Testing is used to answer a whole host of diagnostic and functional questions about people of all ages. It can clarify why school or work failure is occurring; who is gifted; what school or testing accommodations should be available for students; what are the individual's strengths; and why emotional problems persist despite therapy and/or other mental health interventions. Often, when there are many possible reasons for persistent learning and functional difficulties, testing will be the quickest and most precise way to understand what is going wrong and what will help.

What is psychological and educational testing?

Psychological and educational testing is the administration of a series of cognitive, psychosocial, memory, and academic tasks designed to reveal in detail the resources, strengths, and relative weaknesses of the person being tested.

Psychological Testing generally refers to cognitive testing (which includes intelligence (IQ) testing, as well as executive functioning and memory testing) and personality assessment. Cognitive testing typically involves solving verbal and nonverbal problems, answering structured questions, and performing rote memorization tasks. Personality assessment involves responding to ambiguous, unstructured stimuli, including the famous, or infamous, Rorschach Inkblot Test. Behavioral questionnaires are also included in most assessments.

Educational Testing does just what it says. The academic skills common in every classroom, including reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, are assessed. Valid tests are available for everyone, including pre-kindergarteners and people who are obtaining or have obtained an advanced degree.

Common tests administered at Clearwater include but are not limited to: the Wechsler instruments (such as the WISC-IV, WAIS-IV, and WIAT-III), in addition to the GORT 4, NEPSY II, Bender, TEA or TEA-CH, Rorschach, TAT, Roberts, TOWL-III, WCS, and the WRAML-II. Questionnaires include but are not limited to the BRIEF, Conners and CBCL. At Clearwater, every client tested is given an individually tailored battery of tests designed to answer their specific questions, and illuminate their individual strengths and weaknesses.

How much time does it take?

The more complex the question, the longer an evaluation takes. Evaluations range from three hours for the simplest to ten for the most complex, but eight hours is typical. Tests are generally administered in one and a half to three hour blocks, depending on age and attention span. Testing is best done in the morning when people are still fresh and at their best, even if this means missing work or school.

What does it cost?

Fees at Clearwater vary based on how extensive the testing is and the experience level of the clinician. They are typically set in the initial telephone conversation with one of our intake staff.  We do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicare, but do accept Visa and Mastercard. Although we do not directly accept insurance payments, you may receive some reimbursement from your insurance company if you submit our bills.

How do I find out more or make an appointment?

Clearwater offers appointments six days a week, with evening hours every day but Saturday. For more information or to make an appointment, press the Contact button above and e-mail us, or call 510-596-8137. One of our staff will get back to you within 48 business hours.

345 38th Street, Oakland, CA 94609
510.596.8137
510.596.8955 (Fax)