Psychoeducational Evaluations in Portland, Maine
Clear answers about learning and school, ages 5 to 21
Clear answers about learning and school
When a child is working hard but school still feels like a struggle, it's hard to know why or what will help. A psychoeducational evaluation looks closely at how your child learns, identifies strengths and challenges, and gives you a clear plan for support at school and at home.
We evaluate children, teens and young adults ages 5 to 21 at our downtown Portland office, and you can start with a free 15-minute call with Dr. DiGiovanni.
When an evaluation can help
Families often reach out after a teacher, school or pediatrician raises concerns, or when they find themselves thinking:
What we evaluate
Writing and dysgraphia
Handwriting, spelling and getting ideas onto paper.
Math and dyscalculia
Number sense, math facts and problem-solving.
Attention and executive functioning
Focus, organization and planning that affect schoolwork.
Learn about ADHD testing →School supports
Recommendations to support an IEP or 504 plan.
Accommodations
Documentation for extended time and other supports in high school, college and on standardized tests.
What the evaluation looks at
Every evaluation is built around your questions. Depending on your child, it can include:
What you'll walk away with
What the different names mean
You may hear several names for evaluations. They overlap a lot, and each one simply puts more weight on certain areas.
| Psychological | Psychoeducational | Neuropsychological | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puts more weight on | Emotions, behavior and social-emotional functioning | Reading, writing, math and learning skills | Thinking skills: attention, memory, language, problem-solving |
| Common questions | Anxiety, OCD, depression, behavior | Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, school supports | ADHD, autism, medical conditions that affect thinking |
| Conducted by | Dr. DiGiovanni or Dr. Blair | Dr. DiGiovanni or Dr. Blair | Dr. DiGiovanni, pediatric neuropsychologist |
| Learn more | You are here | Learn more |
One evaluation, built around your question. At Beacon Light, every evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation at the same price, designed to answer your specific question. You don't need to know which type to ask for. On your free call, we'll listen to your concerns and recommend the right approach. Learn about our evaluations →
How the evaluation works
Free 15-minute call
Talk with Dr. DiGiovanni about your concerns and whether an evaluation makes sense.
Paperwork from home
Consent and background forms, completed online.
Intake interview · 1–1.5 hours
By Zoom, with parents, or with you if you're a young adult.
Testing · 3–5 hours
At our downtown Portland office, with breaks as needed.
Feedback · 1–2 hours
Usually in person. We go over results, any diagnoses and recommendations.
Your written report
Within a few days of feedback, ready to share with a school, college or doctor.
- Includes the intake, all testing, scoring and interpretation, feedback and a full written report
- $400 at intake and the rest at testing
- HSA and FSA funds welcome, and CareCredit financing is available
- Superbill provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement
Common questions about psychoeducational evaluations
How is this different from a school evaluation?
School evaluations decide whether a student qualifies for special education services. They usually don't diagnose specific learning disorders like dyslexia, and they may not look closely at attention or emotional factors. Our evaluations go deeper and include recommendations for home as well as school.
Can I share the results with my child's school?
Yes. Our report is written to be shared with schools, and it includes specific recommendations that can inform an IEP or 504 plan. Schools are required to consider outside evaluation results when making decisions about services.
Can the evaluation support accommodations in college or on standardized tests?
Yes. For teens and young adults, our report can document the need for accommodations such as extended time. Each college and testing agency has its own requirements, so it helps to check them before you begin.
What's the difference between a psychoeducational and a psychological evaluation?
A psychoeducational evaluation puts more weight on learning and academic skills, while a psychological evaluation focuses more on emotions and behavior. At Beacon Light, both are comprehensive and the same price, and we tailor each one to your questions.
What ages do you evaluate?
We evaluate children, teens and young adults ages 5 to 21.
Will insurance pay for it?
We don't bill insurance, but we provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA funds and CareCredit financing are also options. See our reimbursement guide.
Ready to get clear answers?
Book a free 15-minute call with Dr. DiGiovanni to talk through your concerns and whether an evaluation makes sense. There's no obligation to book.