High-Stakes Testing Evaluations
Psychological evaluation for exam accommodations in Pasadena
the stakes are high
Testing Accommodations in CA
Thrive and Feel Psychology offers psychological testing for individuals seeking accommodations for high-stakes exams. Many test-takers exhibit the following pattern: they study and master the material, perform well in class or at work, but struggle on standardized tests, licensing exams, or other high-pressure situations.
If you have experienced this pattern, you may benefit from a psychological assessment.
Our evaluations go beyond simply determining if you meet diagnostic criteria. Instead, we look for underlying conditions that may interfere with your ability to perform to your full potential.
With documentation and practical recommendations, we help you understand why you may be facing these difficulties and suggest accommodations that may be helpful.
You are In the Right Place
We offer assessments both in person in Pasadena and virtually throughout California.
All of our evaluations are comprehensive. We look at the whole picture, considering personal background, experiences, and learning history, to provide informed recommendations.
f you are considering taking exams such as the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, USMLE, or state bar exam (just to name a few) and believe you may have an underlying health condition that is interfering with your ability to perform your best, a high-stakes testing evaluation could be right for you.
Who We Help - Accommodation Assessment California
We support individuals who study and prepare thoroughly for exams yet still struggle to perform at their full potential.
A high-stakes testing evaluation could be beneficial if you find yourself in any of the following situations:
You know the content you are about to be testing on as you enter the exam room, but somehow you “forget” or freeze up as soon as the test begins
You work slowly and find yourself running out of time in time-limited testing situations
Your mind wanders during the test, and it is hard to stay focused. You have a history of struggling with reading comprehension under timed conditions
You experience anxiety or panic in testing environments
You have a history of requiring substantially more time to complete assignments or practice tests
You have always suspected that you have ADHD, a learning disability, or a processing disorder, but have never participated in a neuropsychological assessment.
A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help determine whether these conditions are impacting your test performance and whether accommodations are clinically appropriate.
What Exactly Are Testing Accommodations?
Accommodations are adjustments made for individuals with disabilities during structured exams to help them take the exam under more optimal conditions. The structure of most standardized tests can be very rigid in an attempt to provide “equal” testing conditions. Still, on the other hand, it can hinder many who suffer from specific learning disabilities or mental health challenges. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to perform at their best and demonstrate their knowledge.
The type of accommodations granted varies depending on the association or board administering the exam. Ultimately, all accommodations provide tailored adjustments to the test-taking environment to support individuals whose disabilities may substantially limit their performance.
Many students are eligible for accommodations, but eligibility depends on factors beyond a diagnosis. Having additional supporting documentation, such as prior Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, or previous accommodations, can strengthen the case for recommending new accommodations.
Common Qualifying Diagnoses
Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia
ADHD or other similar attention disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, and depression
Specific physical or mobility disabilities
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and migraines
Sensory impairments, including visual or hearing impairments
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other neurological conditions
While these are common diagnoses among students who receive accommodations, the focus is on how they affect your test-taking abilities. This is where proper, thorough documentation of our findings becomes critical.
Example Scenarios
Two students may both have an ADHD diagnosis, but one may benefit from a low-distraction environment, whereas the other may not really need it.
Students with dyslexia may differ in whether their challenge stems from reading speed or reading accuracy, which requires different accommodations.
For someone with a vision impairment, a large-print version of the exam can be helpful, but a text-to-speech reader may be more appropriate.
These are examples of individuals who may receive accommodations; each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Our next section provides more insight into common types of accommodations.
Who can receive accommodations?
Common Types of Accommodations
Once you have completed a series of tests with your psychologists in-person in Pasadena or virtually throughout the state of California, you can take a break. Your team of assessors will get to work on scoring and interpreting your findings. These clinicians are seeking to understand if that data indicates that your disability impacts your day-to-day life and your ability to access the test. If your team of accommodations experts determines that your disability is creating unequal access to the test, then they will decide what reasonable accommodations would be most effective based on your unique circumstances. The following are common types of accommodations for high-stakes exams:
Extended testing time
Extra time ranging from 25% to 100% may be granted, depending on one’s disability and severity. This type of accommodation can be suitable for those struggling with reading, processing, or anxiety disorders. This allows extra time to gather thoughts and process, without penalizing slower comprehension.
Reduced-distraction rooms
This type of accommodation may include a room with fewer people, fewer distractions, and, in some cases, a private room. This creates an environment with reduced stimuli to help someone who is easily distracted by sensory interruptions concentrate more effectively.
Assistive technology
Under accommodations, individuals with visual impairments may be permitted to use text-to-speech applications, magnification tools, or screen readers. This may help them be better able to see and respond to the test material.
Extra breaks
Similar to additional time on the exam, extra breaks allow individuals to take 10-15 minutes per break, in addition to the time already allotted. Another version of this accommodation is the option to stop the clock to take a breath or to gather oneself if suffering from anxiety. This can also apply to individuals with physical disabilities who cannot sit for long periods of time without being in pain, as an increase in pain can be a huge distraction.
Health-related accommodations
Health-related supports include being able to take items within the testing environment that would otherwise not be allowed. This may include snacks, drinks, or medications. For those with physical disabilities, it may consist of ergonomic chairs or similar equipment. Extra time can also be a health-related accommodation, allowing time for stretch breaks and other health-related needs.
Every AccomModations Case is Unique
The examples above are just some of the most common types of accommodations - you may need something different to support your needs. Ultimately, our assessments aim to determine which accommodations will benefit you most, within what is reasonably permitted under the testing organization's guidelines.
Which Tests Do We Evaluate For?
We currently conduct high-stakes exam evaluations for many exams (listed below). If you do not see your exam on the list, reach out. We can discuss options.
exam List:
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
California Bar Examination (California Bar)
Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA)
Professional licensing examinations, such as:
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Commission on Certification Examination (CCE)
The High Stakes Evaluation Process at Thrive and Feel Psychology
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Step 1: Initial Discussion
A consultation call will be a necessary first step to ensure we can provide the services you are seeking. We can answer additional questions and gather information about which high-stakes exam you are planning to take and why you are seeking accommodations. At this time, we will determine if an assessment is appropriate for your situation. We want to make sure you are fully confident about what the evaluation process entails and how it supports your accommodation requests.
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Step 2: Paperwork and and Intake Forms
If you decide our services are a good fit, we will proceed with intake forms to gather important information. This includes background, medical, and psychological history. We will also explain confidentiality and your rights as our client.
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Step 3: Testing Process
The testing process may include a variety of interviews and assessments. It can vary from person to person depending on what we are identifying. Some key points to keep in mind:
High-stakes evaluations can take 8 to 12 hours of testing across multiple days.
We offer in-person options at our Pasadena, CA, office and virtual appointments across California.
We tailor and plan the testing process to your needs, including which measures to take first, assessment pacing, and answering any questions you may have along the way. Our evaluations are tailored to your personal experiences and cultural background.
Measures can range from testing reading and writing abilities to assessing attention and processing delays. Some self-reported measures can be completed from the comfort of your home, with us just a message away if any challenges arise.
We will do everything in our power to help you take a breath and relax. The interviews and measures are nothing to worry about; they're another way for us to gather information that can be essential in making accommodation recommendations.
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Step 4: Results and Report
Once testing is complete, we will interpret the results. All information gathered from interviews and testing will be used to support our diagnosis and recommendations. The report will provide in-depth details on our recommendations for accommodations and will be tailored to the testing organization's guidelines.
Our reports do not guarantee accommodations, as testing organizations typically have their own committees that review our reports and any supporting information to make a fair decision.
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Step 5: One-on-One Assessment
Our services do not stop at conducting the evaluation and writing the report. We want you to understand what your results mean, especially if there are unexpected findings.
The feedback session is a vital part of understanding how you work/process information, since it’ll apply to more than just how you take tests.
We will also complete relevant paperwork for your testing board and ensure you have all materials required from us in order to submit your accommodations application.
FAQs
How long does the whole process take?
From beginning to end, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. This includes the actual assessments, scoring, interpretation, and report.
What are the costs for High-stakes evaluations?
The costs of high-stakes evaluations vary with the scope of the assessment. Pricing ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 and includes multiple components: scoring & interpreting, report writing, a feedback session, and documentation for your organization.
Do you accept insurance?
We are in-network with Aetna but out-of-network with most other insurance companies. That being said, most insurance companies do not cover evaluations for testing accommodations. For most people, the cost of this type of evaluation is out-of-pocket. That being said, it is always best to contact your insurance provider if you have further questions about coverage and reimbursement.
If approval is not guaranteed, what is the point of going through this process?
This is a fair question. Evaluations are costly. Aside from serving as excellent supporting documentation from a licensed psychologist, it is a start toward understanding how you process information and whether there are things you can learn to adapt to that will benefit not only your testing abilities but your overall life. Although we would love to guarantee accommodations, the final decision rests with the testing organization. We make every effort to be detailed and provide the best recommendation we can based on the results.
I’ve never had previous accommodations. Can I still qualify?
Short answer: It depends. You may still qualify without having a history of official accommodations or diagnoses. Some folks have experienced challenges but have not had the opportunity for formal testing. Others report having had some testing difficulties in the past, but “powered through” them. Sometimes, stress is very high, and the strategies we were using to minimize the impact of a disability no longer work. During your consultation with the assessor, you will discuss your history and gain a better sense of whether it is appropriate to proceed with the testing process (even without a history of accommodations).
What are your Testing Locations?
If you live in (or are able to travel to) the Los Angeles and/or Pasadena, CA area, in-person testing is available. We also provide high-stakes exam evaluations virtually throughout California.
What if my testing organization asks for additional documentation?
If your testing organization requests additional documentation, please reach out, and we can discuss next steps. We want to help!
Which Tests Do We Evaluate For??
We currently conduct high-stakes exam evaluations for many exams, such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, USMLE, EPPP, California Bar Exam, MPRE, CPA, and various professional licensing exams. If you do not see your exam listed, let us know, and we can discuss next steps.
When should I start the process?
It depends on when you are taking your exam and which board you are working with. In general, we would recommend that you give yourself time (at least 3 months) and reduce the pressure of “getting an answer.” Most testing organizations have a 4 to 8-week wait time for reviewing your accommodation request. Each organization operates slightly differently, so please check their request submission timelines.
What conditions may qualify for accommodations?
While no specific diagnosis automatically qualifies someone for accommodations, part of the Thrive and Feel evaluation process includes documenting how a disability may affect your ability to take the exam under standard testing conditions. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, but some commonly associated diagnoses are learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), psychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, PTSD, depression), physical disabilities, chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, chronic pain, and migraines), sensory impairments, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other neurological conditions.
We can help
Ready to learn more about next steps?
Schedule a free consultation with one of our assessment specialists, and we can discuss how best to support you.