Early Developmental Evaluations
in New York and Vermont
The early years are critical. When concerns arise around language, motor skills, social engagement, or behavior, an accurate evaluation as early as possible makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
MindWell’s licensed clinicians conduct comprehensive developmental evaluations for young children across New York and Vermont. Every assessment includes a detailed written report and a dedicated review session to walk through findings and next steps with your family.
MindWell specializes in early development in New York and Vermont, offering expert support for young children and their families. Our team provides evidence-based evaluations and guidance to help identify and address developmental concerns early on. We are committed to fostering healthy growth, learning, and emotional well-being during these crucial early years.
Understanding Early Development
The first years of a child’s life are among the most consequential. Cognitive, language, social, and motor skills develop rapidly during this period — and the foundation built in these early years shapes how a child learns, relates to others, and navigates the world as they grow.
When development unfolds differently than expected, early identification matters. Concerns around language delays, social engagement, motor development, or behavior are often most effectively addressed when caught and supported early — before challenges compound across developmental stages.
An evaluation is not about finding what is wrong. It is about understanding where a child is, what they need, and how to best support their growth from this point forward.
What to Expect During Your Child's Developmental Evaluation
Intake Session Can be completed virtually
Your first appointment is a comprehensive clinical interview with one of our licensed clinicians. We will gather detailed information about your child’s developmental history, current concerns, and daily functioning — at home, in childcare or school, and in social settings. Parents and caregivers are central to this conversation. The more context you can share, the more tailored and accurate the evaluation will be. This session gives us the full picture we need to design your child’s individualized assessment.
Testing Conducted in person
The testing session is where the formal evaluation takes place. Depending on your child’s age and the areas of concern, testing typically includes standardized developmental and cognitive measures, language and motor assessments, behavioral observations, and rating scales completed by parents and, where applicable, teachers or childcare providers. Sessions are paced to your child’s needs and typically last two to three hours. We recommend scheduling at a time of day when your child is typically well-rested and at their best.
What Testing Looks Like
Testing is not a pass or fail — it is a structured way of understanding how your child is developing and where additional support may be helpful. Here is what to expect:
Developmental & Cognitive Tasks — Your child will complete a series of age-appropriate activities that assess language, reasoning, memory, attention, and problem-solving. Tasks are designed to feel accessible and engaging, and are adapted to your child’s developmental level throughout the session.
Motor & Adaptive Assessments — Where relevant, clinicians will assess fine and gross motor skills, as well as adaptive functioning — how your child manages everyday tasks like dressing, eating, and following routines.
Behavioral Rating Scales — Parents, caregivers, and teachers will complete structured questionnaires about your child’s behavior, social engagement, communication, and daily functioning across settings. These provide essential context that cannot be captured in a single office visit.
Clinical Observation — Your clinician will observe how your child engages with tasks, responds to transitions, communicates, and interacts throughout the session. These observations are a critical component of the overall evaluation.
Summary & Review of Recommendations Can be completed virtually
Once testing is complete and scored, your clinician will prepare a comprehensive written report. You will then meet to review the findings together — including a clear explanation of results, any diagnoses, and specific, actionable recommendations for next steps. Recommendations will address therapeutic supports, early intervention services, school accommodations, and community resources as appropriate. You will leave this appointment with a full copy of your child’s report and a clear path forward.
Key Advantages of Early Support
Early Developmental Evaluation FAQs
At what age should I seek a developmental evaluation for my child?
MindWell conducts ADHD evaluations for individuals ages 4 and up. While some children begin showing signs of ADHD around the time they start school, many families seek an evaluation later when symptoms are more clearly affecting academic or home functioning. For adults, ADHD often goes unrecognized until the demands of independent living make it harder to compensate — a diagnosis at any age can lead to meaningful improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.
What kinds of concerns lead families to seek a developmental evaluation?
Families commonly seek developmental evaluations when a child is not meeting language or communication milestones, is showing limited social engagement or eye contact, has delays in motor development, exhibits significant behavioral challenges, or has been flagged by a pediatrician, childcare provider, or early intervention specialist for further assessment.
What does an early developmental evaluation at MindWell include?
A developmental evaluation includes a comprehensive intake interview with parents and caregivers, in-person developmental and cognitive testing appropriate to the child’s age, motor and adaptive functioning assessments where indicated, structured behavioral observations, and parent and caregiver rating scales. The evaluation concludes with a full written report and a review session to walk families through findings and next steps.
What happens after the evaluation?
Following the evaluation, you will receive a detailed written report and meet with your clinician to review findings and recommendations. Recommendations may include referrals to early intervention services, speech or occupational therapy, school-based supports, or clinical treatment at MindWell. Families leave with a clear understanding of their child’s profile and a concrete plan for next steps.
Where are evaluations conducted?
All in-person testing is conducted at MindWell’s Albany, New York office. Intake sessions and feedback appointments can be completed virtually for clients who are not local or prefer the convenience of a remote visit. In-person attendance at our Albany office is required for the testing session itself.
How long does the evaluation process take?
The full evaluation process — from intake through feedback — typically spans four weeks. Testing sessions generally range from two to five hours depending on the type of evaluation and the age of the individual being assessed. Some evaluations may be completed across two sessions.
How long does it take to receive my report?
Following the completion of testing, clinicians typically require two to three weeks to score, interpret, and write a comprehensive report. Your feedback appointment will be scheduled once the report is complete.
Does MindWell accept insurance for evaluations?
At this time, MindWell is unable to bill insurance directly for psychological evaluation services. We provide superbills upon request, which clients can submit to their insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to understand your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing.
How much does an evaluation cost?
Evaluation fees vary depending on the type and scope of the assessment. For current fee information, please visit our Evaluation Fees page. We are happy to discuss your specific concerns and help determine which evaluation is the right fit before any financial commitment is made.
Do I need a referral to schedule an evaluation?
No referral is required to schedule an evaluation at MindWell. You are welcome to contact us directly to get started. For families with young children, we do recommend consulting with your pediatrician first, as they may have completed initial screenings that provide useful context for the evaluation.
How do I get started? Ready to take the next step?
Book your intake appointment here. Our care coordination team will gather basic information about your concerns, walk you through the evaluation process, and determine which assessment is the best fit for your needs.
What if the results are not what I expected?
Our evaluations are open-ended and guided by the data gathered — the outcome may not always align with a diagnosis you anticipated or currently self-identify with. Regardless of the findings, your clinician will provide clear, honest feedback and recommendations that reflect your or your child’s unique strengths, needs, and ways of engaging with the world.
Does MindWell take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to evaluations?
Yes. MindWell is committed to providing comprehensive, strengths-based, and neurodivergent-affirming evaluations. We use a combination of standardized tools and in-depth clinical interviews to understand both objective data and each individual’s lived experience. Our goal is always to give you an accurate and useful picture of how a person thinks and experiences the world — not reduce them to a set of deficits.
Ithaca, NY - Stories
My experience with MindWell has been wonderful. The client coordinating team worked to ensure I met a therapist best suited for my needs, and the clinicians I have seen are caring individuals whose scientific based approach to mental health have helped me tremendously. MindWell has changed therapy for me, and I feel so fortunate to have them here in Ithaca.
- shoshana c.
The pandemic among other things put a strain on our marriage and finding out about MindWell was at the perfect time. After filling out online, we talked to an intake specialist and were matched with a therapist which we are both extremely happy with. It has been a positive experience and we are working everyday to better our relationship and it's because of MindWell that we now know we can make it.
- clara s.
My therapist at MindWell Psychology is an exceptionally skilled counselor. I have faith in her abilities and am convinced that she is able to put customers at ease and give them the impression that they are supported no matter what they are going through.
- robin s.
When our daughter started having some drastic behavior changes, we reached out to MindWell and after the initial intake; she was matched with someone and we are finally seeing some differences in her. She talks openly about how she enjoys going to therapy. So happy with her progress.
- addison b.
Albany, NY - Stories
I am a psychologist in MA and worked with/know personally several of the Psychologists at MindWell including, Christina Colgary, Lizzie O'Rourke, and Emilee Valler. They are remarkable clinicians and I have referred several people in NY to their practice. Highly recommend considering Mindwell for your or your child's therapy needs!
- Rachel M.
This is an overall fantastic and conscientious organization. My family's experience has been nothing but positive. Intake was smooth and scheduling is simple and organized. They were taking new patients which was already an uncommon feature! Our therapist was a perfect match and they were clearly well supported by Mindwell admins and management which allowed them to focus on giving their best.
- A M.
Burlington, VT - Stories
Mindwell has provided excellent in-person and on-line therapy services for members of my family for the last year. We cannot speak highly enough about the professionalism and care provided by the therapist, the patient care coordination team and the Mindwell management team. They have helped turned a difficult situation into something manageable and ultimately positive.
- sarah g.
Therapy at Mindwell has been professional and helpful. Their friendly office staff is a nice bonus!
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