Steps in the Evaluation Process at Hatch’s:

•    Preliminary Paperwork: When the first appointment is made, a packet of New Guest Information will be mailed to the guest’s home. The New Guest Information packet includes questionnaires regarding the guest’s developmental, medical, and academic history, as well as behavior rating scales to be completed by parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers, or other collateral sources (i.e., spouse, therapist).

 

In order to best serve our guests, it is imperative that the New Guest Information packet be completed in its entirety and returned to the psychologist at the beginning of the intake appointment. Failure to do so will cause a delay in the evaluation process.

 

•    Intake: The first appointment will last approximately 45-60 minutes. The psychologist will review the preliminary paperwork, obtain additional history information, and understand specific areas of strength and concern. The intake should be attended only by the parent(s)/guardian(s) if the guest is under the age of 18.  Childcare may be available but must be scheduled prior to the appointment.

 

•    Direct Testing: After the intake appointment is completed, the guest will be scheduled for a 2-hour appointment to begin the direct testing.  At Hatch’s all testing is conducted by a licensed psychologist and in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. The typical evaluation will require at least one follow-up appointment in order to complete the direct testing portion of the evaluation.

 

Guests may be allowed several short breaks during the direct testing and are welcome to bring snacks and a drink. Parents of younger children generally stay in the waiting room; however, parents of older children are welcome to leave if the child is comfortable. We ask that parents to always leave a cell phone number if they plan to leave and prepare to return 15 minutes prior to the end of the appointment.

•    Feedback: After the direct testing is completed, the psychologist will meet with the guest or the guest’s parent(s)/guardian(s), if the guest is under the age of 18, for a 60-90 minute feedback session.

 

Specific results and information obtained through the direct testing, a review of intake information and pertinent records, collateral behavior rating scales, and behavioral observations will be discussed by the psychologist. Additionally, the psychologist will provide specific recommendations based on the results and diagnosis (i.e. interpersonal therapy, academic coaching services, IEP assistance for academic accommodations at school, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy, physical therapy, medication management, etc.).

 

A formal written report with background information and concerns as well as specific results, diagnosis, and recommendations will also be provided to the guest or his/her parents/guardians.

 

•    After the Feedback: For guests who have gone through the evaluation process, Hatch’s will provide in-house services and interventions recommended in the report. If Hatch’s providers are unable to meet the guests’ needs, linkage to services in the community will be provided at no cost.

 

With permission, the psychologist and staff will be glad to provide a copy of this report to physicians, treatment providers, and school personnel for the purpose of continuity of care and to ensure treatment goals are met.

 

An Individual Intervention Plan (IIP) meeting with the psychologist, the guest (or his/her parents/guardians if the guest is a child), and current and future treatment providers (e.g., academic coach, therapists) may be scheduled after the feedback appointment to coordinate care for the guest.

 

A follow-up evaluation is recommended within 12-18 months to monitor progress with maturation and interventions.