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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled answers to common questions about evaluations, scheduling, insurance, and the assessment process at Brighter Day Psychological Services.

If you don’t see your question here, please contact our office by phone or email. We’re happy to help.

Getting Started

How do I schedule an appointment? Appointments can be scheduled by phone, email, or by clicking the “Book Evaluation” button on our website. Some services may require an initial consultation before testing is scheduled. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps and required intake forms. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please contact our office so we can resend it. If you do not receive an invoice (which outlines the appointment deposit request as well), please let us know so we can resend the invoice accordingly. If you do not receive the intake/history form immediately after being scheduled, please let us know so we can resend the form accordingly (this form must be completed at least 48 hours prior to the appointment, or the appointment will be rescheduled).

How soon can we schedule an appointment? We do not have a wait list and generally have openings in about 2-3 weeks. We can also work with you to arrange an earlier evaluation.

Do you accept insurance? Some evaluation services may be covered depending on medical necessity and your insurance plan benefits. Immigration evaluations, court-related services, and certain specialized assessments are typically self-pay. We encourage clients to verify coverage directly with their insurance provider. Our office can discuss insurance and private-pay options prior to scheduling.

Do you offer payment plans? Yes. Payment plans may be available for certain services. Please contact our office to discuss available options.

What is your cancellation policy? Advance notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Missed appointments or late cancellations may incur a fee, as outlined in our office policies.

Services & Who We Serve

What services does Brighter Day Psychological Services provide? We provide comprehensive psychological, neuropsychological, psychoeducational, and vocational evaluations; immigration psychological evaluations; and professional consultation services for children, adolescents, and adults.

What types of concerns do you assess, and what age groups do you serve? We serve individuals ages 18 months through adulthood. Common referral questions include: Autism Spectrum Disorder ADHD (children and adults) Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) Developmental Delays Gifted Evaluations Pre-K Readiness Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) Standardized testing accommodations (ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT) Anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorders Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Selective Mutism Intellectual disability Oppositional Defiant Disorder Dementia and cognitive decline Immigration-related psychological evaluations Placement testing for educational consultants

Do you provide therapy services? At this time, we are not accepting new clients for therapy services.

Do you provide psychological evaluations for immigration purposes? Yes. We provide immigration psychological evaluations for VAWA petitions (I-360), hardship waivers (I-601/I-601A), asylum (I-589), T-Visas (I-914), U-Visas (I-918), and other immigration matters. Evaluations are conducted using trauma-informed and legally relevant standards.

Are you a direct-pay provider for the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-UA)? We may provide evaluations that families can submit for reimbursement through FES-UA, depending on current program guidelines. Families are responsible for confirming eligibility and reimbursement requirements directly with the scholarship administrator.

Evaluation Process

What is included in a psychological evaluation? Evaluations typically include clinical interviews, review of records, standardized testing, behavioral observations, scoring and interpretation of results, and a comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and recommendations.

How long does the evaluation process take? The process typically includes one to two interview sessions, depending on the referral question. Written reports are generally completed within 3–4 weeks following the final interview, unless expedited services are requested.

What should we expect the day of the appointment? On the day of the appointment: → Parents may complete questionnaires or meet with the psychologist → Children will participate in age-appropriate activities, questions, and problem-solving tasks → Breaks are provided as needed → Testing sessions may last several hours, depending on the evaluation Our office aims to create a calm, supportive environment to help children feel comfortable.

What should I bring to my appointment? You may be asked to bring identification, insurance information (if applicable), relevant records, and completed intake forms. Specific instructions will be provided prior to your appointment.

How can we prepare for the appointment? After scheduling, you will receive intake forms and instructions. To prepare: ✓ Complete all forms fully and honestly ✓ Gather relevant records (school reports, prior evaluations, medical records, IEP/504 plans, if applicable) ✓ Ensure your child gets adequate rest the night before ✓ Have your child eat a meal or snack before testing ✓ Bring glasses, hearing aids, or other necessary supports No studying or special preparation is required.

What do I tell my child about testing? Keep explanations simple and reassuring. Let your child know they will meet with someone who wants to understand how they think and learn so adults can better support them. Emphasize there are no “right or wrong” answers and they are not being graded.

Testing & Documentation

Psychological testing focuses on understanding emotional, behavioral, learning, attention, and overall cognitive functioning. It often addresses concerns such as ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, mood concerns, autism spectrum features, and emotional regulation. Neuropsychological testing is highly specialized and assesses how brain function affects cognition, memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed, often in the context of neurological conditions, brain injury, or complex medical histories.

Do you provide gifted testing? Yes. Gifted evaluations are cognitive assessments typically conducted using standardized instruments such as the WISC-5, WAIS-5, or RIAS-2.

Does your office create 504 Plans or IEPs? No. Schools are responsible for developing and implementing 504 Plans and IEPs. However, our evaluations often provide detailed recommendations schools may consider when determining eligibility.

Does your evaluation help with College Board, SAT, or ACT accommodations? Yes. Our evaluations are commonly used to support standardized testing accommodation requests. While approval is determined by the testing agency (College Board or ACT), our reports are written to meet documentation standards and clearly outline functional limitations and recommended accommodations..

My child has a 504 Plan and is going to college. Do we need an updated evaluation? Often, yes. Colleges and testing agencies typically require evaluations completed within a specific timeframe (commonly within the past 3–5 years). An updated evaluation can help support continued accommodations at the college level.

Legal & Policy Questions

Does your office provide assessments for court, and will a practitioner from Brighter Day testify in court? Court-related and forensic evaluations are provided on a limited basis. Testimony may be available depending on the nature of the evaluation and scheduling availability. All court involvement, including testimony, is billed separately and discussed in advance.

Are services confidential? Yes. Services are confidential and protected under Florida law and HIPAA, with limited exceptions required by law, including court orders and mandatory reporting obligations.

Does your office create 504 Plans or IEPs? No. Schools are responsible for developing and implementing 504 Plans and IEPs. However, our evaluations often provide detailed recommendations schools may consider when determining eligibility.

Does your evaluation help with College Board, SAT, or ACT accommodations? Yes. Our evaluations are commonly used to support standardized testing accommodation requests. Approval is determined by the testing agency, but our reports are written to meet documentation standards.

My child has a 504 Plan and is going to college. Do we need an updated evaluation? Often, yes. Colleges and testing agencies typically require evaluations completed within the past 3–5 years. An updated evaluation can help support continued accommodations.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re unsure which evaluation is right for you or your child, our team is here to help.​ 

 

We’re happy to guide you through the process, explain next steps, and answer any additional questions before scheduling.

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