Evaluation Process

Each potential family/patient will be required to complete a referral packet prior to the initial appointment. This packet includes: background and history information, custody documentation, HIPPA and consent documents, & parent and teacher questionnaires. All required forms and documents should be completed prior to submission. Generally, incomplete packets will delay the evaluation process. 

Call the Children’s Center at (318) 813-2960 to request a referral packet. Complete referral packet with requested information and hand-deliver or mail to the below address. Once a completed packet is received and reviewed, an appointment letter will be sent.

Generally, the first testing session consists of an interview with parents/caregivers to collect a detailed history which includes information regarding the child’s medical, developmental, behavioral, social, emotional, academic, family and/or psychological background. Following this session, the team will discuss and decide whether a full evaluation is necessary and/or appropriate. If an evaluation is necessary, then an additional session may be scheduled and consist of formal test administration.

This appointment generally consists of formal testing with the child while the family completes additional forms and paperwork as necessary. In addition to the use of formal assessment instruments, detailed behavioral observations will be conducted. The length of the testing day depends on the nature of the evaluation and how many clinicians will be involved. In general, the child will spend 1-2 hours per clinician. Evaluations are generally conducted without the presence of parents/caregivers, unless otherwise noted. There will be breaks in the testing process if necessary. Additional testing appointments may be recommended depending on the outcome of the testing session.

All patients will receive feedback regarding the testing outcomes. In this session, all clinicians involved in the evaluation process will meet and discuss the results. At this time, diagnoses may be provided; however, more importantly treatment recommendations will be provided. Community referrals will be provided at this time as necessary. Parent conferences are preferred to be conducted in person; however, given certain circumstances, phone conferences may be conducted.