Answers, Up Front
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might be wondering about Mountain Peak Psychology — the process, the cost, and the questions specific to each type of assessment.
Getting Started
General Questions
The big-picture questions about who we are and how we work.
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We specialize in comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental evaluations across the lifespan. This includes assessments for:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (using gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R)
ADHD and executive functioning
Learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia)
Cognitive and neuropsychological concerns (e.g., memory, attention, and processing speed)
Mental health diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
Diagnostic clarification and second opinions
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No, we do not currently provide ongoing therapy services. Our focus is on diagnostic clarity and assessment. However, we offer comprehensive feedback sessions and recommendations, including referrals to therapists or support services when appropriate.
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We conduct evaluations for children (age 2+), adolescents, and adults.
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Our primary office is in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and we also offer evaluation services in Steamboat Springs through a partnership with the Yampa Valley Autism Program. Virtual consultation and follow-up options are available when appropriate.
What to expect
The Evaluation Process
How an evaluation unfolds, from first call to final report.
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Most evaluations follow four stages: an initial intake consultation, one or more testing sessions, a feedback session to discuss your results, and a written report summarizing the findings and our recommendations.
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The full process typically takes between 3 to 4 weeks from your testing day to your final report. If you need results sooner, we can provide rush report services for an additional fee.
Getting Started
Insurance, Cost & Policies
Straight answers on what an evaluation costs and how payment works.
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We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. We can provide a superbill upon request that you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. As a private pay practice, we currently do not accept clients with Medicaid or Medicare.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (using gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R)
ADHD and executive functioning
Learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia)
Cognitive and neuropsychological concerns (e.g., memory, attention, and processing speed)
Mental health diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
Diagnostic clarification and second opinions
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Cost depends on the type and complexity of the evaluation. IQ-only testing for gifted and talented programs starts at $750, with most comprehensive evaluations ranging from $1,500 to $4,500. You'll receive a clear estimate, including a Good Faith Estimate, during your free consultation.
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We require at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations or no-shows with less than 48 hours' notice may incur a fee, and we cannot guarantee a rescheduled slot.
By Evaluation Type
Questions About a Specific Evaluation
Questions that come up most often for each kind of assessment we offer.
Autism EValuation
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We evaluate individuals across the lifespan. Autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as 18–24 months, though many individuals — especially those who masked well — aren't evaluated until adulthood. It is never too late to seek an evaluation.
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The ADOS-2 is considered the gold standard for autism assessment and is included in all of our autism evaluations. It is not the only piece of information we consider — the full evaluation picture matters — but it provides a critical, objective observational component that questionnaires alone cannot capture.
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Absolutely. ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, and a prior ADHD diagnosis does not preclude autism. Our evaluation will consider both and provide diagnostic clarity across all areas of concern.
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With your signed consent, we are happy to share your child's report with their school, teachers, or other providers. Our reports include specific recommendations that schools can use to develop or update IEPs and 504 Plans.
ADHD EValuation
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Most ADHD evaluations are completed in a single testing day, typically ranging from four to eight hours depending on the complexity of the evaluation. Some cases may require a brief follow-up appointment.
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A comprehensive evaluation report from Mountain Peak Psychology can be used to request an IEP (Individualized Education Program), 504 Plan, or other accommodations through your child's school, and we provide specific, actionable recommendations in our reports. That said, we can't guarantee accommodations based on our testing, diagnoses, or recommendations. We provide formal documentation that you can submit, but every workplace and school is different and they may differ in what they can provide or accommodate.
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We are a private pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. However, we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider about your out-of-network benefits before your appointment.
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Absolutely. We offer ADHD evaluations across the lifespan — from young children through older adults. Our evaluation process is adapted to be developmentally appropriate for adults, including attention to work functioning, relationship patterns, and adult-specific challenges.
Learning ability
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Yes. Learning disorders are lifelong conditions, and many adults were never evaluated as children. An adult evaluation is appropriate and the resulting report can be used for academic accommodations in college or graduate school, standardized exam accommodations, and workplace ADA requests.
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An IQ test is one component of a comprehensive learning disorder evaluation, but it is not sufficient on its own to diagnose a learning disorder. A full psychoeducational evaluation also includes academic achievement testing, processing assessments, clinical interview, and rating scales to build a complete picture.
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School-based evaluations are conducted to determine eligibility for special education services and may not include the full range of standardized measures used in a private evaluation. A private evaluation at Mountain Peak Psychology is typically more comprehensive and produces a more detailed report that can be used in a wider range of contexts, including for standardized exam accommodations. We are happy to review any prior testing during our consultation.
Psychological & Personality Evaluation
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Therapy is an ongoing treatment relationship focused on change and healing. A psychological evaluation is a focused assessment process designed to understand and diagnose. Many people pursue an evaluation before starting (or restarting) therapy to ensure they're working with the right therapist using the right approach. We do not provide ongoing therapy at Mountain Peak Psychology, but we can provide referrals.
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Only with your written consent. You are always in control of who receives your evaluation report. Many clients choose to share the report with their prescribing physician, therapist, or other providers to inform treatment.
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Yes. Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and others can be assessed through psychological evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation is actually the most appropriate way to assess for personality disorders, as brief clinical interviews alone are often insufficient for this level of diagnostic nuance.
Gifted & Talented Testing
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GT eligibility criteria vary by district. Many districts use a score at or above the 95th percentile (approximately 125 or higher) as a benchmark, but exact thresholds differ. We recommend checking with your child's school or district for their specific requirements before scheduling.
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We provide GT testing for school-age children, typically ages 6 and up. The specific IQ test used is selected based on your child's age to ensure the most accurate and appropriate measurement. Some preschools also require an IQ score — we can provide testing before the age of 6 if a preschool or daycare is requesting a cognitive evaluation.
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Generally, yes. Our reports are written by a licensed psychologist and include all information typically required by Colorado school districts. However, individual district policies vary, so we recommend confirming with your school in advance.
Adaptive evaluation
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No. An adaptive evaluation includes cognitive testing but adds a structured assessment of real-world daily functioning skills. Both pieces are typically required for disability service eligibility determinations.
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Yes, cognitive testing requires the individual's in-person participation. The adaptive behavior rating scale portion is completed by a parent or caregiver who knows the individual well and can be done before the appointment.
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Our adaptive evaluation report is designed to include the documentation required by Colorado state agencies. However, eligibility determinations are made by the relevant state agency — not by Mountain Peak Psychology. We can speak to this in more detail during your free consultation.
Career evaluation
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Free online tools are typically unvalidated and provide superficial results. Our career evaluation uses the same psychometrically rigorous instruments used in research and clinical practice — tests that have been normed on large, diverse populations and validated against real-world outcomes. The depth of insight is simply not comparable.
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No. Some clients come with a very specific question ("Should I leave medicine for consulting?") and others come with a general sense of dissatisfaction and a wish to understand themselves better. Both are excellent reasons for this evaluation.
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The career evaluation is typically completed in a single day. Testing takes approximately three to five hours, followed by a feedback session scheduled within a few weeks to discuss results and recommendations.