Psychological Testing & Evaluations in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
When something feels unclear, whether you are trying to understand your child's school struggles, your own patterns of attention and focus, or whether autism may be part of the picture, a psychological evaluation can turn confusion into a path forward. At It Begins Within, our psychological testing and evaluations help children, teens and adults gain the clarity and practical recommendations they need to make informed decisions at school, work, and in treatment moving forward.
We provide testing and evaluation services across our Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota offices, with coordinated scheduling available for families across Florida. Every evaluation is clinically directed and carefully matched to the question you are actually trying to answer. We do not offer self-serve menus or one-size-fits-all batteries. Your psychologist determines the appropriate assessment approach based on your referral question, prior testing history, and the outcomes you are hoping for.
When a Psychological Evaluation Can Help
You may be seeking an evaluation because of concerns such as:
Persistent difficulty with focus, follow-through, organization, or impulsivity at school, work, or home
Academic struggles in reading, writing, math, or executive functioning that are not improving with standard support
Questions about autism spectrum traits, social communication, or sensory patterns
Concerns about developmental milestones, school readiness, or early learning
A need for gifted testing or cognitive assessment
Emotional, behavioral, or regulation concerns that are affecting daily life
Uncertainty about what diagnosis, support plan, or accommodations may be appropriate
For some families, the goal is simply clarity. For others, the goal is treatment planning, school advocacy, 504 or IEP support, placement decisions, or accommodations for standardized tests, college entrance exams, graduate programs, or professional licensing boards. Your evaluation should fit the actual question you are trying to answer, not a generic template.
Types of Psychological Evaluations We Offer
Gifted Testing in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
For children and adults who want to better understand intellectual functioning or pursue gifted eligibility, our gifted testing ranges from a focused IQ assessment to a more extensive cognitive measure. Instrument selection is made clinically based on your referral question and any prior testing history, rather than offered as a menu choice.
Learning Disability Evaluation
Our learning disability evaluations help clarify whether reading, writing, or math challenges may reflect a specific learning disorder such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. These evaluations typically include cognitive testing, academic achievement testing, clinical interviews, records review, and a written report with recommendations for school, home, and intervention.
ADHD Evaluation
We provide comprehensive ADHD testing for school-age children, adolescents and teens, and adults. These go well beyond a rating scale or a brief checklist and are designed to distinguish ADHD from the many conditions that can look similar, including anxiety, trauma, learning disorders, and executive functioning challenges. Depending on age and goals, the evaluation may include cognitive testing, academic testing, rating scales completed by you and others who know you well, continuous performance testing, and structured clinical interviews.
If you are primarily seeking ongoing therapy support for ADHD rather than a diagnostic evaluation, our ADHD therapy program may be a better starting point.
Autism Spectrum Evaluation
Our autism testing services are built to provide a complete understanding of social communication, behavioral patterns, adaptive functioning, and related developmental concerns. We use recognized diagnostic instruments along with structured clinical interviews, parent and teacher rating scales when relevant, and adaptive behavior measures. For school-age children, academic testing is typically part of the evaluation because educational planning is usually part of the referral. For adults, academic testing is not included unless accommodations are a goal.
Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluation
When more than one concern may be present, for example a child who shows signs of both ADHD and a learning disability along with emotional regulation struggles, a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is often the right fit. These evaluations are especially valuable for children, adolescents, and college students who need a broader picture of functioning along with detailed educational recommendations.
Neuropsychological Evaluation
For adults and children who need a broader cognitive and functional assessment, we offer neuropsychological evaluations using an extended battery and a detailed interpretive report. Please note that cases involving traumatic brain injury, dementia, or Alzheimer-related concerns are referred out to specialty neuropsychology practices that focus on those populations.
Developmental Evaluation
For younger children, developmental evaluations can help identify concerns related to milestones, early neurodevelopmental patterns, adaptive skills, and school readiness. These are often most helpful during the preschool years when parents want clear next steps and age-appropriate recommendations.
ADHD Testing and Evaluation
An ADHD evaluation can help adults better understand longstanding difficulties with attention, organization, time management, impulsivity, or completing everyday responsibilities. Although these experiences are commonly associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they can also overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, and other concerns.
At It Begins Within Healing Center, ADHD evaluations are conducted by our licensed psychologist. The goal is to understand your symptoms in context, determine whether they meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and identify other possible explanations for the difficulties you are experiencing.
What happens during an adult ADHD evaluation?
The evaluation may include a comprehensive clinical interview, standardized questionnaires, a review of your developmental, educational, and occupational history, and additional assessment measures when clinically appropriate. Understanding whether symptoms were present earlier in life and how they affect functioning across different settings is an important part of the process.
Following the evaluation, you receive feedback about the findings and a written report documenting the assessment results, diagnostic conclusions, and individualized recommendations. Not every evaluation results in an ADHD diagnosis. The purpose is to arrive at an accurate clinical understanding rather than confirm a diagnosis in advance.
An ADHD evaluation is more comprehensive than an online screening quiz and does not automatically result in a medication prescription. Depending on the findings, recommendations may include psychotherapy, skills-based interventions, additional assessment, or consultation with a qualified medical prescriber.
For adults interested in ongoing support, our ADHD therapy services can help address challenges with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and everyday responsibilities. Therapy and medication management are separate, optional services.
Psychologist in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Christine Pickering, Ph.D., BCBA, NCSP
Dr. Christine Pickering leads psychological testing and evaluation services at It Begins Within Healing Center. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida (PY8409) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, with a doctorate from the University of Florida and more than 17 years of clinical practice across public schools, hospital settings, and private practice. Dr. Pickering specializes in the evaluation and treatment of learning, emotional, and behavioral difficulties, with deep experience supporting children, adolescents, and young adults from preschool through college.
What is Included in a Psychological Evaluation?
The exact testing process depends on your referral question, but most evaluations at IBWHC include some combination of the following:
A structured clinical interview with you, and when relevant, your child
Records review, including any prior testing, school documents, or medical history
Cognitive testing, including IQ and related abilities
Academic achievement testing when educational planning is part of the goal
Social, emotional, and behavioral rating scales completed by you and others who know you well
Adaptive behavior assessment
Continuous performance testing when relevant
Autism-specific assessment tools when indicated
A feedback session to review findings in a clear, conversational format
A written report with diagnostic impressions, testing results, and practical recommendations
Our goal is not simply to generate a diagnostic label. It is to give you a report you can actually use, whether that means a school meeting, a treatment plan with your therapist, a conversation with your psychiatric provider, or documentation for accommodations.
Three Steps to Determining the Right Evaluation For You
1. What is the referral question?
Are you trying to understand ADHD, autism, giftedness, a learning disability, a developmental concern, or a layered mix of issues? The referral question shapes the testing plan more than any other factor.
2. Has prior testing already been completed?
If so, we want to know what was tested, when, and whether the report is available for review. The same cognitive or academic instrument generally cannot be readministered within twelve months, which directly affects what is clinically appropriate now.
3. What outcomes are you hoping for?
Diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, school advocacy, IEP or 504 support, placement decisions, standardized test accommodations, licensing board accommodations. Each of these has different documentation requirements, and those requirements directly affect whether academic testing is included.
Psychological Testing Across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota
Psychologist in Tampa
Our Tampa psychology and counseling office offers psychological testing and evaluations for families across Hillsborough County, including South Tampa, Hyde Park, Westshore, Carrollwood, Brandon, Riverview, and Wesley Chapel. Common Tampa referrals include gifted testing for children in competitive academic settings, adult ADHD therapy and evaluations for executives and high-achieving professionals, psychoeducational assessments for students facing academic challenges, and autism evaluations for school-age children whose teachers or pediatrician has recommended formal assessment.
Psychologist in St. Petersburg
If you are searching for ADHD testing or psychoeducational evaluations in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or the surrounding Pinellas County area, It Begins Within Healing Center can help you explore appropriate psychological assessment services.
Our St. Petersburg office is located at 12425 28th Street North, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, conveniently situated for individuals and families throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and neighboring communities.
Psychological evaluations are conducted by our licensed psychologist and may help clarify concerns involving attention, learning, academic performance, and related cognitive or emotional functioning. The specific assessment process depends on the referral question, the individual's age, and the areas that require further evaluation.
Psychologist in Sarasota
Our Sarasota therapy and psychology office supports families in Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, University Park, Osprey, Nokomis, and Venice. Sarasota families often come to us for gifted testing, comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, autism evaluations for children and adolescents, and adult ADHD assessments with accommodations documentation for college and professional licensing.
Important Differences Between Child and Adult Evaluations
For school-age children
Academic testing is typically standard for ADHD and autism evaluations because school performance and educational recommendations are usually central to the referral question.
For adults
Academic testing is typically included only when accommodations or academic planning are part of the goal. This includes college, graduate school, licensing boards, and professional certification exams. Adults seeking diagnostic clarity and treatment planning alone often do not need academic testing, which reduces both time and cost.
For complex referrals
When the presenting concerns are layered or unclear, the psychologist determines the most appropriate evaluation approach during the intake. This ensures the testing plan is clinically sound rather than oversimplified or unnecessarily expanded.
Learn more about our comprehensive child counseling programs
A Practice Built on Specialist Depth
At It Begins Within, our psychological testing services are part of a larger clinical vision led by founder and clinical director Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC. Dr. Perleoni has personally vetted every clinician on our team, and our psychological testing services continue that standard. When you work with our practice, your evaluation does not sit in isolation. If therapy, psychiatric care, or school advocacy is part of your next step, our broader team can help coordinate care in a way few independent testing practices can match.
We are a cash-pay practice, and for evaluations specifically, that is a meaningful clinical advantage. We are not required to assign a diagnosis simply to justify coverage, and we are not limited by insurance authorization windows. You receive the evaluation that actually answers your question, on a schedule that fits your family. Many clients find this approach produces a faster report with fewer restrictions on the clinical scope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychological Testing
Where can I get ADHD testing in St. Petersburg or Clearwater?
It Begins Within Healing Center provides ADHD testing for individuals in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area through our licensed psychologist. Evaluations can help children, teens, and adults better understand difficulties with attention, organization, and executive functioning. Contact our team to confirm which office will accommodate your evaluation and discuss the appropriate assessment process.
Do you offer adult ADHD testing in Sarasota?
Adult ADHD testing is offered through It Begins Within Healing Center for individuals in the Sarasota area. Our licensed psychologist conducts comprehensive evaluations to clarify symptoms, consider alternative explanations, and provide diagnostic findings and recommendations. Contact our team to confirm appointment availability at our Sarasota office and whether any portions of the evaluation can be completed virtually.
What happens during an adult ADHD evaluation?
An adult ADHD evaluation typically includes a clinical interview, standardized questionnaires, and a review of developmental, educational, and occupational history. Additional assessment measures may be included when appropriate. Our licensed psychologist evaluates how symptoms affect daily functioning, considers other possible explanations, and provides feedback and a written report with findings and recommendations.
How long does adult ADHD testing take?
Adult ADHD testing generally involves one or more appointments, followed by a feedback session and written report. The number and length of appointments depend on the complexity of the referral question, previous testing, and the assessment measures needed. Our psychologist can explain the anticipated process and scheduling requirements during your initial consultation.
Can a therapist diagnose ADHD?
Qualified licensed mental health professionals may diagnose ADHD within their professional scope of practice, but comprehensive psychological testing is a distinct service. At It Begins Within Healing Center, formal ADHD evaluations are conducted by our licensed psychologist. Therapists can provide ongoing treatment and support for ADHD-related difficulties, including executive functioning, emotional regulation, and behavioral challenges.
Are online ADHD quizzes accurate?
Online ADHD quizzes may help identify symptoms associated with ADHD, but they cannot establish a diagnosis or reliably distinguish ADHD from other conditions. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and sleep difficulties can produce overlapping symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation considers your clinical history, functional difficulties, and other relevant factors to develop a more accurate understanding of your experiences.
Can I get medication after an ADHD diagnosis?
An ADHD diagnosis can help inform a conversation with a qualified medical prescriber about treatment options, including medication. However, a diagnosis does not automatically mean medication is necessary or appropriate. Medication decisions require a separate medical evaluation. It Begins Within Healing Center offers medication management as a separate service, depending on clinical appropriateness and provider availability.
Can an ADHD evaluation help with work or college accommodations?
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation can provide documentation that may support requests for workplace or college accommodations. Written reports can describe diagnostic findings, functional limitations, and recommendations. However, employers, educational institutions, and testing organizations establish their own documentation requirements and make final accommodation decisions. Discuss your accommodation goals with the psychologist before testing begins.
How do I know which psychological evaluation is right for me or my child?
You do not need to figure that out alone. During the intake for our psych evaluation, we work with you on three questions. What are you trying to understand? Has any prior testing been completed? What outcomes are you hoping for? Those three answers guide the recommendation.
Do adults and young adults always need academic testing?
No. Adults typically need academic testing only when accommodations or academic planning are part of the goal, for example college, graduate school, licensing exams, or standardized test accommodations. If the evaluation is for diagnostic clarity and treatment planning only, academic testing is usually not necessary.
Can prior testing affect scheduling?
Yes. If the same cognitive or academic instrument was administered within the past twelve months, it generally cannot be re-administered. We review prior reports before scheduling so the new testing plan is clinically appropriate.
Do you accept insurance for psychological testing?
We are a private-pay practice and do not bill insurance. For evaluations specifically, this is often an advantage. We are not required to assign a diagnosis for billing purposes and we are not limited by authorization windows. Many families find private-pay testing produces a faster report with fewer clinical restrictions.
Do you provide psychological evaluations for both children and adults?
Yes. Our team conducts evaluations for school-age children, adolescents, college students, and adults. Evaluation design differs by age, especially in whether academic testing is part of the standard battery.
Do you provide written reports and recommendations?
Yes. Every evaluation includes a feedback session and a written report. Reports include diagnostic impressions, testing results, and practical recommendations for school, home, work, therapy, or accommodations.
Can your psychological evaluations be used for 504 plans, IEPs, or test accommodations?
Yes, in most cases. If accommodation documentation is part of your goal, please mention it at intake so the evaluation plan includes the measures required for the specific process you are pursuing, whether school-based, College Board, graduate entrance exams, or professional licensing.
Is neuropsychological testing available for brain injury or dementia?
We offer neuropsychological evaluations for many presenting concerns. Cases involving traumatic brain injury, dementia, or Alzheimer-related concerns are referred out to specialty neuropsychology practices that focus on those populations.
Who conducts the psychological evaluations at IBW?
Evaluations are conducted by a licensed psychologist with advanced training in testing and assessment, working within the clinical framework led by founder Dr. Mary Perleoni. A psychologist bio with full credentials is available on our team page.
Do you offer virtual or in-person psychological testing?
The majority of psychological testing requires in-person administration to meet the technical standards of the instruments. Initial intake appointments and feedback sessions can often be conducted by secure video for families across Florida, with testing completed in person at our Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota office.
Psychological Testing and Evaluations in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Whether you are seeking ADHD testing, a psychoeducational evaluation, an autism assessment, or more comprehensive psychological testing, our team at It Begins Within Healing Center can help you understand your options. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how an individualized evaluation can provide diagnostic clarity and practical recommendations.