WHATCOM THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
Practice Location:
1155 North State St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 29912
Bellingham, WA 98228
Psychological Evaluation Information
What is an evaluation appointment like?
Psychological evaluations typically include three appointments, but your evaluation may require more or less depending on the specific details of your situation. The first appointment is typically one hour and allows your provider to gather information about your history and the need for an evaluation. There will be questions about your symptoms and life experiences. The accuracy of your evaluation depends on your ability to be honest and open during both the interview and the testing portions of the evaluation.
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Testing occurs during one or two following appointments, which are typically two to three hours each. These tests will include both computer based assessments, hands on tests such as puzzles, as well as some paper and pencil tests. The tests will be challenging, and it is important that you do your best. At the final appointment, which typically occurs two to three weeks after your final testing appointment, you will be provided information about your test results, any applicable diagnoses, and recommendations for next steps in treatment. You will be provided with a report of your test scores to keep.
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For children under age 10, the first and last appointments will be held with the parent(s)/guardian(s) without the child present. In specific cases, this may also be appropriate for children over age 10.
How should I prepare for testing?
In order for you to perform your best on these tests, and for your provider to have the most accurate measurement of your true ability, it is recommended that you get plenty of sleep the night before a testing appointment. It will also assist with an accurate evaluation if you eat a filling meal and drink plenty of water before your testing appointment so that your intellectual performance is not hindered by lack of energy or dehydration.
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Medications and substances, including caffeine, could possibly impact test results. Please consume your typical amount of caffeine on test days. Testing cannot be completed within a two week period of marijuana use, please plan accordingly. Anxiety and depression medications do not need to be adjusted for testing; please continue to take as prescribed. If you are being prescribed a stimulant medication, it will be okay to take your medication on some test days, but not others. Please inquire prior to your testing appointment if it is not clear whether or not your medication will impact your test results.
Psychological Evaluation Information
When can I be evaluated?
Dr. Anderson maintains a waitlist for evaluations. Those being added to the waitlist at this time can expect to be evaluated in late summer of 2024. Please call the WTS office at 360-488-2713, opt 1 and leave a voicemail, after verifying Dr. Anderson is in network with your insurance, to be added to the waitlist. If you need an evaluation on a quicker timeline, please see the "Referrals" tab on this website for alternate evaluation options.
What is an evaluation appointment like?
Psychological evaluations typically include three appointments, but your evaluation may require more or less depending on the specific details of your situation. The first appointment is typically one hour and allows your provider to gather information about your history and the need for an evaluation. There will be questions about your symptoms and life experiences. The accuracy of your evaluation depends on your ability to be honest and open during both the interview and the testing portions of the evaluation.
​
Testing occurs during one or two following appointments, which are typically two to three hours each. These tests will include both computer based assessments, hands on tests such as puzzles, as well as some paper and pencil tests. The tests will be challenging, and it is important that you do your best. At the final appointment, which typically occurs two to three weeks after your final testing appointment, you will be provided information about your test results, any applicable diagnoses, and recommendations for next steps in treatment. You will be provided with a report of your test scores to keep.
​
For children under age 10, the first and last appointments will be held with the parent(s)/guardian(s) without the child present. In specific cases, this may also be appropriate for children over age 10.
How should I prepare for testing?
In order for you to perform your best on these tests, and for your provider to have the most accurate measurement of your true ability, it is recommended that you get plenty of sleep the night before a testing appointment. It will also assist with an accurate evaluation if you eat a filling meal and drink plenty of water before your testing appointment so that your intellectual performance is not hindered by lack of energy or dehydration.
​
Medications and substances, including caffeine, could possibly impact test results. Please consume your typical amount of caffeine on test days. Testing cannot be completed within a two week period of marijuana use, please plan accordingly. Anxiety and depression medications do not need to be adjusted for testing; please continue to take as prescribed. If you are being prescribed a stimulant medication, it will be okay to take your medication on some test days, but not others. Please inquire prior to your testing appointment if it is not clear whether or not your medication will impact your test results.