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Mountain Cabin

Evaluation Services

Evaluation Areas

Sunlight currently accepts private pay, FSA, and Care Credit.

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Service Descriptions

Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluation 

This includes an intake, school observation, 6-8  hours of testing, rating scales, feedback sessions (family, school, & kid friendly), and follow up support for report recommendations. This assessment explores cognitive, achievement, communication, social-emotional/behavioral, motor, and sensory functioning. This diagnostic evaluation explores the presence of:

  • ADHD

  • Autism

  • Learning Disabilities

  • Giftedness

  • Mental Health Disorders

Adult Autism Evaluation

Many adults missed a diagnosis in childhood due to the limited understanding of subtle ASD presentations in previous generations. This gap has left many searching for answers that were elusive twenty years ago. This services provides comprehensive assessments to help these adults gain clarity and support.

Giftedness (Comprehensive)

This further investigates areas of giftedness beyond academics and explores other facets of a person that may be affected by their giftedness such as emotions and behavior. In addition to the IQ and achievement testing, the comprehensive package also includes assessments in the following areas: social-emotional, developmental history, overexcitabilities, and a broad gifted rating scale that investigates abilities in areas beyond IQ and achievement such as creativity, leadership, and performing or visual arts. 

Giftedness (Basic)

This includes cognitive and achievement testing and can identify academic or intellectual giftedness.

Kindergarten Readiness

This evaluation assesses the following areas: academic and language skills, IQ, behavior assessment, developmental history, and a strengths and weakness analysis.

Intelligence Test

This includes one individually administered cognitive assessment which can be used to meet certain school application requirements. 

Fee Structures

 

Private Pay

Sunlight accepts private pay only and does not accept any insurance at this time. 

Payment Schedule

  • Free - Initial 20 minute consultation

  • 1st payment - $500 deposit

  • 2nd payment - 50% of remaining balance (due by the first testing session)

  • Final payment - Remaining balance (due prior to feedback session)

School Observation

School observations are included in the Comprehensive Psychoeducational package. Travel time is included for schools located within 25 miles of the Sunlight Office. Travel fees apply for further distances.

Individual Education Plan or 504 Plan Meetings

Attendance at school meetings is available as an add-on service. These meetings are typically attended virtually. If physical presence is requested, then travel time fees may apply. 

Travel Time

  • 25 miles or less roundtrip: included

  • 26-38 miles: additional $50

  • 39-50 miles: additional $100

  • 51 or more miles: contact us directly (virtual options may be available)

Fees

You have the right to receive a
“Good Faith Estimate”  explaining how much your medical care will cost  

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have  insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical  items and services.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate,  visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the Colorado Division of Insurance at  303-894-7490 or 1-800-930-3745.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. 

  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. 

  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 

  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

What to Expect

1

Family

Intake

2

School

Observation

3

Testing

Session

4

Feedback

Session

5

Solidify Next Steps

Therapy Session

1

Family
Intake

The first meeting will include the clinical intake, a review of required paperwork and policies, and scheduling the testing and feedback sessions. During this process, the clinician will gather detailed information about your child such as their strengths, areas of concern, and history. This interview typically takes between 1-2 hours. Families have the option to participate in person or virtually. The first payment is due prior to this meeting.

A one hour school observation will be completed. Parents or caregivers will be asked to help facilitate this process by signing a release of information and providing an introduction between the clinician and school. Also, parents or caregivers, and teachers can expect to receive rating scales to be completed by the end of the testing session. The number of rating scales is dependent on your child's individualized testing battery. All scales must be completed by the time of the testing session. Please note that school observations are not covered by insurance. 

In the Classroom

2

School
Observation

Stacking Blocks

3

Testing
Session

Typically, the testing session is completed in two half day sessions. Depending on the presenting concerns and individualized testing battery, this could take more or less time but no additional cost will be accrued in this scenario. For children who are easily fatigued, breaks, reinforcers, or more testing sessions of shorter duration are offered. The process is flexible to meet the child's needs. During the session, parents or caregivers are required to remain on site. The office is equipped with complimentary Wifi, refreshments, a work space for parents and caregivers, and a play corner siblings. The second payment is due prior to this appointment. For anxious or apprehensive children, families are welcome to set up a brief "playdate" with the clinician at the testing site prior to the first testing session.

Multiple feedback sessions are included: family, school, and child. During the family feedback session, you will learn the results of the evaluation. The clinician will shine a light on your child's strengths and provide you with meaningful next steps and resources. Families will be provided an electronic version of the report that they may share with others at their own discretion. The feedback session may be held in person or virtually. Payment is expected in full prior to this appointment. The school feedback session is tailored to the child's needs in the school setting. Finally, the child session is presented in a kid friendly and positive format. 

Working with Financial Documents

4

Feedback
Session

Balancing

5

Solidify Next
Steps

The evaluation process with Sunlight does not end with the feedback session. We continue to help you pave the pathway for your child’s future by ensuring that you have been connected to the resources you need for next steps. After the completion of the evaluation, we join you on your journey to execute the recommendations offered. Sunlight does not want to be an isolated service but rather a bridge between where you came from and where you are going. 

Learn About the Different Types of Diagnoses

In front of the class

EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSIS

An educational diagnosis is a disability label, as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which can be identified by a school special education team. The team is multidisciplinary and may include a speech pathologist, mental health provider, occupational/physical therapist, nurse, and special education teacher. This type of diagnosis can grant access to special education services and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

To pursue an educational diagnosis, you may request an evaluation from the school. You may also share a report with a clinical or medical diagnosis with the school, but ultimately, it is up to the school special education team to determine if an educational label is appropriate. 

Child Therapy

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS

A clinical diagnosis is a formal mental health diagnosis, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), that can be given by any licensed mental health professional (i.e. licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed alcohol counselor, licensed psychologist, etc.). The diagnosis is used to inform treatment, therapeutic approaches, and support services.

To obtain a clinical diagnosis, reach out to a mental health professional.  

Doctor

MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

A medical diagnosis is a formal medical diagnosis, as outlined in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) or DSM-V-TR, that can be given by a medical professional like a pediatrician, neurologist, or licensed psychologist. The State of Colorado may provide social security disability insurance and Medicaid coverage for certain medical diagnoses if they cause significant impairment.

To get a medical diagnosis, seek an evaluation from a medical professional. You may also share a clinical diagnosis with your pediatrician, but like in the schools, there are no guarantees your pediatrician will provide a medical diagnosis. 

Sunlight Developmental Evaluations provides
clinical diagnoses. Medical diagnoses can be provided upon request with consent to collaborate with a participating psychologist.

Computer Keyboard

Virtual Evaluations

Sunlight offers virtual testing services across the state of Colorado.

What is virtual testing?
Just as it sounds, virtual testing involves an examiner administering assessments via a video platform like Zoom or Google Meet. Some tests include digital components that can be shared on-screen, allowing the client to take control of the examiner’s screen to respond to prompts or answer verbally. Response booklets are mailed out ahead of time with a prepaid return envelope for easy return.

Is virtual testing less effective than in-person testing?
Current research shows no significant differences in the results of virtual and in-person assessments.

Limitations of virtual testing

  • Some tests require hands-on materials. In these cases, alternative tests may be used, the test may be skipped, or the materials can be mailed and presented by a trained administrator at a nearby location.  

  • As with any online interaction, there are inherent risks with technology, even when using HIPAA-compliant platforms.  Individuals with difficulty sustaining attention or sitting still may struggle with virtual testing, which could affect the accuracy of the results.

Who is a good candidate for virtual testing?
Anyone who can sit and focus on a screen and is willing to participate. Younger children can have an adult helper present if needed, though this depends on the situation. Sunlight offers a trial activity via video conference to determine whether virtual testing is a good fit for the individual.

Benefits of virtual testing

  • While in-person testing is often preferred, virtual testing is an excellent option for individuals in rural areas with limited access to providers.  

  • It also offers a convenient solution for those with physical disabilities or autoimmune conditions that make leaving home difficult.

Suitability of virtual testing for specific conditions  

  • ADHD and autism: Virtual testing for ADHD and autism is possible, though in-person testing is typically preferred due to the importance of observing behavior off-screen. When virtual testing is the only option, accommodations can be made. While some tests may not be available virtually, additional information from video observations, collateral reports, and qualitative measures can be used to provide a comprehensive assessment.  

  • Learning disabilities and giftedness: Virtual testing is well-suited for assessing learning disabilities and giftedness, provided the individual is a good candidate for virtual assessments.

Inquire today
for a

brighter
tomorrow

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"Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid."

- Unknown

 

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