Not All Testing Is Equal: How to Choose the Right Psychologist for Psychological & Learning Evaluations

May 28

A good psychological evaluation can open doors, to therapy that actually works, to school accommodations that fit, to medication that makes a difference. But a weak or rushed evaluation? That can leave you more confused than when you started.

At Clarity Psychological Testing, we’ve seen both—and we’re here to help you choose wisely.

First: Not Everyone Offering “Testing” Is Actually Qualified

Many therapy centers advertise psychological testing, but most are run by clinicians who are not licensed psychologists.

Only a PhD or PsyD psychologist is trained and legally qualified to administer and interpret psychological and neuropsychological assessments.

If your child’s testing was performed by a social worker, counselor, or “coach,” it may not meet the standards required by:

Public schools in Massachusetts
Courts for custody or disability
Psychiatrists for medication decisions

What Makes a Great Evaluation?

Here’s what to look for in a high-quality neuropsychological or learning disability assessment, whether you’re in Kingston MA, North Reading MA, or anywhere in the state:

1. Conducted by a Licensed Psychologist

This isn’t optional. It’s foundational. Our team at Clarity is led by doctoral-level psychologists with years of assessment training.

2. Customized Testing Battery

No cookie-cutter checklists here. Every client’s battery is designed based on their specific challenges—whether it’s reading disorders, autism spectrum symptoms, or executive functioning problems.

3. Multiple Data Sources

We combine:

Clinical interviews
Standardized testing (e.g., WISC-V, WAIS, TOVA, CVLT-3, MMPI)
School records or teacher input
Family/collateral interviews

4. Actionable Results

We deliver more than diagnoses. Our reports outline:

Targeted therapy recommendations (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR)
IEP/504 eligibility for learning disabilities
Guidance for prescribers choosing medications

5. Quick Turnaround + Support

We provide:

Reports in 10–14 business days
School- and provider-ready summaries
A 1:1 feedback session to help you fully understand your results

Red Flags to Avoid

Fast “results” in under a week
No psychologist listed in their bio
Generic, copy-paste reports
Lack of specific, practical recommendations
No follow-up or consult after testing

Why Families and Providers Choose Clarity

At Clarity Psychological Testing, we offer:

Comprehensive psychological evaluations in Kingston MA and North Reading MA
Fast, friendly scheduling
Reports that mean something—to you, your provider, and your school district

Whether your child is struggling to read, zoning out in class, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, our job is to get to the root of it—and help you take confident next steps.

Ready to schedule an evaluation or learn more?
[📍 Request an Evaluation in Kingston or North Reading]

Colleen Long