Individual
Treatment & Therapeutic Assessment

Individual therapy is available for adults dealing with the following issues:

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• Questioning/Exploring Gender Identity

• Gender Dysphoria

• Letter Writing for HRT and Surgery

• Intersex Traits

• Transition Support to Adulthood/College

• Neurodivergence

• Adult Autism/ADH (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity) Assessment

• Parenting 

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Adult Autism/ADHD Therapeutic Assessment:  I am trained in adult autism/ADHD assessment. I have a specialty in assessing adults assigned female at birth (AFAB) and gender minority presentations.  The assessment is conducted from a neurodiversity affirming lens. 

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What to expect?

• The therapeutic assessment will begin with you completing intake forms, including a life history form

• You will receive screenings and questionnaires that you will complete online prior to our meeting.  One of these may be sent to a well-known adult (such as partner, close friend or family member) who may offer insight into your day-to-day functioning

• You will be asked to share information about your early development and any school or community-based services you may have received as a child.

• You will be asked to share copies of any previous assessments and/or evaluations

• Throughout the assessment process, communication is encouraged

• You are always welcome to e-mail questions, clarifications or feedback

• It may be helpful to keep a running document to share reflections, additional information, or insights between sessions.

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How is a therapeutic assessment different? 

• Combines structured diagnostic tools with semi-structured, collaborative, attuned conversations

• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive and inclusive of co-occurring diagnoses

• Client assists in developing assessment question(s) ​

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The therapeutic assessment is typically conducted over four (1 hour) sessions. In cases where there is a history of complex trauma or intersecting concerns, additional sessions(s) may be reommended to ensure the safety and thoroughness of the process. Included in the therapeutic assessment:

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• identify client's assessment and non-assessment goals/questions, discuss implications of diagnosis

• Complete MIGDAS-2 (if necessary)

• Review family background and life history

• Complete and review SPM-2 and SRS-2 

• Complete additional assessments as needed (such as Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)

• Review diagnostic formulation

• if there is a question of co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity, additional measures (DIVA 5.0, ASRS, BDEFS, BRIEF) will be used to provide diagnostic clarity​

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​​​The MIGDAS-2 is the primary assessment used for autism assessment, along with the self-assessment tools, CAT-Q and the RAADS-R .  Additional measures to provide a full clinical picture are the SRS-2, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Comprehensive Autistic Inventory (CATI) and the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) 2nd edition.

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Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2)

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• Structured interview process for gathering and organizing the qualitative information needed to diagnose autism in children, adolescents, and adults.
   

• We only administer the version for adults with verbal fluency.
   

• Does NOT provide quantitative results but is a structured format to evaluate individuals for autism.
   

• Can be administered remotely for adults.

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Measurements that may be used to assess for ADHD include the ASRS, the DIVA-5,  BRIEF-A and the BDEFS.

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Benefits of an autism/ADHD diagnosis:

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• a path to self-acceptance

• reinterpretation of experiences and behaviors

• access to resources designed to support autistic community

• feelings of relief as you finally understand yourself and emotions better

• validation and appreciation for your unique neurotype.

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What to expect during the summary review appointment?

• Review your results

• Discuss strategies and interventions for thriving

• Discuss integrating this new information about your neurotype into your identity

• Resource sharing: access support groups, educational materials and local resources

• Answer any questions and/or concerns

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**There is a separate fee ($300 per assessment effective 1/1/26) for measurement interpretation, scoring and review of any previous testing/historical documents that is not covered by insurance.  

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Note: A summary of results is included with the assessment. The summary will include recommendations and resources. If you are seeking a full report, there is an additional cost of $800 (effective 2/1/25), not typically covered by insurance.

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**Federal entitlement programs, such as Social Security Disability, do not accept therapeutic autism and/or ADHD assessment as proof of disability. To qualify for this program, a documented diagnosis from a psychologist, MD and/or nurse practitioner is required.

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Case Consultation: Are you feeling stuck and would like to meet once or twice to get guidance on resources and supports. I offer clinical consultation to individuals, parents and other mental health professionals.

 

Coaching Services: If you reside outside of my areas of licensure, you may use virtual coaching services for brief psychoeducation and/or consultation. Treatment and diagnosis are not available as part of coaching services and these services are not reimbursed by insurance.