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Assessments

Psychological Testing for Kids, Teens & Adults in the South Bay

A psychological evaluation is a structured set of interviews, tests and questionnaires that explains how a person learns, thinks and feels. At MP Wellness in Hermosa Beach, Dr. Maddison Paul evaluates ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other learning differences, then gives you a written report and clear recommendations for school and home.

Reviewed by Dr. Maddison Paul, Licensed Clinical Psychologist · Updated

Book a free consultationCall (310) 953-5009

What we test for

We see all ages and specialize in evaluations for children and teens: ADHD, learning disabilities, autism and complex, severe mental health concerns. Each evaluation ends with a written report and a plan you can use at school and at home.

Psychoeducational evaluation

The full picture of how your child learns, for IEP, 504 or private-school planning.

ADHD testing

Attention, focus and executive skills in children and teens, with school recommendations.

Autism evaluation

A careful look at communication, social understanding and sensory differences, for children, teens and adults.

Dyslexia & learning differences

Reading, writing and math testing, including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.

Neuropsychological evaluation

A broader look at memory, attention, processing speed and executive function.

Adult ADHD evaluation

For adults who have wondered about ADHD for years. A clear answer and a plan.

Specialized evaluations and school support

Complex clinical evaluation

Diagnostic clarity for teens with severe, co-occurring or treatment-resistant challenges, including residential treatment.

Gifted & accommodations testing

Gifted program testing and documentation for school, SAT/ACT and other testing accommodations.

IEP meetings and school observations

We can attend school or IEP meetings, billed at $250 per hour, and observe at school.

Who is testing for?

An evaluation is worth considering when a concern has lasted a while, shows up in more than one place, and hasn't improved with the usual help. Families often reach out when:

  • A teacher, tutor or pediatrician has suggested testing
  • Reading, writing or math is much harder than it should be
  • Focus, organization or homework is a nightly struggle
  • Your child has trouble with friends, conversation or changes in routine
  • You need a clear diagnosis to ask for school support, like an IEP or 504 plan
  • You're an adult who has wondered about ADHD or autism for years
  • You need testing for a gifted program, or documentation for testing accommodations

Which evaluation fits?

The names overlap, and you don't need to choose before you call. In short:

  • Psychoeducational: how your child learns. Thinking skills, academics, attention and emotional factors, with school planning in mind.
  • Neuropsychological: a broader look at memory, attention, processing speed and executive function, often when concerns are complex.
  • Complex clinical: for teens with severe, co-occurring or treatment-resistant challenges, including those in or leaving residential treatment.
  • Focused evaluations: ADHD, autism, or dyslexia and other learning differences, when there's one main question.
  • Gifted and accommodations testing: for gifted programs, and documentation for school, SAT/ACT or other testing accommodations.

Read the full comparison

How an evaluation works

After a free phone call of about 30 minutes, evaluations for children and teens follow four steps. Adult ADHD evaluations are shorter: 1–2 testing sessions, about 2–3 weeks for the report, and a 1-hour feedback session.

  1. Clinical consultation

    Before testing

    We review history, set the key questions and tailor the evaluation plan.

  2. Testing

    4–5 sessions of 2 hours

    About 8–10 hours of one-on-one testing in our Hermosa Beach office, spread out to prevent fatigue.

  3. Report writing

    About 3–4 weeks

    Our clinical team scores, analyzes and writes a comprehensive diagnostic report.

  4. Feedback

    A 2-hour session

    We go through the findings and a clear plan for treatment, school accommodations and next steps.

What you receive

  • A written report in plain language, with scores explained
  • A diagnosis if one fits, and a clear explanation if one doesn't
  • Specific recommendations for school and home
  • A feedback session to go through the results together

See fees and what each evaluation includes

Diagram of an evaluation report with six sections: reason for referral, background, tests given, results, diagnosis and recommendations.
What's inside the report: why you came, background, every test by name, results in plain language, the diagnosis (or why none fits), and recommendations.

Who you'll see

Dr. Maddison Paul

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Serving families in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes and the South Bay.

Questions about testing

How long does an evaluation take from start to finish?
For children and teens, testing takes about 8 to 10 hours, spread over 4 to 5 sessions of 2 hours each to prevent fatigue. About 3 to 4 weeks after the last session, we meet for a 2-hour feedback session. An adult ADHD evaluation is shorter: 1 to 2 two-hour testing sessions, about 2 to 3 weeks for the report, and a 1-hour feedback session.
Which evaluation does my child need?
You don't have to know before you call. Tell us what you're seeing and what you need the evaluation for, such as school support, a diagnosis or a second opinion. Dr. Paul will recommend the evaluation that answers those questions, and tell you if another specialist would be a better fit.
What should we bring to the intake appointment?
Bring recent report cards, any past testing (school or private), a current IEP or 504 plan if your child has one, and notes from teachers, tutors or doctors that describe your concerns. If you don't have something, that's fine. We'll work with what you have.
Do we need a referral from a doctor or school?
No. Many families come after a teacher, pediatrician or tutor suggests testing, but you can contact us directly. If your insurance plan requires a referral for out-of-network reimbursement, check with your plan before testing begins.
Who sees the results?
You do. The report is confidential and belongs to your family. We don't send it to your child's school or doctor unless you give written permission. Many families choose to share it so that teachers and doctors can use the recommendations.

Not sure testing is the right step?

A free consultation with Dr. Paul is the easiest way to find out. No commitment.

Book a free consultation(310) 953-5009