Evaluations
Acerca de
Our dedicated team of Youth & Family Clinicians specialize in crafting comprehensive evaluations. Equipped with training in forensic social work, we have cultivated experience collaborating closely with Harrisonburg-Rockingham Juvenile Domestic Relations court and local courts in surrounding counties. What sets our evaluations apart is our commitment to truly understanding each individual. Through multiple in-depth consultations with the client, we strive to unearth personalized recommendations that can support and empower individuals towards success.
Evaluations Offered:
Child Comprehensive Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation for children is a thorough evaluation conducted by licensed-eligible or licensed clinicians to gain a comprehensive understanding of a child's psychological and emotional well-being. This assessment involves assessing various factors such as the child's developmental history, family dynamics, school performance, social interactions, emotional functioning, and any signs of behavioral or psychological concerns. It typically includes interviews with the child, parents or guardians, and sometimes teachers or caregivers. Standardized assessment tools and observations may also be utilized. The goal is to evaluate the child's overall mental health, identify any potential mental health disorders or developmental challenges, assess the impact on the child's daily life and functioning, and explore strengths and coping mechanisms. This comprehensive assessment serves as a crucial foundation for creating the best recommendations to address the child's unique needs and support their mental and emotional growth.
​
​​​​​​​​​​
​​
​​​​​​​Parental Capacity Evaluation
A parental capacity evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a licensed or licensed-eligible clinician to evaluate a parent's ability to meet the needs of their child or children in various aspects of caregiving. This evaluation involves an in-depth examination of the parent's emotional, psychological, and practical capabilities to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.
It includes assessments of parenting skills, psychological testing, mental health status, substance abuse history, communication abilities, and understanding of the child's developmental needs. The goal is to determine the parent's strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately make recommendations that promote the best interests of the child within the context of the family dynamic and legal framework.
​​
​
What to Expect from a PCE (PDF)​
Click the image to the right to download this PDF guide to provide to any clients you may be referring for an evaluation
​​​
​
Adult Comprehensive Evaluation:
An adult comprehensive evaluation is an extensive evaluation conducted by licensed or licensed-eligible clinicians to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's mental and emotional well-being. It encompasses a wide range of aspects, including an individual's psychological history, current mental health symptoms, social support systems, physical health, substance use history, and any past or ongoing traumas. The assessment typically involves in-depth interviews, standardized questionnaires, psychological testing, observations, and sometimes collaboration with other providers.
The aim is to provide a holistic view of the person's mental health, identifying any potential mental health disorders, assessing the severity of symptoms, exploring past treatment experiences, and discerning individual strengths and coping mechanisms. This comprehensive understanding guides the development of tailored recommendations to address the person's unique mental health needs and improve overall well-being.​
​
​​​​​​​Child Custody Evaluations
A child custody evaluation is a thorough evaluation conducted by a clinician to provide insights and recommendations regarding the custody and visitation arrangements for a child during a divorce or separation. This evaluation involves a comprehensive examination of various aspects of the child's life, including their relationships with each parent, their emotional and psychological well-being, adjustment to their current living situation, academic performance, and any special needs they may have. The evaluation process usually comprises interviews with the child, parents or guardians, and often significant individuals in the child's life, such as teachers or therapists. Observations and sometimes psychological testing may also be utilized to gather a well-rounded understanding of the child's circumstances.
The objective of the child custody evaluation is to assist the court in making informed decisions that prioritize the child's best interests, considering factors like the child's safety, stability, and the ability of each parent to provide a nurturing and supportive environment.​
​
​​​​​​​ADHD Testing:
ADHD testing refers to a comprehensive assessment conducted to diagnose Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in individuals, typically children but also adults. It involves a thorough evaluation of a person's attention span, impulse control, activity levels, and overall cognitive functioning. The assessment often incorporates a combination of techniques, including clinical interviews, behavioral observations, standardized questionnaires, and sometimes cognitive testing. Parents, teachers, and other relevant individuals may be asked to provide valuable insights and observations regarding the individual's behavior and functioning across different settings. The aim of ADHD testing is to determine the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms and ascertain if they significantly impact an individual's daily life, academic or occupational performance, and social interactions. Accurate diagnosis through this testing process is crucial for formulating appropriate treatment plans and interventions to help individuals manage and cope with the challenges associated with ADHD.
​​
Interested in an Evaluation with RFS?
If you are seeking or have been court-ordered to complete an evaluation, please complete our referral and a clinician will be in touch to discuss availability and the evaluation process.
​​
