FAQ

Psychological testing is a process in which a psychologist uses a series of standardized and thoroughly researched tests to clarify a mental health diagnosis.

Psychological Testing Vs. Neuropsychological Testing

Psychological testing is a broader term for this process. Neuropsychological testing is a specific branch of testing that focuses on memory issues, impact of brain injury and developmental issues. Some neuropsychological tests are used in psychological testing but not all psychological testing is neuropsychological in nature.

In short, to clarify your diagnosis to make sure you are getting the most appropriate treatment possible. Often times, symptoms overlap one another or mimic others, but the most effective treatments can differ quite a lot. Therefore, testing can help clarify this and give tailored recommendations to help you or your clients achieve their goals and live a happy and successful life.

Other times testing is suggested as part of a process for receiving accommodations or to receive certain medications. Other times testing is suggested to update prior documentation of a mental health condition.

When to Get Testing: 

• Declining performance at school or work
• Therapy feels like it just isn't working
• You and your therapist and/or psychiatrist are unsure where to go next
• Seeking help to identify the right medication for you
• Documentation to establish need for accommodations at school or for standardized testing

Common client experiences before testing:

• Failing multiple classes and on academic probation
• Feeling completely lost
• Tried 10+ kinds of medication
• Spent thousands of dollars on rehab, hospitalizations, and other treatments

Clients have experienced the following After Testing:

• Feeling seen and heard, saying things like "I'm not crazy" or "I wasn't making it up"
• Achieved Dean's List and graduated college
• "I finally found the right therapist and medication."
• "I'm feeling hopeful again for the first time in years."

Reports come in many forms, and they can look differently. The comprehensive reports provided at Big Picture includes 15-30+ pages that contain the following:

• All relevant details of your history discussed with Dr. Hover
• Tables containing test results along with explanations that are easy to understand and explain how it relates to your specific experiences and concerns
• Summary of all the testing results that support diagnostic conclusions
• 1-2 full pages of individualized recommendations including therapists that specialize in treating your concerns, suggestions for medications, recommended books, support groups and online resources tailored to your specific experiences.

Sometimes insurance companies will cover a portion of the testing, but many do not. If they do, they often place limits on the time I can spend with my clients to answer their questions and the types of testing that I can do. In order to provide in-depth comprehensive testing, I do not accept insurance.

I keep an itemized list of the hours spent so that if you would like to submit to your insurance for out-of-network benefits, you may do so. It is the responsibility of the client to submit this information to their insurance company and to be aware of their out-of-network benefits ahead of time. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card to get more information.

Information about the "No Surprises Act" can be found at www.cms.gov/nosurprisesact/consumer. In accordance with the rules and regulations provided in this act, please review the No Surprises Act Notice. You can also request this form by emailing Dr. Hover at [email protected].

• Many insurance companies do not provide coverage for testing or place strict limits on the type of tests I can provide, regardless of the complexity.
• Many insurance providers require a diagnosis that becomes part of your record. This is not always applicable for therapy.
• In order to accept insurance, I would have to see a higher number of clients each week/month. By not accepting insurance, I can dedicate more time and energy to my clients and outside trainings to provide the best services I can.

There is plenty of easy street parking in the area. The office is also easily accessible by public transportation. The Montrose Brown Line is nearby and you can also get there by bus. There is a parking lot near Dr. Hover’s office. However, this is the restaurant next door. Please do not park there, your car will be towed.