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 evaluation 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 100% Virtual
Testing Conducted in person
The testing session is where the formal evaluation takes place. Depending on your child’s age and the concerns that brought you to us, testing typically includes age-appropriate tasks that look at thinking skills, language, and attention, along with questionnaires about your child’s behavior and development that you and, where relevant, their teacher will complete. Your clinician will also observe how your child plays, interacts, and approaches new tasks. Sessions typically last two to four hours. Please make sure your child is well rested and has eaten beforehand, and give any regularly prescribed medications as usual unless your clinician tells you otherwise.
What Testing Looks Like
Your second visit focuses on developmental testing and clinical observation. These activities are not a pass-or-fail experience; they help us better understand your child’s developmental profile, including their strengths, challenges, and how they learn, communicate, and interact with the world around them. The specific activities will be tailored to your child’s age, developmental level, and evaluation needs.
Developmental and cognitive activities: Your child may participate in age-appropriate, structured activities designed to explore areas such as attention, memory, problem-solving, language, and learning.
Parent and caregiver questionnaires: Parents or caregivers may complete questionnaires about their child’s development, behavior, emotional regulation, and everyday functioning. When appropriate, input from teachers or other caregivers may also be included to help us understand how your child functions across settings.
Clinical observations: Your clinician will observe how your child approaches activities, communicates, engages with others, responds to challenges, and navigates different tasks. These observations, together with developmental history and caregiver input, help build a comprehensive understanding of your child’s unique developmental needs.
Summary & Review of Recommendations can be 100% virtual
Your final feedback session is an opportunity to review the evaluation findings with your clinician, discuss any diagnoses and their implications, and ask questions. Your clinician will explain the results and provide individualized, actionable recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and next steps. For school-age children, recommendations may include academic supports and documentation for school-based accommodations. Following the session, your comprehensive written report will be finalized and made available once the remaining balance has been paid, providing you with a clear understanding of the findings and a plan for moving forward.
Early Developmental Evaluation FAQs
At what age should I seek a developmental evaluation for my child?
There is no single right age. If you have concerns about your child’s development, learning, attention, behavior, or social skills, it is worth exploring them sooner rather than later, because understanding what is going on earlier means support can start earlier. At MindWell, we provide developmental evaluations for children ages 4 and up. Families commonly reach out when they notice delays in speech or communication, difficulty with attention or focus, trouble with social connection or flexibility, struggles with learning or school, or a sense that their child is different from other children the same age. You do not need a diagnosis in mind to begin, and you do not need to wait to see whether your child will grow out of it. If your child is younger than 4, we recommend talking with your pediatrician about early intervention services in the meantime, and reaching out to us as your child approaches age 4.
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?
Your feedback appointment is scheduled in advance as part of your testing series. At that appointment, your clinician will review the completed findings and recommendations with you. The comprehensive written report is finalized after feedback and typically takes an additional one to two weeks to prepare. It will be released to you once the final payment has been received.
Does MindWell accept insurance for evaluations?
Psychological evaluations at MindWell are self-pay. We do not bill insurance directly for evaluation services, but we are happy to provide a superbill upon request that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurer in advance to understand your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing. Fees vary depending on the type of evaluation and the provider.
How much does an evaluation cost?
For current fee information, please click on the “More Information” button below. We are happy to discuss your specific concerns and help determine the right evaluation before any financial commitment is required.
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?
Visit www.mindwellcenter.com/getstarted to complete the Evaluation Questionnaire and schedule a phone screen at a time that is convenient for you. During the screen, our care coordination team will gather basic information about your concerns, walk you through the evaluation process, and help determine which assessment is the right 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.
What Our Clients Say - Ithaca, NY
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.
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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.
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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.
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What Our Clients Say - Albany, NY
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.
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What Our Clients Say - Burlington, VT
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.
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Therapy at Mindwell has been professional and helpful. Their friendly office staff is a nice bonus!
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Mindwell has been an incredible resource for our family! The expertise, professionalism, and dedication of the staff is truly unmatched. The psychologist has gone above and beyond to support our child, including through engagement with the school, regular parent-only support sessions, and tailored intensive therapy. All the staff are warm, empathetic, and very responsive to questions and issues that arise. Setting up appointments (both online and in person) is very easy. We are so lucky to have found them.
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