and try to get a good night’s sleep beforehand. For children, explain the appointment in simple, reassuring terms. Our guide on how to prepare for a psychological evaluation provides additional tips.
Can I Get a Refund?
The $500 scheduling deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward the total assessment fee. For questions about cancellations, rescheduling, or your specific circumstances, contact our team at 972-519-1692 or info@upsidetherapy.com. We can explain the applicable policies before you schedule.
What Ages Do You Test?
Upside Therapy offers evaluations from early childhood through adulthood. Our FAQ indicates that services may begin as early as 18 months, depending on the evaluation needed. Published fees cover ages 3 to 5 and ages 6 and older. Contact our team to discuss assessment options and pricing for children under 3.
How Long Are Evaluation Results Valid?
Psychological evaluation reports do not have one universal expiration date. Schools, employers, and testing agencies may have different requirements for how recent documentation must be. Under 34 CFR 300.303, school reevaluations generally occur at least every three years unless the parent and school agree otherwise. This requirement does not determine how long a private clinical report remains valid.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
You’ll receive an explanation of your results and recommendations based on the findings. These may include therapy, educational support, or other appropriate resources. If you’d like to continue receiving care through Upside Therapy, our team can discuss available options, including ADHD therapy and autism therapy.
Ready to Get Answers?
If you’re considering an evaluation for yourself or your child, we’re happy to talk through your concerns, explain how our assessment process works, and answer questions about pricing.
Our team at Upside Therapy and Evaluation Center welcomes individuals and families from Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and the surrounding communities.
Book your free consultation or call 972-519-1692 to discuss your needs and find out what an evaluation may involve. You can also visit our Rates & FAQ page for more information about fees and scheduling.
