Updates

Answers for you and your family

At Texas Children’s Hospital, our pediatric psychologists specialize in care for children, teens and young adults who have mental and behavioral health conditions and symptoms. Our team has advanced training and years of experience in diagnosing and treating these conditions and related issues. Read more about our psychology care and services.


We begin with a diagnostic intake to collect a comprehensive history of your child. A provider will ask you about your child’s physical and mental health history and talk with you and your child about any concerns (this appointment will usually take about sixty minutes). Depending on your child’s age and the specific concerns, the psychologist may ask to talk with you and your child separately.

Usually at the end of the appointment, the clinician will provide your family with recommendations for a care plan that may include referrals for further evaluation or therapy services. These referrals may be for services at Texas Children’s or with community providers, depending on a variety of factors. If the provider recommended services outside the TCH network our division social worker will contact you with recommended resources.

What to bring to your appointment:

  • A completed history form if one was sent to you prior to your appointment
  • Any prior neuropsychological/psychological evaluation reports
  • Any prior school reports (e.g. a Full and Individual Evaluation or Psychoeducational Evaluation report)
  • Your child’s most recent 504 Plan if he/she has one
  • Your child’s most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if she/he has one
  • A written list of questions you may have for us

If your child takes medication for ADHD or other conditions, please be sure that he/she takes the medication as usual before arriving for the evaluation. We want to be sure that the testing is completed while your child is at his/her best.

Please make sure that your child eats a normal meal before arriving. Your child is welcome to bring a snack or drink.

Please make sure you bring any assistive devices, medical equipment, or medicine your child may need such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, a glucometer, etc.

What to tell your child before a consultation or diagnostic intake appointment:

Explain that you want to make sure your child is getting everything they need in order to be as successful as possible with school, family, friends, coping, adjustment, etc.  You will be meeting with providers to talk about areas that might be getting in the way, like mood, anxiety, and/or behavior or adjustment to various stressors or trauma. You can also explain that she/he will not be getting a shot or having blood drawn—we are “talking doctors.”

What to tell your child before a neuropsychological evaluation:

Explain that he or she will be asked to complete some thinking activities during the appointment, either using paper-and-pencil or, in some cases, on a computer. Some of the activities will be like schoolwork, but there are no grades. We are trying to learn about the child’s strengths and any difficulties she/he may have, in order to help him/her do better at school or home. You can also explain that she/he will not be getting a shot or having blood drawn—we are “talking doctors.”

A neuropsychological or psychological evaluation appointment time can vary.  For some children and adolescents, the appointment can be 1-2 hours and for some the appointment will be up to four hours.  The amount of time for your appointment will be made clear to you at the time of scheduling.

A licensed psychologist or behavioral health clinician will conduct your child’s initial evaluation often with a learner. Your child may receive therapy from either a licensed psychologist , a behavioral health clinician, or an advanced psychology trainee who is under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. If your child is participating in a neuropsychological or psychological evaluation, a psychological associate may also be involved. 

All our clinicians are dedicated to using evidence-based treatments, which means that the interventions are well-researched and shown to be effective. Therapy is collaborative, which means that we work together with children, teens, young adults and their families to decide on the goals and treatment plans that are right for them. Our therapies are often time limited, and you and/or your child will likely be asked to complete behavioral measures or checklists to make sure there is progress. 

If there is any legal paperwork pertaining to your child’s custody or who can consent for your child to receive psychological services (example: divorce decree, temporary guardianship orders) we must have that paperwork before we can begin the appointment.

Yes, we need a copy of the temporary orders.